Worcester Distracted Driving Attorney
With daily news stories and extensive research proving the dangers of distracted driving, it would be hard to find someone who is not aware of the dangers involved. Distracted driving – whether texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio or attempting to control children or pets – is dangerous, and should not be tolerated.
What is Distracted Driving?
You see distracted drivers on the road every day – the girl with the phone attached to her ear (while she is driving 70 mph) or the guy texting as he speeds through a crowded parking lot. Texting and using a cell phone while driving are the most common reasons drivers are distracted, but there are plenty of potential distractions for the teen driver.
Common Reasons for Distracted Driving:
- Eating and drinking
- Talking with friends or passengers
- Applying makeup
- Using GPS or playing mobile games
- Changing a radio station or adjusting a listening device
- Grooming, including shaving or brushing hair
- Changing clothing
- Pranks or practical jokes on passengers or driver while the car is in motion
- And you may not believe it, but watching videos or television while driving!
Who Is Most Susceptible To Distracted Driving?
Teens are far more likely to become distracted while driving; according to the Center for Disease Control, there are over 1,100 injuries daily caused by distracted driving. The CDC also states that the largest group of distracted drivers are aged 15-19 and that this group is the most likely to be injured or cause an injury on the road due to distractions.
These inexperienced motorists can not only harm themselves, but others as well; an estimated 10 people die daily during summer as a direct result of accidents with teen drivers. Teens are already at risk due to their relatively low experience behind the wheel, but distractions only make things worse.
Massachusetts Legislation on Distracted Driving
Massachusetts has outlawed texting while driving as of 2010. The Safe Driving Law was enacted in 2010 to make the state’s roads safer, and the need for it was obvious. But the fact is that plenty of people are still texting. According to the police and lawmakers interviewed by the State House News Service, enforcing the law is extremely difficult because drivers are still allowed to have their phones in their hands. Talking on the phone in the car is still legal, so police have a difficult time identifying who is texting and who is not. There have been few citations for texting while driving since the Safe Driving Law went into effect, and police blame this on the lack of a full cell phone ban.
Seeking Compensation From A Distracted Driver
Whatever the distraction, a driver that is doing anything but paying attention to the road and the operation of his or her vehicle is acting negligently. When you get behind the wheel, your focus should be on your safety and the safety of those around you. When these drivers start texting or doing anything else but driving, they automatically put others at risk.
When you are hit and injured by a distracted driver, you have legal recourse. You can pursue damages from the driver and his or her insurance company for your injuries.
At the Worcester law firm of Peter Ventura, you will find a legal team dedicated to getting results for injury victims. Our firm believes that accident victims deserve a chance to be heard, and that those that have been hurt through another party’s carelessness deserve to be compensated for their injuries. You do not have to go through this alone. Our firm is here to help.
Contact Our Worcester Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love has sustained injuries in a car accident and you believe the other driver was distracted – either texting, talking on the phone or doing anything else that prevented safe driving – then we would like the opportunity to speak with you. There is a strong possibility that you have a potential case on your hands. With our help you could get much needed compensation for your injuries, money that can help you pay for medical care, cover expenses and make up for lost work.
Please contact us immediately to discuss your case. We offer a free initial consultation where you can tell us your story and get legal advice at no cost to you. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and help you determine the next steps you need to take to hold the responsible party accountable.
