Distracted driving motorcycle accidents in Chicago and across the country are happening more and more often. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration created the “U Drive, U Text, U Pay” campaign to encourage drivers, especially younger drivers, to put down their cell phones while driving. But still, distracted drivers cause thousands of accidents each year.
Nine percent of automobile accidents resulting in one or more fatalities were caused, at least in part, by distracted driving. Over 3,100 lives were lost in 2019 in distracted driving accidents. Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers like our team at the Law Firm of Kass & Moses have represented many motorcyclists who have been hurt in these crashes.
There are a number of different ways that accidents involving distracted drivers occur. One of the most common incidences is texting and driving. The NHTSA reports that sending or receiving a text results in your eyes being off of the road for five seconds. Driving at 60 miles per hour, you travel over 400 feet in five seconds. 400 feet is an incredibly long distance to travel at fast speeds with your eyes off the road!
Eating and drinking while driving can also result in a Chicago distracted driving accident. I cannot tell you how often I see drivers eating full meals while moving down the highway at 60 plus miles per hour. It is easy to see how consuming a meal, juggling a hot drink, or reaching into a bag of chips can result in a distracted driving.
Why a Distracted Driving Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Our distracted driving motorcycle accident lawyers are well-versed in the law. We understand how a cell phone, adjusting a stereo, or eating a meal can result in wrongful death or injuries. We believe these negligent drivers need to be held responsible for the pain they have caused.
If you have questions about a potential motorcycle accident case involving a distracted driver, contact one of our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys today at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE. We will work to hold the other driver responsible and get you full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Property damage is just one loss you may have experienced. Many victims of Illinois distracted driving accidents have been hurt, had pain and suffering, and even lost wages. The insurance company will likely only offer you a fraction of what you deserve. Phone calls with the insurance adjuster can be frustrating and fruitless. Having a distracted driving accident lawyer on your side is incredibly important.
At the Law Firm of Kass & Moses, we focus our practice on the needs of injured motorcycle riders in Chicago and across the country. Whether you were hurt by a distracted driver, a drunk driver, or an otherwise negligent driver, we will seek fair compensation. Driver distraction is occurring at epidemic rates, and we believe drivers should be held responsible for the injuries and damages they cause.
We value the attorney client relationship and put you first. When you contact us, you will receive a free, thorough consultation. During this free consultation, you can ask any questions you have as well as share the details of your motorcycle accident case with us. Our distracted driving accident lawyers have represented cases like yours for over three decades, so you can rest assured that we are experienced.
How Often Do Distracted Driving Accidents Occur?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eight people are killed each day in distracted driving accidents across the country. They estimate that in 2018, 400,000 individuals were injured in distracted driving accidents.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has labeled three types of distractions that affect drivers:
- Manual Tasks – These tasks include holding a cup of coffee or other beverage or making adjustments on the console of the car. They require the driver physically do something with one more both of their hands. Manual distracted driving can occur when you eat, drink, hold a cell phone, adjust a stereo, or place your hands anywhere other than the steering wheel.
- Visual Tasks – These tasks include looking at a navigation screen or checking on a child in the back seat. They keep the driver from looking at the road ahead of them. Other visual distractions might include looking at your cell phone, looking at your stereo, or taking your eyes off the road for any other reason.
- Cognitive Tasks – These tasks include focusing on a conversation with someone in a car or taking a work call through a Bluetooth device. The driver is focusing on something other than the road. Cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off of the road. It is more difficult to demonstrate a cognitive distraction. I think, however, we can all agree that you are not safe to drive if your are noticeably distraught. If you cannot focus mentally on the road, you are a distracted driver.
All of these distractions mean the driver is distracted and not giving proper focus to the road ahead of them.
Some drivers are guilty of all three types of tasks at the same time. Drivers like these risk their safety and the health and wellbeing of others on the road around them. Worse, many do so knowing they are endangering those around them. Even with children or passengers in the car, they continue to divide their focus and attention.
How Does Distracted Driving Affect My Insurance Claim?
If you were the distracted driver, your motorcycle accident claim may be affected. You may be found responsible for causing the accident which may affect your case. If, however, the other motorist was a distracted driver, this may make it easier to prove that you were not at fault.
Most people try to hide the fact that they were a distracted driver, especially if an accident occurs. They might claim they were not on their cell phone, for example. Sometimes, other motorists who witnessed the accident may alert the police to the issue. Other times, the authorities may examine the cell phone records of the parties involved in the accident, especially if injuries were severe or fatalities occurred.
Most people understand that things like texting and driving are illegal. When people choose to break the law and an accident occurs, they can be held responsible for their actions (and your losses).
Young adults and teenagers are more likely to be distracted drivers. This is likely a combination of their inexperience and an attachment to their phones. Nine percent of teenagers killed in a motor vehicle accident died in a distracted driving related crash.
What Should I Do if Struck by a Distracted Driver?
If you have been struck by a distracted driver in Chicago or anywhere else, contact the Law Firm of Kass & Moses for a free consultation. A personal injury lawsuit can be tricky to navigate alone. In your free initial consultation with us, you will learn about the options you have to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Reach out to us now at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE. Someone is available to take your call and put you on the path to recovery at any time, night or day.
We know the statistics: distracted drivers pose a tremendous threat to themselves and others. But that does little to stop drivers from adjusting their stereos, drinking hot coffee, fiddling with their cell phones, and having animated conversations with others in the car. The roads are dangerous enough without drivers who are unaware of those around them.
If your motorcycle accident was due to the actions of a distracted driver, contact the Law Firm of Kass & Moses today at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE. Distracted driving accidents result in millions of dollars in losses each year, but even worse than that, they result in the loss of lives. We fight for the rights of motorcycle riders who have been injured by distracted drivers. Call us today for a free case review.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers | Facts About Distracted Driving
When you ride your motorcycle, you ride unprotected. If you are involved in a crash, your injuries will likely be severe. You ride with the understanding that those around you take driving seriously. Unfortunately, distracted driving is downright reckless and can lead to many crashes.
When motorcycle accidents occur, the losses can be tremendous. In addition to thousands of dollars in medical bills, you may face lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial losses. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have worked for decades to protect the rights of motorcycle riders. We believe that you deserve the maximum compensation under the law and will fight for your rights.
If you or a family member has been struck on the roadways by a distracted driver, the Law Firm of Kass & Moses personal injury attorneys will fight for you. When you call us at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE, you will speak with an attorney about your motorcycle accident. We will provide you with a free case evaluation with no obligation. We work to hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions. Do not let the actions of a distracted driver get in the way of your future- call us today!
Why The Law Firm of Kass & Moses?
Often, insurance companies hold a bias against motorcyclists. Even when the crash was clearly not your fault, they may choose to side with the driver – the same driver who endangered your life and caused the crash. That is why it is important to have quality representation for your case.
When the insurance company contacts you about your motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, they may seem to take your side. They will be friendly and seem caring. Remember, however, that they work for the insurer and want to pay as little money towards your medical bills and other losses as possible. This is why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. We fight for YOU, not the insurance company.
It’s always best to contact a distracted driving attorney. The Law Firm of Kass & Moses will begin work immediately, assessing the case, analyzing the reports, and speaking with police and witnesses. We go after insurance companies who want to swindle you into accepting less compensation than you deserve. We do not put up with their tactics! We believe you have been victimized once by a distracted driver and will not let it happen again.
If you have been injured in a crash involving a distracted driver, get in touch with Kass & Moses today. We will fight for justice in your case, and will not give in until you have gotten the fair compensation that is your right under the law. We take bikers seriously, and we believe in fighting for what you deserve.