Distracted driving contributes to many automobile collisions on Columbus streets. Looking away from the road for even a second could be the difference between stopping in time and crashing into another car or pedestrian. Sometimes, motorists are so distracted that they may not even apply the brakes at all before a collision.
Multitasking behind the wheel can have dangerous consequences. If you were injured by a carelessly inattentive driver, reach out to a seasoned attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy. Distracted driving car accidents in Columbus are unfortunately common, but you could recover damages from the negligent party with our dedicated legal support.
Common Distractions for Columbus Drivers
Any action that pulls a driver’s attention away from the road could constitute negligent behavior—and lead to serious physical harm in a traffic crash. The most common and dangerous distractions for Columbus drivers include:
- Texting while driving
- Dialing or talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Putting on makeup while driving
Additionally, cell phone usage is illegal while driving in Ohio for minors under 18. Texting while operating a vehicle is banned for any motorist unless they are on the side of the road. Although other actions such as eating and drinking may not be illegal while driving, they could still constitute careless and negligent behavior if they distract a driver from braking before a collision. In this case, any injured victims could bring a claim for damages against the inattentive party with the help of a
nearby attorney.
Establishing Liability for Inattentive Motorists
Our persistent lawyers can help a plaintiff establish liability for a Columbus traffic accident by gathering evidence of the other driver’s inattentiveness. This can be accomplished by obtaining text records, subpoenaing phone usage printouts, collecting witness statements, or analyzing 911 audio. Our firm also often works with investigative experts in assessing vehicle damage, surveying the accident scene, and securing potential witnesses or video evidence.
A distracted driver may attempt to deflect fault for the auto crash by recounting the details differently. Their insurance company will also want to minimize the amount they owe in settlements to the injured party. It is important for anyone who suffered losses in a Columbus car collision to get strong legal support in seeking compensation from the distracted driver.
Car Crashes with Multiple Distracted Parties
If a plaintiff was also inattentive on the road, they could be found partially at-fault for their injuries, reducing the amount of damages they are entitled to in a civil claim. Every driver has a duty to look out for their own safety and avoid collisions to the best of their abilities. For instance, if an inattentive motorist is pulling out of their driveway while someone else is driving down the street, that driver is required to stop if possible, even though they have
right of way. However, if they are distracted and do not brake in time to avoid the reversing car, they could be found partially liable for the accident.
Ohio uses comparative negligence laws, meaning that a plaintiff who shares some responsibility for their injuries could have their potential award for damages reduced. Our knowledgeable legal team can further explain how the law applies in determining degrees of fault for Columbus distracted driving cases.
Call a Columbus Attorney to Represent Your Distracted Driving Car Accident Case
Even traffic wrecks clearly caused by another driver’s inattentiveness can be difficult to litigate without the right legal support. The
lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy have handled many cases involving distracted driving car accidents in Columbus, and we know what evidence to look for to determine negligence and seek appropriate compensation for victims.
If you were injured because another driver was not paying attention, you deserve legal representation in pursuing a claim.
Call our firm today for a free consultation.
