Cell Phones, Texting and other Potential distractions that can cause you to get rear ended
Numerous reports have proven that sending text messages or using a cellular phone at the same time as you are driving could be even more hazardous than driving drunk, especially in terms of getting rear ended. In fact, countless automobile wrecks occur, and thousands of people are killed or injured each and every year, simply because motorists divert their awareness from the highway to use a mobile device.
Although some states have passed laws and regulations either prohibiting or restricting such conduct, others have still to take action. In response to this hazard, the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced DOT 14-10 on January 26, 2010, which forbids truck and bus drivers from sending text messages while driving. This federal measure is effective right away and is applicable to drivers of interstate buses and commercial transport weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Violators may be subject to civil and/or criminal fees and penalties as high as $2,750.
What to do if rear ended? For more information concerning attempts by the U.S. DOT to combat driving distractions, go to www.distraction.gov. Even where particular laws and regulations outlawing this behavior have yet to be introduced, drivers can still be held responsible when they negligently cause accidents when they are texting, speaking on cellphones or are otherwise distracted. As technological innovation progresses and cars become loaded with interactive features like GPS, navigation and satellite radio, the chance of getting rear ended and significant injuries will undoubtedly increase.
If perhaps you were injured in a car crash because of a motorist who was sending text messages, chatting on a cell phone or otherwise distracted, you should get in touch with an accident lawyer for a free initial discussion. Find a lawyer with numerous years of experience managing automobile accident cases and will fight hard to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Comments on this entry are closed.