Are You Taking The Missouri Distracted Driving Pledge?
Distracted driving causes thousands of serious accidents every year, and more and more states are passing laws limiting cell phone use in an effort to curb one of the main sources of distraction. Unfortunately, these accidents continue to occur and leave victims with serious injuries, simply because drivers continue to drive distracted.
FOX 2 News is asking drivers to take a personal pledge to stop distracted driving. According to the new outlet’s website, it’s goals are to change behavior in St. Louis, prevent unnecessary accidents, and save lives. You can take the pledge to drive S.A.F.E – Sober and Free of Electronics, at their website here.
People Injured By Distracted Drivers are Typically Entitled to Compensation
Accidents caused by distracted drivers are going to continue to occur for the foreseeable future in spite of this pledge or laws banning distracted driving. Fortunately, under Missouri and Illinois law, people who are injured by the negligence of others are usually able to recover compensation for their accident-related losses by filing a personal injury claim. Importantly, while distracted driving itself is not against the law (although using a cell phone while driving is, in certain situations), distracted driving can cause drivers to do things that are against the law and would almost certainly qualify as negligent under most circumstances. These include:
- Speeding
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Rear-ending stopped vehicles
- Weaving
- Making improper turns
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
Protecting Your Rights after an Accident Caused By a Distracted Driver
Distracted drivers can injure anyone that happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, including other motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and bystanders. If the unfortunate event that you are hurt by a distracted driver, there are certain steps you should take to ensure that you are able to recover the compensation to which you are entitled. These include the following:
- Call the Police – It’s always a good idea to call the police after an accident, even if the accident is not severe enough to legally require it. The police will determine whether the distracted driver violated any traffic laws; if he or she did, it can make it much easier for you to recover compensation.
- Document Your Injuries – After an accident, you should have a medical professional thoroughly evaluate your injuries. This is true even if you are certain that your injuries will heal on their own, as it’s essential to your claim that your injuries are documented. In addition, keep notes on how your injuries affect you on a daily basis.
- Contact an Injury Attorney in St. Louis as Soon as You Can – Finally, you should retain a lawyer as soon as you can. Insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented victims, and a lawyer will ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Call Bruntrager & Billings Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer
At Bruntrager & Billings, we’re committed to holding distracted drivers accountable when they injure innocent victims. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you should schedule a free case evaluation with one of our St. Louis injury lawyers as soon as you can. Call us today or contact us online.