Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers has represented thousands of accidents involving distracted drivers. This is perhaps one of the most common causes of vehicle accidents and can be with cars, trucks, and all types of vehicles on the road.
Actual Case Handled By Our Law Firm
Our law firm represented a young man stopped in traffic due to construction on the road when a semi-truck coming from the other direction pulled out into his lane striking him in the rear. As you can see from the photo this was a very serious collision that resulted in considerable injury to our client who did survive the accident. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Barren County, Kentucky where he was treated for a concussion and a severe back injury. Our law firm reserved his PIP for his medical bills and lost wages which were considerable and obtained excellent medical treatment so he could recover from his injuries and document them to maximize his settlement. We obtained all the insurance available and were awarded policy limits and avoided litigation for our client.
Distracted Driving is More Than Driving
Texting while driving isn’t the only way to be distracted on the road. This is “any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract them from the primary task of driving and increases the risk of crashing.”
Talking on the phone without using hands-free mode is another, as are more common activities like fiddling with the GPS or doing one’s hair and makeup on the way to work. Even eating and drinking can be sources of distraction on the road! Some distractions can come from children and pets as well, and while these distractions can be unavoidable, their results can nevertheless be tragic.
If you spotted the other driver taking any actions which could count as distracted driving then don’t be afraid to mention that fact to us! We can use that fact to strengthen your case.
Kentucky Distracted Driving Laws
While a GPS device can be used by a driver over the age of 18 for entering an address or reading a driver under 18 may not use any device for personal communication. There is an exception for an emergency such as calling 911. However, Kentucky has outlawed texting while driving since 2010 the law specifically states that texting and driving are prohibited for all drivers while the vehicle is in motion. Exceptions to this are as follows:
- As stated earlier, an emergency
- You may use this to report illegal activity or dangerous circumstances
- To save the life of another person or serious injury
- The use of a GPS device that is integrated into the vehicle so you do not have to remove your eyes from the road
There are fines in place if you are caught texting while driving and if you are involved in an accident you will likely be deemed at fault and could be charged with reckless driving. Most importantly, not only is driving while texting or using your cell phone without these exceptions against the law, it is very dangerous and could result in serious injury or death to yourself or your loved ones and passengers in your vehicle as well as other drivers on the road.
Call Us if You Have Had a Distracted Driver Accident
Do not hesitate to contact our law firm 24 hours a day, seven days a week at our toll-free number if you have been injured by a distracted driver. It could be the driver of a vehicle where you are a passenger or another driver on the road. It is important to get immediate help.
