Cell Phones, Texting and other Distractions that can cause you to get rear ended
Several reports have proven that sending texts or using a cellphone as you are driving could be even more dangerous than driving drunk, especially in terms of getting rear ended. In fact, countless vehicle wrecks happen, and thousands of individuals are killed or injured each and every year, because drivers divert their awareness from the road to use a mobile device.
Although some states have passed laws and regulations either prohibiting or limiting this kind of conduct, others have still to act. In answer to this real danger, the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced DOT 14-10 on January 26, 2010, which forbids truck and bus drivers from sending text messages while driving. This federal measure is effective immediately and applies to drivers of interstate buses and trucks with a weight of more than 10,000 lbs. Violators could be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.
What to do if rear ended? To find out more concerning efforts by the U.S. DOT to fight driving distractions, visit www.distraction.gov. Even where specific laws and regulations outlawing this behavior have yet to be put into law, individuals could nevertheless be held accountable if they negligently cause accidents while they are texting, speaking on cellular phones or are otherwise distracted. As technological innovation develops and automobiles become equipped with interactive capabilities like GPS, navigation and satellite radio, the chance of getting rear ended and significant injuries will undoubtedly increase.
If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a driver who was texting, talking on a cellular phone or otherwise preoccupied, you should get in touch with an accident attorney for a free preliminary consultation. Get an attorney with years of practical experience managing car accident cases and will fight hard to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
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