Distracted Driving Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Distracted Driving Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Distracted Driving Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Did you know that approximately 3,000 people are killed in car accidents caused by distracted driving every year? In this day and age, smartphones and other electronic devices dominate our daily lives, making distracted driving one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities on Cleveland roads and highways.

At the Buckeye Law Group, we recognize the serious consequences of distracted driving and go above and beyond to provide legal support to those affected by distracted driving accidents.

What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of operating a vehicle. Distracted driving can come in many forms, including:

• Texting or Using a Smartphone: Texting, browsing social media or using apps on a smartphone while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distraction, as it combines visual, manual and cognitive distractions.
• Talking on the Phone: Even using a hands-free device to talk on the phone can be distracting, as it can take a driver’s focus away from the road and reduce their reaction time to potential hazards.
• Eating or Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving can require manual and visual attention, diverting the driver’s focus from the task at hand.
• Adjusting Controls: Fiddling with the radio, GPS, climate controls or other vehicle features can distract a driver and increase the risk of an accident.
• Interacting with Passengers: Engaging in conversations with passengers, especially if they are loud or disruptive, can divert a driver’s attention and impair their ability to concentrate on the road.

The Consequences of Distracted Driving

The consequences of distracted driving can be devastating, not only for the driver themselves but also for their passengers, other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road.

• Severe Injuries: Distracted driving accidents often lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and internal organ damage. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on victims and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Loss of Life: In the most tragic cases, distracted driving accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families grieving the loss of loved ones and communities mourning the loss of valuable members.
• Property Damage: Distracted driving accidents can cause significant damage to vehicles, buildings and other property, resulting in costly repairs and financial losses for victims.
• Emotional Trauma: The emotional impact of a distracted driving accident can be profound, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for people involved and surviving family members of people killed in these senseless crashes.

Legal Recourse for People Injured in Cleveland Distracted Driving Accidents

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, it is essential to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney who explains your rights and options for pursuing compensation. Distracted Driving Attorneys in Dayton, OH at the Buckeye Law Group can:

• Investigate the Accident: We will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence and help clearly establish the distracted driver’s fault.
• Evaluate Damages: We will assess the extent of your injuries, their long-term repercussions and the totality of your financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and future medical needs.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We will handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, fighting for fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Litigate if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights at trial.

Preventing Distracted Driving Crashes in Cleveland

Preventing distracted driving requires a collective effort from drivers, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Distracted Driving Attorneys in Dayton, OH emphasize the importance of proactive measures to combat this issue.

Ohio’s cell phone law went into effect in October 2023 and makes using a cell phone while driving a ticketable offense that can result in fines and points on the driver’s license. Drivers in the state are prohibited from holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving. Drivers who are over the age of 18 are permitted to receive or make calls if they do so using hands-free technologies. Those under the age of 18 are prohibited from all cell phone use while driving.

Some other steps that can be taken to prevent distracted driving include:

• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving through public education campaigns, school programs and community events can help change attitudes and behaviors.
• Enforcement of Laws: Enforcing existing distracted driving laws and implementing stricter penalties for offenders can deter risky behavior and promote safer driving habits. Imposing consequences on people who violate the statute is the only reliable way to change the behavior of habitual users of devices while driving.
• Technological Solutions: There’s a misapprehension that driver assistance technology will make driving while texting safe. No commuter vehicles have reached the level of safe autonomy where drivers can afford to take their eyes off the road. Bluetooth may make it safer to talk while driving but don’t assume lane assist gives you an excuse to text and drive.
• Personal Responsibility: Drivers must take personal responsibility for their actions behind the wheel and commit to staying focused on driving at all times. This includes refraining from using electronic devices, eating, grooming or engaging in other distracting activities while driving.