Distracted driving accidents account for a large percentage of crashes that occur on Ohio’s roadways. The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) cites that between 2013 to 2018, approximately 80,000 distracted driving accidents transpired in Ohio, resulting in more than 3,000 serious injuries and 268 fatalities. The ODPS believes these numbers may be substantially higher, as many drivers do not admit to distracted driving to avoid liability.
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident with a distracted driver in Ohio, now may be a good time to contact the office of a Marysville distracted driving accident lawyer. At Bressman Law, we advocate for injured claimants throughout the state of Ohio. We can help you identify the at-fault party, evaluate the cost of your damages, and explain your legal rights. Dial (614) 538-1116 to get started.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accidents happen when a driver’s attention is deterred from the road.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (DOT) recognizes three main types of distracted driving, which include:
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accident attorney in Marysville, call (614) 538-1116
Visual Distractions
When a driver takes their eyes off the road, they are visually distracted. This can happen when a driver looks down at their cell phone to answer a text or looks around to find a particular address.
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Manual Distractions
Drivers who take their hands off the wheel while driving are said to be manually distracted. This can happen when a driver uses their hands to answer a call, text, or scroll through social media. Motorists who eat or change the radio while driving are also manually distracted.
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A Lack of Focus
Drivers who take their mind off of driving are cognitively distracted. Those who choose to drive while angry, sad, or confused put themselves at risk of causing an accident as their mind is not fully focused on the road.
Some other examples of when a driver lacks focus and is cognitively distracted include:
- Listening to loud music
- Engaging in conversation with passengers inside the vehicle
- Talking on the phone
When a driver allows themselves to become visually, manually, or cognitively distracted while driving, their actions could result in serious accidents. If a motorist causes a collision due to distracted driving, they could be the subject of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
To file an Ohio personal injury claim or lawsuit, the injured party must prove that the other party was negligent in some way. However, proving negligence is not always easy. This is why many car accident claimants opt to hire a Marysville distracted driving accident lawyer who can take care of their legal matters.
By filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you can work to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. If you would like more information about filing a civil action, contact Bressman Law at (614) 538-1116.
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Damages That May Be Awarded in a Distracted Driving Accident Case
Distracted driving accidents can impact a victim physically, emotionally, and financially. The impact of the accident on your life will determine the amount of compensation you can recover. A Marysville distracted driving accident lawyer can assess the cost of your damages to determine what qualifies as a fair settlement amount.
Some types of damages you can recover include:
- Pain and suffering. This refers to the physical or emotional pain a person feels as a result of their accident and injuries.
- Lost income. This refers to the amount of income you lost due to your injuries and the subsequent recovery period.
- Mental anguish.Mental anguish can include any mental health complications you developed as a result of your accident, including anxiety and depression.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Your injuries may have impacted your ability to enjoy life in the same capacity that you used to. You may be unable to partake in recreational activities you once enjoyed or face limitations to your mobility.
- Medical expenses. This refers to the amount of money you accrued in medical expenses related to the accident. Medical expenses can also include money for future medical costs if you need ongoing medical care.
You may be able to recover the cost of additional damages to those listed above. At Bressman Law, we can review your accident from various angles to determine what financial recovery options you have.
The Time Limit To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against a Distracted Driver
It is important for distracted driving accident claimants to act quickly following a collision with a distracted driver. According to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 2305.10, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio is generally two years from the date of the accident. Claimants should be aware of this filing deadline because it is crucial to the success of their cases. If you do not file your case within the state’s appropriate statute of limitations, you risk missing out on your chance to recover compensation.
A lawyer from Bressman Law can review your situation’s facts and determine how the state’s statute of limitations applies to you.
A Marysville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You Explore Your Legal Options
Lives are negatively impacted by distracted drivers every day. In an accident, while some drivers are fortunate enough to only suffer minor injuries, others are left struggling with chronic pain or limitations to their mobility. Although various agencies have put into practice various strategies to prevent distracted driving, this does not deter many people from engaging in this practice.
If you or a loved one was injured in a distracted driving accident in Ohio, consider how Bressman Law can help you recover compensation. You can get in touch with us today by dialing (614) 538-1116. For more than 30 years, Bressman Law has been helping injured claimants secure financial recovery. We are prepared to do everything that we can to help you.
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