Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Driving while distracted is not only dangerous but also illegal in most areas of the country. That is because distractions take a driver’s attention away from the road and redirect it to something else, whether that is a cell phone, another passenger, or even something outside of the vehicle. If a driver is not focused on the road and the traffic ahead, it is likely that a mistake will happen and an accident may result.
Police officers are on alert for signs of distracted driving so that the police can stop the dangerous behavior long before an accident ever happens. Officers in Evanston recently thought April would be a good time to increase patrols and initiate a step up enforcement program against distracted driving; April is Distracted Driving Awareness month. As part of the program, police performed a one day enhanced enforcement looking for distracted driving and those using cell phones behind the wheel. Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., officers issued 120 tickets to drivers who were talking on a hand held phone, texting, or emailing in the area of the Evanston enforcement. On average, that means that a ticket was issued once every 4 1/2 minutes.
The large number of offenders spotted in a short period of time suggests how wide spread this behavior is, and it is not isolated to Evanston. Some drivers in Chicago are guilty of distracted driving and the resulting accidents on a daily basis. But those negligent drivers are not the only ones who suffer from this hazardous behavior; the accidents caused by distracted driving often involve other innocent individuals and may leave them injured, or worse, dead.
In the event that a victim is injured in a distracted driving accident, the laws in Chicago may entitle that victim to financial relief. This relief can cover the actual expenses incurred like medical bills, lost wages, and other losses including pain and suffering. These claims are separate and distinct from any charges that may be brought by local authorities and can be available even if an at-fault driver was not ticketed in the crash. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand whether you are entitled to relief and whether you have a valid claim.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all those who have been injured in an accident deserve to understand their legal rights. To make that possible, we offer a free, no obligation telephone consultation to victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to give you answers whenever you need them. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we also offer a free in-home or in-hospital consultation. If you have been involved in an accident, do not let yourself continue to be victimized. Call us today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Fatal Chicago Crash Now Believed to Be Alcohol Related, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published April 21, 2014.
Resource:
Evanston Cops Issue 120 Tickets In Crackdown On Distracted Driving, CBS Chicago, published April 25, 2014.