Cell Phones, Text Messaging and other Potential distractions that can cause you to get rear ended
A number of reports have demonstrated that texting or using a cell phone while driving a car could be even more hazardous than driving drunk, especially in terms of getting rear ended. In fact, countless auto wrecks happen, and thousands of individuals are killed or hurt each and every year, because motorists divert their awareness from the road to operate a mobile device.
Even though some states have approved laws either prohibiting or restricting this kind of conduct, others have yet to act. In response to this threat, the U.S. Department of Transportation passed DOT 14-10 on January 26, 2010, which forbids truck and bus drivers from texting while driving. This federal measure is effective immediately and applies to drivers of interstate buses and commercial transport with a weight of more than 10,000 pounds. Violators could be subject to civil and/or criminal fees and penalties of up to $2,750.
What to do if rear ended? For more information regarding initiatives by the U.S. DOT to fight driving distractions, look at www.distraction.gov. Even where particular laws and regulations outlawing this behavior haven’t yet been enacted, motorists could nevertheless be held accountable if they negligently cause accidents when they’re texting, speaking on cellphones or are otherwise distracted. As technology advances and cars become outfitted with interactive capabilities like GPS, navigation and satellite radio, the chance of getting rear ended and serious injuries will undoubtedly increase.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck because of a motorist who was texting, speaking on a cellphone or otherwise distracted, you should get in touch with an accidental injury law firm for a free initial discussion. Choose a lawyer with years of practical experience managing car accident cases and will fight hard to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
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