Aurora Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Turner Law Group's Representation in DeKalb, Kane & Kendall Counties and All of Northern Illinois

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the state of Illinois. Distracted driving occurs when a driver is engaged in an activity that takes their attention away from the road. This can include anything from texting while driving to eating or fiddling with the radio. In Illinois, it is illegal for drivers to text while driving. However, many drivers, including those who are responsible for causing car accidents, do it anyway.

If you have been in an accident caused by one of these negligent distracted drivers, you may be able to recover compensation. Our Aurora distracted driving accident lawyer at Turner Law Group can help you understand your legal options.

Call (800) 653-0198 today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Aurora distracted driving accident lawyer.

What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

Many drivers are not aware of what is considered distracted driving. In Illinois, the rules are very clear. If you are doing anything that takes your attention away from the road and is not related to driving, you are distracted. This includes texting, using your GPS, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, talking to passengers, and more.

To prove that a driver was distracted, victims will need to show that:

• The driver was doing something that was not related to driving
• The driver's attention was taken away from the road
• The driver was distracted for at least two seconds

While it may seem like a short amount of time, two seconds is enough time to cover a significant distance on the road. In fact, it is enough time to cover the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour.

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Victims of distracted driving accidents often suffer serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries such as:

Back Injuries: The impact of a collision can result in back injuries, including sprains, strains, and herniated discs.

Head and Brain Injuries: In severe cases, distracted driving accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other head injuries.

Broken Bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures and breaks in various bones.

These injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.

Who May Be Liable?

Depending on the circumstances, those responsible for a distracted driving accident may not necessarily be just the distracted driver. Parties who may be responsible for a crash may include:

Negligent Drivers: The distracted driver who caused the accident can be held liable for injuries and damages.

Employers: If the distracted driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may share liability.

Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases where a vehicle's design contributes to distracted driving (e.g., poorly designed infotainment systems), the manufacturer may be held liable.

It is important to connect with an experienced attorney who can help you identify all the responsible parties in your accident. That way you can pursue the maximum compensation you need to recover after a distracted driving accident.

Types of Distractions

Distracted driving is a dangerous and all-too-common behavior that poses a significant risk to road safety. They aren't limited to just texting or talking on the phone; it encompasses a wide range of activities that divert a driver's focus away from the primary task of driving safely.

• Visual Distractions: These distractions involve taking your eyes off the road. Common visual distractions include looking at a GPS, reading a map, gazing at billboards, or even turning to converse with passengers.
• Manual Distractions: Manual distractions occur when a driver removes their hands from the steering wheel to engage in another activity. Examples include eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object inside the vehicle.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions affect a driver's mental focus. Daydreaming, thinking about personal problems, or engaging in deep conversations while driving can divert attention from the road.
• Auditory Distractions: Auditory distractions involve sounds or conversations that disrupt a driver's concentration. Listening to loud music, engaging in heated arguments with passengers, or attending to a crying child can fall into this category.
• Electronic Device Use: Perhaps one of the most prevalent forms of distracted driving today is the use of electronic devices, such as smartphones. Texting, browsing the internet, making calls, and using apps while driving are all dangerous behaviors that significantly impair a driver's ability to react to changing road conditions. 

Consequences of Distracted Driving

The consequences of distracted driving can be severe and far-reaching. They include:

• Increased Crash Risk: Distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. Even a split-second of inattention can lead to a collision, which may result in property damage, injuries, or loss of life.
• Injuries and Fatalities: When accidents occur due to distracted driving, the injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists can range from minor to life-threatening. Tragically, some incidents result in fatalities.
• Legal Consequences: Distracted driving is illegal in many jurisdictions. Violations can lead to fines, license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and even criminal charges in cases of severe accidents.
• Emotional Impact: Survivors of accidents caused by distracted driving may experience emotional trauma, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental well-being.
• Financial Burden: The financial repercussions of a distracted driving incident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement costs, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums can all contribute to significant financial strain.

Call (800) 653-0198 or fill out our online contact form to get started with our Aurora distracted driving accident lawyer.