Cell Phones, Text Messaging and other Potential distractions that can cause you to get rear ended
A number of studies have demonstrated that texting or using a cellular phone while driving can be even more hazardous than driving drunk, especially in terms of getting rear ended. In fact, a lot of automobile accidents happen, and 1000s of individuals are killed or hurt each and every year, because motorists divert their awareness from the road to operate a mobile device.
While some states have approved laws and regulations either prohibiting or limiting such conduct, others have yet to act. In answer to this real danger, the U.S. Department of Transportation enacted DOT 14-10 on January 26, 2010, which prohibits truck and bus drivers from texting while driving. This federal measure is effective immediately and is applicable to drivers of interstate buses and commercial transport weighing over 10,000 lbs. Violators could be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties as high as $2,750.
What to do if rear ended? To find out more regarding initiatives by the U.S. DOT to fight driving distractions, look at www.distraction.gov. Even where particular laws outlawing this practice haven’t yet been introduced, motorists may nevertheless be held responsible if they negligently cause accidents when they’re texting, talking on mobile devices or are otherwise distracted. As technological innovation progresses and cars become equipped with interactive features like GPS, navigation and satellite radio, the risk of getting rear ended and serious injuries will undoubtedly increase.
If perhaps you were hurt in a car accident caused by a motorist who was text messaging, chatting on a cell phone or otherwise preoccupied, you ought to contact an accident law firm for a free preliminary consultation. Look for a lawyer with numerous years of practical experience handling car accident cases and will fight hard to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
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