Driving while using a cell phone can cause drivers to become distracted from what is going on in the road in front of them. It only takes a fraction of a second to check an email or text, and swerve into another lane or run a red light unknowingly. The repercussions of an accident can be devastating, especially if a life is lost as a result. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in awareness regarding just how dangerous it is to use a cell phone when behind the wheel. Despite these warnings, some drivers may still use a phone while driving. It can be perplexing to many people as to why these drivers still commit such risky behavior. Unfortunately, a driver may not learn their lesson until they themselves have been a part of a catastrophe.
Here in this article to follow, we have examined the issue of using a cell phone while driving in more detail. We have answered a series of questions about why this habit is so hard to break, and in what kind of scenario a person may want to meet with an attorney, like a personal injury lawyer trusts, about the accident.
What is it about cell phones that is so addictive?
The quality of cell phones has greatly improved over the last decade or so. With this advancing technology, we now have so much of what we need at our fingertips. A cell phone can now enable us to order food, browse the web, send a work email, pay our bills, find directions, and more. Social media has also become a major form of communication, and we may feel tempted to reach over and check our phone for new likes or comments on our pages. Unfortunately, the attachment to these little gadgets can influence a person to habitually use their phone when behind the wheel.
What should I do if someone hits me due to being on their phone?
It is usually easy to tell if drivers are using a cell phone while behind the wheel, as they can often be found looking down into their lap. If a person has crashed into you due to being on their phone, you should respond just as if you were involved in any other kind of car accident. Call 9-1-1 and get medical attention for your injuries, and exchange information with the driver. A police officer can take a statement from you about what happened, to include in the official incident report.
What if I sustained injuries and cannot pay my medical bills?
Those who have been involved in car accidents due to the careless of another driver, may turn to an attorney for assistance. Even if you were able to afford to pay your medical bills, the driver at-fault should be held responsible for your expenses. You can consider filing a civil lawsuit against this person in order to receive repayment for medical care costs, loss of pay from missing work, vehicle repairs, and more. An attorney can offer guidance as you go through this process.