With the rise, popularity and ease of use of smartphones and social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, the roads throughout the United States, including the Cook County, Illinois, area, have become more dangerous. It is not uncommon to turn on the news and hear about an automobile accident involving distracted driving.
Local and state authorities have tried to address the situation, with common public service announcements talking about the dangers of distracted driving and issuing tickets and fines for drivers who are caught while on their phones on the roads.
Statistics provided by the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show just how common and dangerous distracted driving on the roads can become. In 2015, nearly 3,500 lives were lost on the streets in the United States due to distracted driving. In addition, there were approximately 391,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes as a result of distracted driving. Studies suggest as many as 660,000 drivers each day are on their cellphones while driving. Teenagers are the most common age group to be found on their phones, but Americans of all ages are also guilty.
If you have been involved in a car or truck accident which was the result of a distracted driver’s negligence, the driver may be liable for your injuries. This could lead to an award of compensation for a variety of issues, including lost wages, pain and suffering and payment for your medical costs including doctor visits, surgery and rehabilitation costs associated with your injuries.
Source: United States Department of Transportation, “Distracted Driving,” Accessed Aug. 7, 2017
