Paulozzi LPA fought long and hard (understatement) for me to get the best outcome possible after my car accident. Joe Paulozzi and Amy Higgins were wonderful… dedicated, persevering, and honest. I cannot thank them enough, and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants excellent and proactive representation.
There are numerous ways to become distracted while driving, such as eating, drinking, dropping something, daydreaming, or focusing on something other than the road. However, the most common and dangerous distraction is using a cell phone. Texting and cell phone usage frequently cause car accident injuries.
Texting while driving is one of the most hazardous activities, and distracted driving has emerged as a major cause of traffic accidents across the United States. Research indicates drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident when sending or receiving text messages.
To tackle this increasing problem, Ohio has made “driving while texting” a primary offense for all drivers under 18. This change means that law enforcement officers can stop a minor solely for texting while driving without needing another reason. Furthermore, Ohio law now prohibits drivers under 18 from using a cell phone for any purpose, even when the vehicle is stationary at a traffic light or in a traffic jam.
Distracted drivers cause accidents daily, seriously injuring innocent people who deserve fair compensation. When representing a victim of distracted driving, we immediately work to document all aspects of liability. Our investigators obtain witness statements and gather relevant information to determine exactly what happened.
We also secure cell phone records to prove that the cell phone was in use at the time of the accident. Even if using a cell phone was not illegal at the time, this documentation can be highly effective in proving negligence.
We then provide all this evidence to an accident reconstructionist, who offers their expert opinion on how cell phone usage caused or contributed to the accident. Building a well-documented case is crucial for obtaining fair compensation in a distracted driving case.
As with any personal injury case, determining damages depends on which party is liable and to what extent. It is possible to be found partially liable for texting while driving. According to Ohio law, the court may reduce the awarded damages if the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your recoverable damages will be reduced by 20%. Additionally, if a party is found more than 50% liable, they may be barred from recovering any damages.
It’s crucial to understand that in Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing car accident claims is two years from the accident date. If you delay too long, you will lose the right to file a lawsuit, regardless of liability. To ensure your claim is managed properly, it’s advisable to consult a texting-while-driving accident lawyer in Ohio as soon as possible.
It’s crucial to choose the right attorney. We will speak with you, listen to your concerns, and help alleviate some of the uncertainty and stress you are experiencing. Our free consultation lets you discuss your injury case with us and receive information and advice. We will inform you of your rights and recommend the best course of action for your claim, even if you decide not to retain our services.
Reaching out to an injury attorney promptly is vital to prevent the loss of evidence, the disappearance of witnesses, and the expiration of lawsuit filing deadlines. Contact us today to get your questions answered and ensure your case is handled efficiently.
