Accidents Caused by Texting and Driving
Despite knowing the peril of distracted driving, there are around 1.6 million auto accidents in America every year. Missouri state has seen a 30 percent increase in distracted driving cases due to lenient law. Distracted driving is a very concerning issue in Missouri, and 9 out of 10 people access their smartphones while driving. Although state law penalizes distracted teen drivers for causing bodily harm or property damage, there is no strict law to enforce any positive change. In 2020, 82 people died as a result of distracted driving, with people other than the distracted driver accounting for 59% of the fatalities.
Even if you are not a distracted driver, you could be injured in a vehicle collision. Texting and driving were among the most common causes of distracted driving, and according to a survey, approximately 26 percent of distracted drivers on the road were texting while driving. You might assume that distracted drivers are mostly teenagers. While teenage driving accidents cause trouble, more than 80% of distracted drivers were over the age of 21. Missouri’s revised law only penalizes distracted drivers under 21, but there are no deterrent measures for all drivers to stop distracted driving.
However, this does not mean you are not entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, or rehabilitation. Talk to the lawyers at Craig J. Concannon, P.C. to get advice to obtain fair compensation if you were injured in a distracted driving case.
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Missouri does not have a hands-free law to stop distracted driving. Distracted driving is punishable by a meager fine under state law for drivers under the age of 21. However, if it is established that the driver was at fault for your injury or loss, you may be able to obtain a fair settlement. You can file a lawsuit for wrongful death, personal injury, or damage in court to recover compensation for your medical costs or compensation if you lost a loved one in the crash.
In Olivia Kelly vs. Joseph Schnaedter, a jury awarded Olivia Kelly compensation for a brain injury sustained in a texting and driving accident. As the responsible party, Joseph Schnaedter was found to be texting and driving at the time of the collision with Olivia Kelly’s car. Olivia Kelly and Joseph Schnaedter were both teen drivers.
If a distracted driver is proven at fault, the victim can receive compensation regardless of the age of the driver. Consult an experienced lawyer for texting and driving-related injury or wrongful death compensation cases in St. Louis, Missouri. Our dedicated and experienced lawyers will ensure the best possible outcome for your pain, suffering, injury, or loss.