Why is an Experienced Distracted Driving Lawyer Important?
An experienced distracted driving lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of Missouri’s distracted driving laws. Whether you’re the victim or at fault, your attorney’s expertise ensures your rights are protected. An attorney can help you increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation if you’re involved in a distracted driving accident in Springfield, MO.
Fighting For You After A Distracted Driving Accident
It’s safe to say we’ve all been distracted while driving at one point or another in our lives. Cell phones, the radio and passengers can draw a driver’s attention away from the road. However, distracted driving quickly becomes dangerous, leading to a significant number of Missouri traffic accidents.
If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident in Missouri, you need the facts. Whether you were the distracted driver or the one hit by a distracted driver, reviewing the details of the accident and Missouri distracted driving laws can be beneficial for building a legal case or negotiating with insurance.
Types of Distracted Driving
- Cellphone Usage
- Disruptive Passengers
- Eating or Drinking
- Navigation Devices
- Grooming (Applying Makeup, Brushing Hair, Etc.)
- Adjusting Audio or other Vehicle Controls
- Web Browsing
- Reading
Texting and Driving
Cell phones are the most common culprit of distracted driving collisions. Texting and driving is the leading cause of cell phone usage accidents. Using a communication device while driving can be considered negligent, unsafe driving.
Distracted Driving Statistics
While texting is synonymous with distracted driving, all forms of distracted driving are just as dangerous.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there were 804,928 crashes associated with distracted driving in 2021. Of those, 64,910 were related to cell phone use.
Distracted driving also leads to a significant number of injuries and deaths. The NHTSA cites 3,522 people killed and 362,415 people injured in distracted driving accidents. However, the problem doesn’t end with passengers. 644 non-occupants (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) were killed in these types of crashes.
Missouri Distracted Driving Laws
Missouri has unique distracted driving laws. Missouri recently changed its distracted driving laws to apply to all drivers. Drivers must use hands-free devices to legally use the phone while driving. These laws also focus on texting and driving.
In an accident, a driver can be held liable for damages because of texting and driving or other forms of distracted driving, and that’s when consulting with a distracted driver accident lawyer becomes vital.
Further, distracted driving can cause more than just property damage. These types of collisions can cause personal injury and, in severe cases, fatalities.
FAQ for Distracted Driving
Start by getting medical attention, even if you feel okay. Take photos of the scene, get contact information from any witnesses, and file a police report. Try not to discuss fault with the other driver or their insurance company until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Evidence like phone records and camera footage can be lost quickly, so reaching out to a lawyer sooner rather than later makes a real difference.
Building a distracted driving case usually involves gathering cell phone records, witness statements, police reports, traffic or surveillance footage, and sometimes accident reconstruction analysis. An attorney who handles these cases regularly knows what evidence to look for and how to get it.
Yes. Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law took effect on August 28, 2023, making it illegal for all drivers to use a handheld device while driving. That includes texting, calling, and using apps. If the other driver violated this law, it can be used as evidence of negligence in your claim.
In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death cases have a three-year window. That said, the earlier you start, the better. Evidence gets harder to obtain over time and witnesses can be difficult to track down.
It depends on the circumstances. Compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The value of your case comes down to the severity of your injuries, how clearly fault can be established, and how well the accident is documented. A lawyer can walk you through what a realistic recovery might look like for your specific situation.
You’re not required to hire one, but having an attorney on your side tends to lead to better outcomes. Insurance companies work to limit what they pay out. A personal injury lawyer can handle the negotiations, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and take the case to trial if it comes to that.
Learn More About Distracted Driving
Get great content about distracted driving accidents, how they can affect you and what to do if you’re injured in a distracted driving accident from our blog.
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Read MoreContact A Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you need representation in a distracted driving case, reach out to a personal injury lawyer. Tolbert Beadle specializes in various personal injury areas, including car accidents. We’ll be happy to walk you through your options and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more.
