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Texting and driving: Illegal and dangerous common practice

On Behalf of | Nov 10, 2016 | Distracted Driving

The rise of mobile phone technology has had many unexpected impacts on our economy, culture and society. While cellphones provide safety and security via the ability to connect with emergency services and pinpoint locations of those in distress, they have also created new problems. One of them, texting while operating a motor vehicle, can prove to be fatal for the text sender and those who share the road with them.

Texting and driving is illegal

There are reasons why distracted driving is illegal in Ohio; it substantially increases the risk of a car accident. National statistics indicate that roughly ten percent of fatal crashes with teen drivers involve distracted driving. In Ohio, the issue has become so serious that lawmakers passed a comprehensive law against texting, including reading text messages, while driving. Texting while driving is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and the suspension of one’s license to drive. If the driver is a teenager, texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can pull them over for it.

What to do if you’re involved in a distracted driving crash

One of the first things to do if you’re involved in a car crash is to exit your vehicle, if possible, contact emergency services, and try to verify if anyone else was hurt. Make sure law enforcement is aware that you believe the other driver was texting while driving. After seeking out any needed medical assistance, you should record what happened immediately before and after the accident. Whether you do this with a cellphone camera by taking video or photos or by writing down what you recall, it’s critical to make a record while your memories are fresh.

Vehicle accidents can have a lasting financial impact

In addition to losing income if you were injured and unable to work, those involved in vehicular crashes can incur huge expenses in a short period of time. Particularly if your vehicle was severely damaged or there were physical injuries, expenses can build up rapidly after an accident. From medical bills to vehicle replacement to the cost of therapy if the accident caused post-traumatic stress, there are a lot of potential expenses that can continue to grow for weeks or months after an accident.

Speak with an attorney as soon as possible

Whether you call them from the hospital or when you’re back at your home, it’s invaluable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. A consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the impact of the Ohio texting and driving law is the best way to explore your options if you or a loved one were injured by a texting driver. From helping push the insurance companies to pay for medical bills to filing a lawsuit to recover lost income and ensure that medical expenses are paid, an attorney can help you recover financially from an accident.

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