Texting and Driving Accident Attorneys
Texting and Driving Lawyer Southern Illinois
Texting and Driving Lawyer Illinois. Hassakis & Hassakis' texting and driving accident attorneys help Illinois residents negotiate with insurance companies, file claims, and get victims the compensation they need after a texting and driving accident in Illinois.
According to the DriveSafe Online, 33% of auto accidents involve speeding, 22% alcohol, and nearly 14% are due to distracted driving. An overwhelming 19% of all fatalities are associated with texting and driving as of 2022. You are 23% more likely to get in a car accident if you are texting or taking video while you drive.
Dangers of Texting and Driving in Illinois
Texting and driving incidents are almost completely avoidable. Distracted driving can happen when you're answering a Bluetooth call, confirming a ride-share request, looking at your GPS for your next turn-off, or anything that takes your attention off from the road is a threat and can lead to an accident and death for you and others.
There are three types of distraction:
- Cognitive Distraction: When texting, a driver's focus is diverted from the task of driving to the task of reading or typing on a phone.
- Visual Distraction: Texting requires the driver to take their eyes off the road to look at the phone screen.
- Manual Distraction: To text, a driver needs to use their hands to type, which means at least one hand is off the steering wheel (usually both).
If you've been in a texting and driving accident in Illinois and need a car accident lawyer, contact us online or give our team a call at (618)-244-5335 to learn more about our Southern Illinois texting and driving attorneys.
Common Illinois Traffic Laws
Each state has different variants of traffic laws. See below to learn more about Illinois and common traffic violations:
- Cell Phone Use: Hand-held cell phone use is prohibited while driving. Drivers can only use hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology. Texting while driving is strictly forbidden. Violations can lead to fines and points on your driving record.
- Seat Belt Law: Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. This applies to front and back seats. Failure to comply can result in fines and court costs.
- Speed Limits: The speed limit on interstate highways is 70 mph, while on rural highways, it's typically 55 mph unless otherwise posted. In urban areas, the speed limit is generally 30 mph unless signs indicate otherwise. Speeding can result in fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums.
- DUI Law: Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Penalties for DUI include license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.
- Right-of-Way Rules: Illinois law dictates that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Failure to yield can result in fines and points on your driving record.
Laws are designed to enhance safety on the roads and ensure that drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are protected. It's important to follow these rules to avoid penalties and contribute to safer driving conditions in Illinois.
Damages for Texting and Driving Accidents in Illinois
After an accident, victims and families may be entitled to various types of compensation that are categorized into two types.
- Special Damages: Special damages are monetized and calculable. This includes medical bills, ambulance fees, physical therapy, medication costs, lost wages due to not being able to do your job. Claiming special damages depends on keeping records of any out-of-pocket expenses you pay after a texting and driving accident.
- General Damages: More intangible but just as important, general damages include elements like loss of consortium, pain and suffering after an injury, loss of affection, and additional financial compensation for the accident.
Damages might not solve the problem, but victims often need that money for healthcare, to compensate for time off of work (or the inability to work), transportation, and other issues related to an accident.
Common Texting and Driving Injuries
- Head Trauma
- Internal Bleeding
- Whiplash
- Brain Injuries
- Scarring
- Broken Bones
Texting & Driving Accident Lawyers Illinois
Injury Law Practice Areas
Our Southern Illinois personal injury lawyers specialize in texting and driving accidents. If you were involved in one, lost a family member, job opportunities, or suffered an injury yourself, our team will help manage your case and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Texting and driving is a completely avoidable road hazard that typically causes more injuries to victims that the guilty party. Reach out Hassakis & Hassakis today if you or a family member have been rear-ended, side-swiped, or seriously injured in a texting and driving accident. Our firm will help you get medical treatment, take depositions, prove liability, and navigate the legal system during these difficult situations after texting and driving accidents.
Texting and Driving Accident Attorneys
Texting and Driving Lawyer Southern Illinois
Texting and Driving Lawyer Illinois. Hassakis & Hassakis' texting and driving accident attorneys help Illinois residents negotiate with insurance companies, file claims, and get victims the compensation they need after a texting and driving accident in Illinois.
According to the DriveSafe Online, 33% of auto accidents involve speeding, 22% alcohol, and nearly 14% are due to distracted driving. An overwhelming 19% of all fatalities are associated with texting and driving as of 2022. You are 23% more likely to get in a car accident if you are texting or taking video while you drive.
Dangers of Texting and Driving in Illinois
Texting and driving incidents are almost completely avoidable. Distracted driving can happen when you're answering a Bluetooth call, confirming a ride-share request, looking at your GPS for your next turn-off, or anything that takes your attention off from the road is a threat and can lead to an accident and death for you and others.
There are three types of distraction:
- Cognitive Distraction: When texting, a driver's focus is diverted from the task of driving to the task of reading or typing on a phone.
- Visual Distraction: Texting requires the driver to take their eyes off the road to look at the phone screen.
- Manual Distraction: To text, a driver needs to use their hands to type, which means at least one hand is off the steering wheel (usually both).
If you've been in a texting and driving accident in Illinois and need a car accident lawyer, contact us online or give our team a call at (618)-244-5335 to learn more about our Southern Illinois texting and driving attorneys.
Common Illinois Traffic Laws
Each state has different variants of traffic laws. See below to learn more about Illinois and common traffic violations:
- Cell Phone Use: Hand-held cell phone use is prohibited while driving. Drivers can only use hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology. Texting while driving is strictly forbidden. Violations can lead to fines and points on your driving record.
- Seat Belt Law: Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. This applies to front and back seats. Failure to comply can result in fines and court costs.
- Speed Limits: The speed limit on interstate highways is 70 mph, while on rural highways, it's typically 55 mph unless otherwise posted. In urban areas, the speed limit is generally 30 mph unless signs indicate otherwise. Speeding can result in fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums.
- DUI Law: Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Penalties for DUI include license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.
- Right-of-Way Rules: Illinois law dictates that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Failure to yield can result in fines and points on your driving record.
Laws are designed to enhance safety on the roads and ensure that drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are protected. It's important to follow these rules to avoid penalties and contribute to safer driving conditions in Illinois.
Damages for Texting and Driving Accidents in Illinois
After an accident, victims and families may be entitled to various types of compensation that are categorized into two types.
- Special Damages: Special damages are monetized and calculable. This includes medical bills, ambulance fees, physical therapy, medication costs, lost wages due to not being able to do your job. Claiming special damages depends on keeping records of any out-of-pocket expenses you pay after a texting and driving accident.
- General Damages: More intangible but just as important, general damages include elements like loss of consortium, pain and suffering after an injury, loss of affection, and additional financial compensation for the accident.
Damages might not solve the problem, but victims often need that money for healthcare, to compensate for time off of work (or the inability to work), transportation, and other issues related to an accident.
Common Texting and Driving Injuries
- Head Trauma
- Internal Bleeding
- Whiplash
- Brain Injuries
- Scarring
- Broken Bones
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Medical Malpractice
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Wrongful Death
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Texting & Driving Accident Lawyers Illinois
Injury Law Practice Areas
Our Southern Illinois personal injury lawyers specialize in texting and driving accidents. If you were involved in one, lost a family member, job opportunities, or suffered an injury yourself, our team will help manage your case and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Texting and driving is a completely avoidable road hazard that typically causes more injuries to victims that the guilty party. Reach out Hassakis & Hassakis today if you or a family member have been rear-ended, side-swiped, or seriously injured in a texting and driving accident. Our firm will help you get medical treatment, take depositions, prove liability, and navigate the legal system during these difficult situations after texting and driving accidents.
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Car Accident
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Truck Accident
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Premises Liability
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Workers’ Compensation
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Legal Support for Texting and Driving Accidents in Illinois
Stats on Texting and Driving in Illiinois
Thousands of injuries are reported every year that correspond with using a phone to text or an app while driving.
- Accident Rates: Studies have shown that texting while driving significantly increases the risk of being involved in a crash. Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in an accident than those who don't.
- Fatalities and Injuries: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries each year are attributable to distracted driving, with a significant portion involving texting. Car-related texting and driving deaths in Illinois account for ~10% of all fatalities.
- Reaction Time: Texting while driving can delay a driver's reaction time as much as if they were legally intoxicated.
Consequences of Texting and Driving
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Texting while driving significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in a collision. The combination of visual, cognitive, and manual distractions makes it difficult to react to road conditions and other vehicles in time.
- Legal Penalties: Many jurisdictions have strict laws against texting and driving. Violating these laws can result in fines, points on your driving record, and even license suspension.
- Insurance Consequences: Being involved in an accident due to texting and driving can lead to higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies may also deny claims if it's proven that texting was the cause of the accident.
- Financial Costs: Beyond legal and insurance penalties, there can be significant financial costs associated with vehicle repairs, medical bills, and potential lawsuits from injured parties.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Causing an accident while texting can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects, including guilt, anxiety, and trauma.
- Impact on Driving Record: Accidents and violations related to texting and driving can negatively impact your driving record, potentially leading to more severe consequences for future traffic offenses.
Drivers can be fined in Illinois if they wear headphones, are texting, or are watching videos.
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$2.3 Million Settlement
CASE TYPE: Workers' Compensation
$2.3 Million Workers' Compensation Settlement. We fought hard to get this incredible settlement for our client in his workers' compensation claim. Our client worked as a coal miner and suffered a brain injury and partial blindness as a result of a work accident. Through tough litigation, we were able to get this client a $2.3 million settlement.
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If you or your child are hurt while riding your bicycle, the lawyers of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. can help you recover. A minor was riding their bicycle when they were seriously injured by a worker with a local entity. We fought to get a confidential settlement for our client.
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A 61 year old male sustained traumatic and severe fractures to his pelvis and nose, right rib fractures, fractures to his back and neck requiring surgical intervention. He was discharged from the hospital to a rehab facility for occupational and physical therapy. This case was settled for $46,476.46.
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Case Type: Group Home Injuries
In this confidential settlement case, a minor child was seriously injured in a group home.
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Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been a pillar of the Southern Illinois legal community. Founded by Demetri Hassakis, our law firm was established with a dedication to top-notch legal representation. Today, his son, Mark D. Hassakis, along with partners Josh A. Humbrecht, James M. Ruppert, and Shane M. Carnine, continue this legacy, offering passionate and client-centered advocacy to the people of Southern Illinois. Our firm is deeply rooted in the community, with all our attorneys living and serving in the area.
At Hassakis & Hassakis, we have always prioritized personalized, client-focused legal services. Our attorneys are not only skilled litigators but also dedicated counselors who take the time to understand and build lasting relationships with our clients. Much of our growth is driven by word of mouth, with clients often recommending our services to friends, family, and colleagues. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we are always ready for any challenges and can negotiate effectively from a position of strength. Our areas of expertise include personal injury, workers’ compensation, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. By focusing on these key areas, we ensure our clients receive the best possible outcomes without risking their cases with inexperienced representation.
Preventing Texting and Driving Accidents in Southern Illinois
The According to the NSC reports an increase in death rates over the past decade due to texting and distracted driving. There are plenty of things you can as a driver (and passenger) to prevent accidents:
Education and Awareness
Campaigns aimed at educating drivers about the dangers of texting and driving are crucial. Organizations like the NHTSA and various non-profits run awareness campaigns to highlight these risks.
Technology Solutions
Some apps and phone settings can help prevent texting while driving by blocking texts and calls when the vehicle is in motion. These programs can significantly reduce distractions.
Legislation
Strict enforcement of texting and driving laws, along with publicized penalties, can help deter drivers from engaging in this behavior. Strong legal frameworks are essential for promoting road safety.
Safety Tips
- Use Hands-Free Options: If communication is necessary while driving, use hands-free options like Bluetooth or voice commands.
- Pull Over Safely: If you need to send or read a text, pull over to a safe location first.
- Inform Others: Let friends, family, and colleagues know that you won't be responding to texts while driving.
- Set an Example: Practice safe driving habits and encourage others to do the same.
Texting and driving is a major public safety issue with severe consequences. The combination of cognitive, visual, and manual distractions makes it one of the most dangerous driving behaviors. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, drivers can help reduce the incidence of texting-related accidents and save lives.
Experienced Texting & Driving Accident Lawyers in Illinois
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a car accident in Illinois, it is crucial to seek advice from qualified attorneys to understand your rights and options. Contact our Illinois texting and driving lawyers today at 618-244-5335 for assistance. We're here to help you navigate the legal side of a texting and driving accident in Illinois.
If you've been in an accident, it's advisable to:
- Call 911 for Medical Support & Police
- Collect Information (insurance, name, etc.)
- Get in Touch With a Lawyer
If you’ve been in a texting and driving accident in Illinois, our dedicated team is ready to assist you. Reach out to us online or call our office at (618)-244-5335 to speak with our experienced texting and driving accident attorneys in Southern Illinois.
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