Distracted driving isn’t just irresponsible. It is also against the law in Ohio. Those who text at the wheel could end up pulled over and cited or possibly declared responsible for a crash.
Drivers should keep their focus on the road rather than interacting with mobile devices or otherwise distracting them from road conditions and everyone’s safety. The unfortunate truth is that anxious or drivers in Ohio may try to split their focus between driving and another activity.
While some people are honest and will admit that they became distracted and therefore caused a crash, many others will try to deny the truth. How can someone affected by a distracted driver hold them accountable for their poor safety decisions?
Gather evidence of the distraction
Perhaps someone visibly had their phone in their hand, and plenty of other people nearby saw them driving irresponsibly. Maybe there are traffic cameras nearby that captured the moments before the crash.
In some cases, police officers or lawyers for plaintiffs can even obtain phone records from both service providers and the companies that support different apps. Evidence of distraction will help validate allegations that one driver is to blame for the crash.
Prepare to address the issue in court
When someone will lie in their attempt to avoid responsibility for causing a crash, they won’t likely desist simply because the other party involved wants to go to court. If anything, they may double down on their insistence that they are not to blame. Those left injured or with massive property losses after a class may need to take their case to civil court to get full compensation.
Personal injury lawsuits are an option for those negatively impacted by the negligence or misconduct of others. Texting while driving is both a statutory infraction and also an unsafe driving choice. Those who can convince the courts that the other driver violated state law may be able to obtain reimbursement for lost income, medical expenses and other losses not fully covered by insurance.
Both the negotiation of a high-value insurance claim and the pursuit of compensation in civil court may necessitate the support of a legal professional. Holding a driver accountable for causing a distracted driving crash can lead to both financial compensation and personal vindication but it isn’t always a straightforward process.