A buzzing smartwatch, a spilled coffee, or a quick glance at your GPS might seem harmless, but these everyday habits are causing serious crashes on Ohio roads. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, our Cleveland car accident lawyers have seen firsthand how routine distractions lead to devastating injuries across Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and Lorain. Distracted driving is not limited to texting. It includes any behavior that takes your hands, eyes, or attention off the road. If you have been injured by a distracted driver anywhere in Ohio, our legal team can help you seek full and fair compensation.
Ohio law prohibits holding or using a phone while driving, but distraction goes far beyond scrolling or texting. Everyday actions like adjusting the radio, eating breakfast, or checking a notification can create split-second lapses in attention that cause serious collisions.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, distracted driving contributes to more than 12,000 crashes every year. These are not all high-speed highway collisions. Many occur in neighborhoods, parking lots, and city intersections where pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk.
Our Ohio personal injury attorneys at Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni help victims of distracted driving crashes recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering while holding negligent drivers accountable.
Even experienced drivers underestimate how much attention small habits steal. Here are the top distractions that cause serious crashes in Ohio:
A wrist vibration may seem minor, but glancing at your smartwatch diverts your eyes and hands. Disable notifications while driving or enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving” settings.
Many drivers still fumble with earbuds or voice controls. Even brief manual interaction increases risk. Set up Bluetooth before starting your car and keep calls short and focused.
Entering an address or zooming in on a map distracts drivers visually and mentally. Start navigation before driving and rely on spoken directions only.
One spilled drink or dropped wrapper can cause a dangerous overreaction. Finish meals before driving or pull over for a break.
Lively conversations are common, but turning to make eye contact or gesture with your hands can lead to drifting or missed signals.
Pets moving freely in the car can block mirrors or distract your attention. Always use a harness, carrier, or barrier to keep pets secure.
Reaching for something that fell on the floor, even briefly, causes lane drift or sudden braking. Wait until you stop to retrieve it.
Applying makeup, fixing hair, or searching for sunglasses divides your focus. Prepare before driving and keep frequently used items within reach.
Curiosity slows traffic and causes secondary crashes. Stay alert, focus forward, and keep a steady speed through accident zones.
Stress, anger, or daydreaming can impair focus just like alcohol or fatigue. Pull over if you feel overwhelmed or unable to concentrate.
Legal Tip: Many crashes involve multiple distractions at once, making the driver’s negligence easier to prove.
Proving distraction requires fast and strategic action. Our Cleveland car accident lawyers at Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni know how to identify and preserve key evidence, including:
We build strong cases using this evidence to demonstrate negligence and secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
Under Ohio’s comparative negligence law (O.R.C. § 2315.33), you can still recover damages even if you are partly at fault, as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages are $100,000 and you are found 20 percent at fault, you could still receive $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to argue shared blame to reduce payouts. Our Ohio accident attorneys counter these tactics with evidence-based claims, expert analysis, and strong legal advocacy to protect your right to full recovery.
After an accident caused by a distracted driver, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your claim:
The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve critical evidence such as camera footage or phone records.
Victims of distracted driving accidents in Ohio may be entitled to recover:
Our legal team at Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni carefully calculates the total value of your claim and fights for every dollar you deserve, whether through settlement or litigation.
Ohio families trust our firm because we deliver results with compassion and experience.
Why clients choose us:
We understand how distracted driving can devastate lives and we are committed to helping victims rebuild.
Distracted driving may seem like a small mistake, but the consequences are often life-changing. If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone. Our Cleveland car accident lawyers at Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers will protect your rights, uncover evidence of negligence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today with Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers. You pay nothing unless we win. Call 800-LAW-OHIO (800-529-6446) or reach out online to discuss your case. Our experienced Ohio distracted driving attorneys proudly serve clients throughout Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and Lorain, and we are ready to help you move forward after your crash.
