Texting while driving is a leading cause of car accidents across the United States, and Joliet is no exception. If you were hit by someone who was using their phone while driving, a Joliet car accident lawyer can help you pursue damages.
The consequences of distracted driving accidents can be life-altering. If you were the victim of one, a texting while driving accident lawyer in Joliet from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can help you hold the other party financially accountable.
The Role of a Joliet Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer
After a distracted driving accident, a Joliet texting while driving lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: They can gather evidence, review police reports, and examine phone records to establish that texting was a factor.
- Calculate damages: They can assess your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering to ensure your compensation is fair.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: They can handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company.
- Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, they can advocate for you and work to maximize your recovery.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
Victims of texting while driving accidents may be eligible for various types of compensation, such as:
- Medical expenses: You can recover damages for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: You can claim compensation for time you have missed from work due to your injuries or medical appointments.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for vehicle repairs, replacement, and other damaged personal property.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working at full capacity, you can seek damages for future lost income.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as repeated texting while driving, you can pursue additional damages intended to punish the at-fault driver.
A Joliet personal injury lawyer can help make sure your settlement covers your losses.
Illinois Texting While Driving Laws
Illinois law prohibits any form of texting while driving. Drivers caught texting can face fines and penalties, and if an accident occurs, they may be held fully liable for damages.
Common Injuries in Texting While Driving Accidents
Texting while driving accidents often result in serious injuries, such as:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: The sudden impact can cause severe strain on the neck and spine.
- Broken bones: Collisions can result in fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Head trauma from the impact can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Back injuries: Herniated discs, spinal fractures, and chronic pain are often caused by these accidents.
- Soft tissue damage: Sprains, strains, and internal injuries often require ongoing medical care.
If you suffered any of these injuries due to a distracted driver, a texting while driving accident attorney in Joliet can help you recover compensation for your medical bills.
Steps to Take After a Texting While Driving Accident in Joliet
If you are involved in a crash caused by a driver who was texting, take these steps:
- Call the police: A police report provides an official account of the accident, which can be crucial to your claim.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Obtain witnesses’ contact information if possible.
- Seek medical attention: Your health should always come first, and your medical records will be important to your case.
- Avoid admitting fault: Even casual statements can be misinterpreted and used against you later.
- Consult a lawyer: Contact an attorney to discuss next steps.
Preventing Texting While Driving
While accidents happen, you can prevent distracted driving accidents by taking these precautions:
- Use hands-free devices: Keep your hands on the wheel and your focus on the road.
- Set your phone aside: Put your phone out of reach while driving to reduce temptation.
- Use “Do Not Disturb” modes: Many smartphones allow automatic silencing of notifications while driving.
- Educate passengers and family members: Encourage safe driving habits in everyone you ride with.
- Lead by example: Avoiding distractions yourself can influence others to drive responsibly.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?
Legal claims related to car accidents are subject to time limits, known as statutes of limitations. In Illinois, personal injury claims typically must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose the ability to recover any damages at all.
Consult a Texting While Driving Accident Attorney in Joliet
Texting while driving accidents can have devastating consequences. A skilled Joliet texting while driving accident attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and obtain fair compensation for your losses.
Schedule a free consultation to start building your case.
