Harsher Penalties for Distracted Driving Are Now in Effect in Illinois

 Posted on July 22, 2020 in Distracted Driving Accidents

By now, most people have heard the statistics about distracted driving: Over 1,000 people are injured, and approximately nine are killed in car accidents involving a distracted driver every day in the U.S. Distracted driving is also a contributing factor in 60 percent of car crashes involving a teenage driver. To combat this growing problem, Illinois recently enacted harsher penalties for drivers who drive while distracted.

Illinois Law Prohibits Cell Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving includes any activity that takes your attention off of the road. It can involve visual distractions, manual distractions, and cognitive distractions. Texting, browsing social media, or otherwise using a cell phone while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of distractions. To reduce the number of auto accidents caused by distracted driving, Illinois and several other states have increased the penalties for cell phone use behind the wheel. The Illinois Secretary of State now has the authority to suspend or revoke a person’s driver’s license if he or she causes a car accident resulting in bodily harm while using an electronic device. The fine for using a device and causing an accident resulting in injury has also been increased from $75 to $1,000. Drivers are expected to use voice-operated or hands-free options if they need to make a call while driving.

Personal Injury Claims and Distracted Driving Accidents

Car accidents caused by distracted driving can result in devastating injuries that require significant medical intervention. In some cases, a serious auto accident can result in injuries that leave a person disabled or disfigured for the rest of his or her life. Medical expenses, property damage, and lost income resulting from a car accident often represents a huge financial burden. Unfortunately, car insurance companies are notorious for offering only partial compensation for the losses caused by car accidents. A personal injury claim can help an injured person pursue the full compensation he or she needs.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer

At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., we help clients who have been injured by the negligent actions of another party get the compensation they need and deserve. If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, ongoing medical care, disability, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. Call our office today at 847-662-3303 and schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation and review with a Lake County personal injury attorney from our firm.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyamohn/2015/03/25/teen-distracted-driving-crashes-even-worse-than-we-thought-new-study-finds/

https://www.northernpublicradio.org/post/illinois-ends-license-suspension-non-moving-violations-more-penalties-texting-while-driving