Joliet Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving accidents have been steadily on the rise since cell phones began to be widely used. In the past, sources of distraction for drivers were somewhat limited. They could include manually changing the CD in their car or talking to passengers. Now, a driver could be doing almost anything from sending a text message to ordering a pizza on their cell phone. With the invention of smart "infotainment" systems that are now integrated into newer model cars, there are more sources of potential distraction than ever before. It can be difficult to prove that a driver was distracted, and in many cases, people may not even be immediately aware that a car accident was related to distracted driving.

Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC is skilled at investigating the causes of car accidents. As attorneys, we have a number of investigative tactics available to us. We use everything from witness testimony to traffic cameras, and we may also be able to access cell phone records to prove the negligence of the at-fault driver. Distracted drivers can be just as dangerous as drunk drivers, and the accidents they cause can be just as damaging. It is best to call us immediately after an accident, if possible. The sooner we can begin interviewing witnesses and examining the scene of the accident, the more likely it is that we will be able to find and preserve important evidence.

Driver Distractions in the Modern World

Drivers are faced with more potential sources of distraction than ever. Between cell phones and the sophisticated infotainment systems often found in newer model cars, there is almost no limit to what a driver could be doing while driving instead of watching the road. Drivers could be:

• Navigating - Navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps are meant to help drivers find their destinations, but these apps can take a driver's eyes off the road. Drivers should not be entering information into their GPS systems while their vehicle is moving.
• Texting - Drivers who are texting are notorious for causing rear-end collisions. Spinal cord injuries are somewhat common in forceful rear-end accidents. Most phones include a "driving mode" feature that can send automatic replies or even lock the screen while the owner is driving. Sadly, many drivers do not take advantage of these features.
• Rideshare apps - Rideshare drivers often use their Uber or Lyft apps to accept rides or exchange messages when they should be focused on safety.
• Music - As long as cars have had speakers, people have found music to be a source of distraction. Many drivers now use phone apps to play music while driving, often causing them to look at the screen rather than the road.

The danger of distracted driving accidents is that drivers who do not fully pay attention to the road often fail to take steps like braking or swerving to mitigate or prevent an accident. These collisions often occur at full speed, making them more dangerous for those involved. Serious or catastrophic injuries can occur, especially if the driver strikes a pedestrian or motorcyclist.

Witness testimony can be very helpful in these accidents, as it may be challenging to prove that the driver was distracted. We may also use traffic camera footage or cell phone records showing that a text was sent just before the accident. Our goal is to demonstrate that the other driver was negligent so that we can help you recover the full amount of damages you are eligible for.

Contact a Will County Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured by a driver who you suspect was distracted, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC can help. Our skilled attorneys will carefully investigate in the hopes of finding the evidence we need to prove your case. We work on contingency fees, so there is no cost to you unless we win your case and recover compensation. To begin with a free consultation, please contact us at 815-730-1977. We serve clients throughout Will County in Joliet and Naperville.