Why is distracted driving so dangerous and what can victims do?

Distracted driving is extremely dangerous on our roadways and can result in serious car accidents and injuries. As a result, it is important to understand what distracted driving is and the legal protections available to victims of distracted driving-related accidents.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving includes a variety of driving behaviors drivers unfortunately engage in every day. There are generally three types of distracted driving including cognitive distractions, manual distractions and visual distractions. Cognitive distractions remove the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway; manual distractions remove the driver’s hands from the steering wheel as an example; and visual distractions remove the driver’s eyes from the roadway. Texting while driving is considered particularly dangerous because it combines all thee forms of distracted driving behaviors.

What are distracted driving laws in Ohio?

Ohio prohibits texting while driving and cell phone use for certain drivers. Because of how dangerous distracted driving, and texting while driving, is, it is important for drivers to avoid.

What legal protections are available to victims of distracted drivers?

A personal injury claim for damages can help injured victims who have been harmed by a careless distracted driving. Distracted driving may be considered evidence of negligence, making the distracted driver liable to compensate the victim for their physical, financial and emotional damages. Victims may need help with medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages associated with a distracted driving-related car accident. It is important for victims and their families, facing the harm associated with an unexpected car accident, to be familiar with the legal remedies available to them.