Meyers & Flowers: Expert Legal Help for Victims of Distracted Driving
A dedicated car accident lawyer in Chicago can investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim on your behalf. At Meyers & Flowers, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and how to hold distracted drivers accountable.
You deserve justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Meyers & Flowers today to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options moving forward.
Distracted Driving Laws in Chicago
Chicago has specific laws and penalties to combat distracted driving. These regulations aim to reduce accidents and promote safer roads for all citizens.
Illinois State Legislation
Illinois has a statewide ban on using handheld devices while driving. You’re prohibited from holding a cell phone, texting, or using other electronic devices behind the wheel. Hands-free and voice-operated technology is allowed for drivers 19 and older.
First-time offenders face a $75 fine, increasing to $150 for subsequent violations. Multiple offenses can result in license suspension.
Exceptions exist for emergencies, law enforcement, and emergency services personnel. GPS devices can be used if they’re physically integrated into the vehicle or secured in a fixed mounting.
City of Chicago Ordinances
Chicago has additional ordinances to address distracted driving. The city prohibits using mobile devices while driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs.
Fines for violations start at $100 and can increase to $500 for repeat offenders. Using a hands-free device is allowed, but you must be 18 or older.
Chicago’s ordinances also ban other distracting driving activities, such as grooming, reading, and writing. The city takes a strict stance on enforcing these laws to improve road safety.
Types of Distracted Driving
Manual distractions
These involve taking your hands off the steering wheel. This type of distraction reduces your control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.
Common manual distractions include:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Reaching for objects in the car
- Smoking
These activities may seem harmless, but they can significantly impair your ability to react quickly to sudden traffic or road conditions changes.
Visual distractions
These take your eyes off the road, compromising your ability to spot potential hazards and react in time.
Examples of visual distractions include:
- Looking at your phone screen
- Reading billboards or signs
- Checking your GPS
- Watching videos on in-car entertainment systems
Even a brief glance away from the road can be dangerous. At 55 mph, looking away for just 5 seconds means you’ve traveled the length of a football field essentially blindfolded.
Cognitive distractions
This type occupy your mind, taking your focus away from the task of driving. These can be particularly dangerous as you may not realize how much they affect your driving performance.
Common cognitive distractions include:
- Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
- Daydreaming
- Engaging in intense conversations with passengers
- Being preoccupied with work or personal issues
These distractions can slow your reaction times and reduce your awareness of your surroundings, making it harder to anticipate and respond to potential dangers on the road.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
Taking the right steps after a distracted driving accident can protect your health and legal rights. Follow these key actions to safeguard your interests and build a strong case:
- Stay calm and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Move to a safe area if possible, but don’t leave the scene.
- Turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or cones if available. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Don’t admit fault or discuss details of the accident.
- Cooperate with responding police officers. Provide a factual account of what happened, mentioning any signs of distraction you observed. Request a copy of the police report for your records.
- Document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. Capture wide-angle shots and close-ups from multiple angles.
- Note the time, date, and weather conditions. Look for nearby security cameras that may have recorded the incident. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Get a medical evaluation promptly, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend follow-up appointments.
- Keep detailed medical care records, including diagnoses, treatments, and expenses. Document any pain, discomfort, or limitations you experience following the accident.
- Inform your healthcare providers that your injuries resulted from a car accident. This helps create a clear link between the crash and your medical issues for insurance and legal purposes.
Who Can Be Held Legally Liable if a Distracted Driver injures me?
If a distracted driver in Chicago injures you, multiple parties may be held legally liable for your damages. The primary responsible party is typically the distracted driver themselves, although the driver’s employer could be liable if the accident occurred while the driver was performing work-related duties. This falls under the legal principle of vicarious liability.
In some cases, the manufacturer of a device that distracted the driver might share responsibility. For example, if a faulty smartphone or in-car entertainment system contributed to the distraction.
Parents may be held responsible for accidents caused by their minor children who were driving while distracted. This is based on the legal concept of parental liability.
Determining liability can be complex, involving factors such as:
- The specific circumstances of the accident
- The type of distraction involved
- Whether multiple parties contributed to the distraction
What Compensation Can I Get in a Distracted Driver Case?
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be eligible for various types of compensation to help cover your losses and aid in your recovery:
- Medical expenses are often a significant part of compensation. This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages can be recovered if your injuries prevented you from working. You may also receive compensation for future lost earnings if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
- Pain and suffering damages aim to compensate you for physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident. These are typically calculated based on the severity of your injuries.
- Property damage compensation covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- In some cases, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are meant to punish the distracted driver for particularly reckless behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
The exact amount of compensation varies depending on factors such as:
- Severity of injuries
- Impact on your daily life
- Strength of evidence against the distracted driver
- Insurance coverage limits
Why Choose Meyers & Flowers as Your Distracted Driving Lawyer in Chicago?
Meyers & Flowers brings extensive experience to your distracted driving case. Our distracted driving lawyers im Chicago have successfully represented numerous clients in similar situations, securing substantial compensation for their injuries and losses.
You can rely on our team’s deep understanding of Illinois traffic laws and regulations. We stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments related to distracted driving, ensuring your case benefits from our current knowledge and expertise.
Meyers & Flowers offers personalized attention and responsive communication throughout your legal process. We’ll keep you informed at every step, answer your questions promptly, and tailor our strategy to your specific needs and goals. Book a consultation with us today to discuss your distracted driving accident case.
