Dedicated Representation After A Distracted Driving Accident
A distracted driver can cause a serious accident in seconds. A text message, cellphone or navigation device can take a driver’s attention away from the road and leave little time to avoid a crash. If a distracted driver injured you, you may now face medical treatment, lost income and difficult insurance issues.
At DWS Law - Dittmer, Wagoner & Steele, our personal injury attorneys provide experienced and strategic legal counsel to clients in Gahanna, Franklin County and the surrounding Central Ohio area. With 130 years of combined experience, our firm can help you understand your options after a distracted driving accident.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when something takes a driver’s eyes, hands or attention away from driving. Common distractions include:
- Texting or reading messages
- Using a cellphone
- Entering information into a navigation device
- Adjusting vehicle controls
- Eating or drinking
- Talking with passengers
- Looking at something outside the vehicle
A distracted driver may look away from traffic, take a hand off the wheel or focus on something other than the road. In heavy traffic or at high speeds on roads such as I-270 and U.S. 62, even a brief distraction can lead to an accident that causes serious injuries and financial losses.
Ohio Laws On Distracted Driving
Ohio law generally prohibits drivers from using, holding or physically supporting an electronic wireless communications device while operating a vehicle, subject to specific exceptions. Certain hands-free, navigation and other uses may be permitted under the law.
If the driver who hit you broke a traffic law, that violation does not automatically establish legal responsibility for your accident. However, evidence that the driver was texting, using a cell phone or otherwise distracted may help show how the car crash happened and who was at fault.
Proving Fault After A Distracted Driving Accident
The driver who caused your accident may deny being distracted, which can make these cases difficult to investigate. Evidence may include police reports, witness statements, photos, video, vehicle damage and accident reconstruction.
If the driver was using a cellphone before the crash, cellphone records or other electronic evidence may also help establish a timeline when legally available. No single piece of evidence proves fault in every case. Our personal injury attorneys can review the circumstances and identify information that may support your claim.
Strategic Representation For Complex Injury Claims
After an accident, you may need to manage medical appointments and financial concerns while dealing with insurance companies. Our attorneys can help you address the legal issues involved in your claim, including:
- Investigating the accident
- Identifying relevant evidence
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Assessing losses connected to your injuries
- Pursuing a claim when appropriate
You may have a limited time to file a personal injury claim under Ohio law. The deadline for your claim may depend on the circumstances of your case, so it is important to understand your options promptly.
Talk To A Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
A serious car accident can leave you with questions about your injuries, medical bills, lost income and what to do next. You do not have to sort through those issues alone.
If you believe another driver’s texting, cellphone use or other distraction caused your accident, speak with our lawyers about your situation. Call 866-274-1842 or send an online inquiry to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.