Free Case Review
Chicago Distracted Driving Lawyers
Skilled representation for victims of distracted drivers across Illinois
In the age of information, our devices have become extensions of ourselves. Unfortunately, some individuals don’t recognize that there is a time for everything, and driving is definitely not the proper time to text a message. While the most common form of distraction is cell phones, anything that draws a driver’s attention from the road can lead to an accident. When a driver takes their eyes or their concentration off the road for any reason, even for just a second, that is time they are not paying attention to their surroundings and accidents can occur.
Distracted driving is a major problem on the roadways today, leading to many serious and fatal injuries. If you and your family have been impacted by the actions of a distracted driver, Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is here to guide you through the process of securing strong compensation for all resulting injuries or the death of a loved one. Our Chicago distracted driving lawyers have a proven history of advocacy for injury victims throughout Cook County, including $240,000 for clients who were rear-ended by a distracted driver, $200,00 for a married couple who were hit by a distracted teen, and multiple awards where we obtained the policy limits for our clients.
Free Case Review
How can we help?
- What is distracted driving?
- How dangerous is distracted driving?
- What are the Illinois laws on distracted driving?
- How do you show a driver was distracted in Chicago?
- Who is liable for a distracted driving accident in Chicago?
- How can distracted driving be avoided in Chicago?
- Do you have a distracted driving lawyer near me?
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off of driving. Drivers need to be able to observe traffic dangers and be ready to take corrective actions to avoid those dangers.
Distracted driving includes:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cell phone while driving
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the climate controls while driving
- Looking at a GPS instead of listening to a GPS
- Speaking with passengers
- Adjusting or using an entertainment device
- Personal grooming
- Smoking
- Adjusting contact lenses
In just one second, a driver who is traveling at 60 mph is traveling nearly 90 feet per second. In a few seconds, a driver travels the length of a football field. A lot can go wrong in those few seconds.
How dangerous is distracted driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2021, 3,522 people died in distracted driving accidents nationwide. The CDC states that nearly 20 percent of those fatalities involved people who were not occupants of a vehicle – they were pedestrians and bicycle riders. Among drivers 15-20 who were involved in any type of fatal crash, nine percent of those young drivers were distracted when the crash occurred.
The most recent data available for Illinois is from 2020. That year, “9,432 crashes on Illinois roads involved a distracted driver.” According to The Patch, 193 people died from distracted driving accidents that same year. While the total number of crashes and deaths for the following years is unknown, as of April 11, 2023, the Illinois State Police have issued “more than 1,300 citations and 1,900 warnings this year” alone.
What are the Illinois laws on distracted driving?
Illinois has many new driver distraction laws. In Illinois, it is illegal to text or use any other electronic communications while driving. It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Drivers aged 19 and older can use hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology.
Exceptions may apply to report an emergency, while parked on the side of the road, or while “stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.” Other specific exceptions may also apply. Additional prohibitions may apply to drivers of commercial vehicles.
How do you show a driver was distracted in Chicago?
At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Chicago distracted driving lawyers are skilled at showing how a distracted driving car accident occurred and why the driver should be held accountable. We work to demonstrate texting while driving or other distractions caused your injuries or the death of a loved one by:
- Formally questioning the driver and any occupants of his/her car to show what the driver was doing in the car at the time of the accident
- Reviewing any cell phone records
- Examining any black boxes
- Speaking with the police who investigate the accident site
- Talking with any eyewitness
- Questioning any neighbors or businesses who might have video of the accident
- Reviewing how the accident happened
- Examining the damage to the vehicles
We handle these types of cases on a regular basis. We have the knowledge and resources to gather the necessary evidence and present it in a manner that adequately reflects the merits of your claim. Rely on a capable Chicago auto accident lawyer to advocate for your rights and present a comprehensive case.
Who is liable for a distracted driving accident in Chicago?
Our Chicago distracted driving attorneys file personal injury and wrongful death claims against everyone responsible for your accident. The defendants may include:
- The driver of the vehicle
- The owner of the vehicle, if different than the driver, such as parents who may be responsible for an accident caused by their distracted teenager
- The driver’s employer
- Trucking companies involved in a shipment that may have involved distracted driving
How can distracted driving be avoided in Chicago?
Distracted driving accidents are preventable. There are many steps parents, employers, and the drivers themselves should take to prevent an accident. These steps include:
- Explaining to teenagers the dangers of distracted driving and modeling good behavior
- Checking for directions before getting into a vehicle
- Waiting until the driver reaches home before making a phone call – or better still, putting the phone in a pocket or purse so it’s not readily accessible
- Ensuring toddlers and pets are properly secured
- Avoid multi-tasking such as eating while driving
Some states, including Illinois, are helping by using a graduated license system so that drivers have some experience before obtaining their permanent driver’s license.
Do you have a distracted driving lawyer near me?
Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers meets clients at our office located at 77 W Washington Street, Suite 1215, right in downtown Chicago. There are two bus stops right near us for those who use public transportation.
Our Chicago distracted driving lawyers conduct video conferences by appointment. We also meet clients at a hospital or another healthcare facility when necessary.
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through the claims process.
Put your trust in our Chicago distracted driving accident lawyers
At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we are committed to providing each client with representation that is complete and affordable. We proudly offer skilled and knowledgeable personal injury representation, while putting the needs of our clients first. Trust our firm to advocate for the rights of you and your family. We understand the mental and financial burden of a personal injury, so we tirelessly seek to secure the level of compensation your case deserves. Call us today at 312-600-9585 or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule an appointment with an experienced Chicago auto accident lawyer today.