Hurt In A Distracted Driving Crash? You Need A Mansfield Accident Attorney

Distracted driving – especially texting while driving and other cellphone and smartphone use – seems to be an increasingly prevalent danger on our roads. In 2022, approximately 289,310 Americans were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. The CDC estimates that nine people are killed every single day by distracted drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident where another driver was distracted, Heck & Stiffler, Ltd., can help.

Personal injury attorneys Jeff Heck and Jeff Stiffler work hard to get you the fair compensation and the justice you need to relieve the financial burdens and losses associated with your crash. Our law firm offers caring, responsive and excellent service that addresses your complex needs and makes the process as painless as possible. Contact us today to discuss your case for free.

What Is Distracted Driving?

While texting remains one of the most common distractions for drivers, drivers may also be distracted by talking on a cellphone, using their smartphone, eating, applying makeup or operating a GPS or stereo system. These behaviors may seem harmless, but victims of distracted driving know that taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have disastrous and life-changing consequences.

The common types of driving distractions are divided into three categories:

• Physical distractions: Also known as manual distractions, these are behaviors that take your hands off the wheel such as using your phone, eating and drinking, or even taking off a coat or sweater while driving.
• Mental distractions: Also known as cognitive distractions, mental distractions include anything that takes your mind off the act of driving. This means daydreaming, talking with passengers, or even being upset or angry when you get behind the wheel.
• Visual distractions: These types of distractions include anything that keeps your eyes off the road in front of you, such as reading billboards, watching an accident site on the side of the road or looking for something in your car.

The most serious driving distractions often involve actions that overlap between these three categories, such as texting. While texting is the most common distraction, these other unassuming actions can take your attention off the road long enough to cause a serious accident. Even Bluetooth and hands-free devices – while safer than manual devices – can lead to accidents as you’re still engaging in behaviors that take your mind off the road.

At Heck & Stiffler, Ltd., we know that distracted driving collisions create traumatic upheaval for you and your family. You may need to seek both immediate and ongoing medical care for your injuries and may not be able to return to work for weeks, months or even longer. How will you afford to live? How will you pay your medical bills? We can help answer these concerns as we build a strong case to hold the distracted driver responsible for your accident accountable.

Which Drivers Are The Most Distracted?

According to the CDC, young adults and teenage drivers are more at risk of driving distracted than other age groups. In 2019, there was a higher percentage of distracted drivers aged 15-20 involved in fatal crashes than drivers aged 21 and older.

Parents can help their teen drivers learn the dangers of distracted driving to prevent accidents. By teaching young drivers to keep focus while driving, we can minimize the risk of these drivers causing a serious crash. While young drivers are more likely to be distracted on the road, that doesn’t mean drivers in other age groups aren’t susceptible to distractions. Every driver is responsible for avoiding these dangerous behaviors and practicing safety while driving.

Inattentive Drivers Are Dangerous On And Off The Road

We have seen firsthand the devastating effects of distracted driving, including catastrophic semi-truck crashes. But it is not just a danger on highways like Highway 71; accidents also occur in parking lots, driveways and crosswalks in areas like Ashland and Marion. Drivers might feel safe to look away or check their phone in these areas, but the fact is, there can be people on foot or on bikes, making them more vulnerable to suffering injuries. Accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians can be particularly deadly.

Distracted driving can happen anywhere, even in scenic areas like Malabar Farm State Park. When they are not paying attention, distracted drivers can take their hands off the wheel, posing a significant risk to themselves and others. It is essential to stay alert and focused on the road, whether you are driving on a highway or in a quiet neighborhood. Our seasoned lawyers have handled many cases where drivers were distracted and caused accidents, resulting in serious or fatal crashes. We know it is crucial to help victims pursue the maximum compensation they deserve.

Experienced Advocacy For Your Distracted Driving Accident Claim

Jeff Heck and Jeff Stiffler are “Mansfield’s Injury Lawyers.” They have deep roots in the region and over 50 years of combined experience. Attorney Heck has significant prior experience at a larger law firm defending insurance companies. This unique perspective allows him to anticipate potential problems and build stronger cases for his clients. Attorney Jeff Stiffler has over a decade of working on these cases and helping his clients through some of the toughest times of their lives. These experiences also make them qualified to handle complex cases against even the largest and most aggressive insurance companies – and achieve excellent results.

Jeff Heck Is Passionate About Ending Distracted Driving

Jeff Heck goes beyond just representing people injured or killed by distracted drivers. He has made helping end distracted driving one of his personal priorities.

Over the last several years, attorney Heck has spoken to well over a thousand high school students throughout northern and north central Ohio, presenting a program both in classrooms and whole-school assemblies about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging the students to be a force of changing habits and patterns to end this practice that kills or injures tens of thousands yearly. He relates real-life stories and examples to the students in an effort to encourage them to not only drive safely and without distraction but also to help their friends and family members change their habits.

Attorney Heck’s volunteer work with our local kids is one of his true passions, and he approaches it with the same care and attention he provides to his clients’ injury claims.

Commonly Asked Questions About Distracted Driving Accidents In Ohio

At Heck & Stiffler, Ltd., our attorneys are committed to help victims of distracted driving accidents in Ohio. Here, we have compiled their answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about distracted driving accidents in Ohio.

What happens if both drivers are distracted in an accident?

If both drivers are distracted in an accident, determining fault can be challenging. In Ohio, the courts use a comparative negligence system, which means they compare the fault of each driver to determine the percentage of responsibility for the accident. For example, if one driver was texting and the other driver was speeding, the court may assign 60% fault to the speeding driver and 40% fault to the texting driver.

However, the assignment of fault would depend on various factors, including the severity of the distractions, the road conditions, the speed limit and the specific circumstances of the accident. The court can also consider other factors, such as failure to yield, reckless driving or disregard for traffic signals. Ultimately, the court would weigh all the evidence to determine the percentage of responsibility for each driver, which can impact the amount of compensation you can receive for your injuries.

Can another driver lie and say they weren’t on their phone?

Unfortunately, yes, another driver can lie and say they weren’t on their phone at the time of the accident. This makes it critical to gather evidence to prove otherwise. Phone records, witness statements and surveillance footage can help determine if the other driver was indeed using their phone at the time of the accident. If the other driver was lying, this can significantly impact their credibility and weaken their case.

Is drowsy driving the same as distracted driving?

No, drowsy driving is not the same as distracted driving, although both can be equally deadly and can typically be forms of negligence. Drowsy driving occurs when a driver is too tired to operate a vehicle safely or unable to stay awake, often due to lack of sleep or certain medical conditions. Distracted driving, on the other hand, occurs when a driver is engaged in an activity that takes their attention away from the road, such as texting or talking on the phone.

What do I need to do to ‘prove’ a distracted driver was at fault for my injuries?

To prove a distracted driver was at fault for your injuries, you will need to gather all relevant evidence to support your claim. This can include the police report, witness statements, phone records, surveillance footage, expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists and other qualified professionals, and any other relevant documentation. It is crucial to gather evidence immediately and preserve them properly.

What kind of settlement can I get for an inattentive driver?

The kind of settlement you can get for an inattentive driver will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of the other driver’s fault and the impact of the accident on your life. It is critical to pursue the maximum amount of compensation available to you, including damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Despite the difficulties and challenges of dealing with injuries, it is essential to fight for the fair compensation that you deserve.

Get Help Now: Discuss Your Distracted Driving Case With Us For Free

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, choose the sophisticated, experienced, local attorneys at Heck & Stiffler, Ltd. who are gentle and compassionate with you but strong and aggressive with the opponents.

We work on a contingency fee basis for all injury and wrongful death cases, so you pay no attorney fees until and unless you receive compensation for your case. Call Heck & Stiffler, Ltd. at 866-640-7560 or contact us online.