Cell Phones, Text Messaging and other Potential distractions that can cause you to get rear ended
A number of tests have proven that sending text messages or using a cell phone at the same time as you are driving can be even more dangerous than driving drunk, especially in terms of getting rear ended. In fact, countless vehicle wrecks occur, and 1000s of people are hurt or killed each and every year, due to the fact drivers move their awareness from the road to use a mobile device.
Even though some states have approved laws either prohibiting or restricting such conduct, others have yet to take action. In answer to this hazard, the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced DOT 14-10 on January 26, 2010, which prohibits truck and bus drivers from texting while driving. This government measure is effective immediately and is applicable to drivers of interstate buses and trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Violators may be subject to civil and/or criminal fines of up to $2,750.
What to do if rear ended? To find out more about attempts by the U.S. DOT to combat driving distractions, look at www.distraction.gov. Even where particular laws banning this behavior haven’t yet been enacted, drivers could still be held responsible when they negligently cause accidents when they’re texting, speaking on cellphones or are otherwise distracted. As technology progresses and vehicles become equipped with interactive features like GPS, navigation and satellite radio, the risk of getting rear ended and serious injuries will undoubtedly increase.
If perhaps you were injured in a car wreck because of a driver who was text messaging, chatting on a cellular phone or otherwise distracted, you should contact an accident attorney for a free initial consultation. Get a law firm with numerous years of experience managing automobile accident cases and will fight hard to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
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