Ohio Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer

A distracted driver can instantly change your life if they cause an avoidable wreck that leaves you with serious injuries, costly medical and repair bills, and lost wages from time missed at work. But while there is no way to undo the effects of a distracted driving collision, an Ohio personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the money you need to rebuild your life.

The Ohio car accident lawyer with Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law can help you fight for fair compensation after a crash that wasn’t your fault. Not only can we handle the legal aspects of your case, but we can help you find the medical care you need, secure doctor’s notes if you need to miss work, and give you the empathetic support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation with a distracted driving accident attorney, and we’ll tell you more about what we can do for you.

What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that takes a motorist’s attention away from driving. This definition covers everything from talking to passengers or adjusting the radio to snacking or talking on a cell phone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list three main types of driver distractions, which are:

• Manual distractions – Take a driver’s hands off the wheel
• Visual distractions – Take a driver’s eyes off the road
• Cognitive distractions – Take a driver’s focus while driving

Ohio Bans Texting While Driving

The state of Ohio has taken steps in recent years to curb the number of distracted driving crashes by banning texting while driving. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also recently signed a law outlining tougher penalties for distracted driving. Police officers can now pull over any driver they see using or holding a cell phone. Drivers who ignore these rules increase their chances of causing a collision and risk criminal penalties.

Examples of Usual Driver Distractions

Changes in technology and driving habits give drivers an ever-growing list of distractions they must avoid.

Some common examples of manual driver distractions include:

• Adjusting the radio
• Talking on a cellphone without a hands-free system
• Eating or drinking
• Taking a picture with a cellphone
• Posting to social media
• Browsing the internet
• Reaching for an object in the back of the car
• Using GPS navigation devices

Common examples of visual driver distractions are:

• Looking at billboards or other roadside advertisements
• Glancing down at a cell phone or entertainment device
• Trying to find dropped or missing items
• Dealing with an unrestrained pet
• Rubbernecking at wrecks in nearby lanes

Some of the most common cognitive distractions include the following:

• Texting while driving
• Smoking or vaping
• Daydreaming
• Playing loud music
• Talking with passengers

The most dangerous driver distractions are the ones that fit into multiple categories. For example, texting fits into all three types of driver distractions — which is why it is so dangerous.

Are Hands-Free Devices Safe?

Despite being praised as a safe alternative to holding a cell phone up to one’s ear, hands-free devices do little to protect drivers. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that while hands-free systems help drivers avoid distractions, they do not eliminate the crash risk. The best way drivers can protect themselves is to keep all distractions to a minimum.

What Should I Do After Getting Hit by a Distracted Driver?

Here is what you need to do to protect your rights after a distracted driving crash:

• Call 911 – Once the police arrive, they should investigate the crash and create an accident report. They may also issue a citation to the other driver. You can use this evidence in a personal injury claim.
  
• Talk to the other driver – If your injuries are not too severe, ask the other driver for their name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and insurance information.
  
• Document the crash scene – Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles involved in the collision, your injuries, and the general crash area. Be sure to document signs that the driver was not paying attention, such as a lack of skid marks on the road. If you notice any eyewitnesses, ask them for their names and contact information.
  
• Seek medical treatment – See a doctor as soon as possible. They can treat and document your injuries for a personal injury claim. Save any medical records related to the crash.
  
• Do not talk to any insurance companies – Saying the wrong thing to an insurance company could hurt your case. If an insurance company contacts you, tell them to speak to your attorney.
  
• Hire a distracted driving accident lawyer – A personal injury lawyer can help you build your case and fight for maximum compensation. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the more they can do to help you.

How to File a Car Accident Claim in Ohio

Once you hire a distracted driving lawyer and find evidence to show the other driver caused your injuries, you can file a claim against that driver’s insurance policy. Your lawyer can then negotiate a settlement to compensate you for losses like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Lower future earnings

You may need to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to pay your claim or will not make a fair settlement offer. State law gives you two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. If you do not file within this time frame, you could lose your right to compensation.

Contact the Distracted Driving Lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law

The team at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law knows how to hold a distracted driver accountable for your injuries and pursue the money you deserve. Call us today or visit our contact page for more information on how a distracted driving attorney with our firm can help you.