Distracted driving and legal remedies available for victims

March 14, 2013

Every single day, distracted driving causes approximately 11,000 car accidents in the United States.

In their line of work, trial lawyers across the nation see the damaging results of this trend. Compelled to help curb the epidemic, they started the "End Distracted Driving" program about a year ago.. The program uses videos, role-playing exercises and written materials to educate motorists about the fact that even the smallest distraction can have an impact on their driving ability.

Partnering with the "End Distracted Driving" program, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice hopes to concentrate the trial lawyers' efforts on drives in its state. The association's president, also a trial attorney, advocated for the state program because of the many distracted-driving related accidents he's seen and his belief that the program is the best way to learn the importance of staying focused while driving.

Pennsylvania law prohibits texting while driving
In Pennsylvania, as in 38 other states, texting while driving is unlawful for all drivers, not just for school bus drivers or drivers with learners' permits as in a handful of other states. In Pennsylvania, a ban on texting while driving is primary enforcement, which means that an officer may cite a driver solely based on texting while driving without any other traffic offense precipitating the stop. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have a designated category for cell phone or electronic equipment distractions in police reports. The police are able to collect data on how texting and driving relates to car crashes. Despite the efforts to study the issue, drivers continue to use electronic distractions while driving, sometimes with devastating consequences.

Financial damages for injured victims of distracted driving
What happens when one driver's inattention becomes another's life-altering event? Victims who are injured by the negligence of another driver may be entitled to.

A car crash victim may recover medical expenses, compensation for pain and suffering and even lost wages.

Medical expenses can include medication, consultation with medical professionals, physical or cognitive therapy, medical equipment, ambulance fees, disfigurement and other costs associated with recovery. If a medical professional believes that her patient will need additional medical treatment in the future, a personal injury attorney can help calculate those costs.

Financial compensation may also be offered for pain and suffering, which is defined as mental or physical distress suffered as a result of the car crash. If a victim becomes unable to work, or is able to work but earns less than before, he or she may also be eligible for lost wages.

Car accident disputes may be settled more favorably when the injured person is informed and well-represented. If you have been in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you need an aggressive representative to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Website: http://pittsburghcaraccidentlawyer.org