Distracted driving is an increasing problem in Chicago and across Illinois. To address the issue, lawmakers in Illinois have banned hand-held cell phones while driving, an attempt to get motorists to put down their phones and to focus on the roads. Hands-free cell phones are still permitted though experts argue that the conversation alone on a phone is distracting, regardless of whether the phone is being held or not.
The law is now clear: drivers who use their cell phones in a non-hands-free manner may be ticketed as breaking the rules of the road. The idea is to increase the safety for everyone on the roads, including those who choose to use their phone, but also the passengers, drivers, and pedestrians in the area of cell-phone using motorists.
The victims of distracted driving car accidents may not be able to erase the accident but they may be able to obtain relief for their damages. A civil claim can enable a victim to recover for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in addition to any other financial and non-economic damages incurred due to the collision. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your legal options if you have been victimized, including whether you are entitled to seek relief.
Police in suburban Lombard have noticed that cell phone usage has been linked to a number of collisions in their area. In fact, officials have estimated that 1/3 of all accidents in the area are contributed to by cell phone usage. To combat this hazard, officers are starting an enforcement campaign scheduled to begin this Friday, August 1, 2014. Officers will be looking for violators who use hand-held cell phones while driving and will be issuing citations as appropriate. The campaign is scheduled to run through the end of August but tickets will continue after that point as officers continue to enforce the new ban.
Drivers in Lombard are being encouraged to refrain from using their cell phones while driving or to use a hands-free method that complies with the new Illinois law if they wish to avoid a ticket.
Distracted driving can lead to a traffic citation or other charges, regardless of the form the distraction takes. Officials have reported numerous types of dangerous habits, including shaving behind the wheel, putting on makeup, and sending emails, as leading to accidents in Illinois.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Chicago that was caused by a driver on a cell phone, you may be entitled to legal relief. The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. dedicate themselves to the representation of injury victims and we offer a free case consultation to all those who have been harmed by the negligence of others. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, every day to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we never charge our clients a fee unless we make a recovery on their behalf and we front all expenses. If you have been hurt in a car accident, call us now and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Illinois Motorcycle Accident Turns Fatal, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 29, 2014.
Resource:
Lombard Police Cracking Down On Drivers Using Handheld Cell Phones, CBS Chicago, published July 29, 2014.