Wisconsin Personal Injury Law: Driving is Dangerous, Pay Attention!

Not a day goes by that I get frustrated with another driver either ahead or to my side who is talking on a cell phone, texting or doing other things other than paying attention to their driving.  I would like to say that I have never been guilty of the same, but, I can’t.  Although I try to limit my distractions they exist and they are a concern.  Luckily, it has not lead to causing an accident; however, others cannot claim to be so lucky.

The statistics are many and are startling.  Some of the recent statistics about accidents and distracted drivers are listed below:

• Majority of drivers are distracted
• 80% of drivers admit to texting, changing clothes, shaving, steering with a knee or painting nails while driving
• Driving while using a cell phone reduces brain activity associated with driving by 37%
• Using hand-held devices makes you 4 times more likely to get into an accident
• If you are texting and driving you are 23 times more likely to crash than if you are not
• Distracted driving causes more than 5,000 deaths and 450,000 injury-producing accidents every year
• Sending or receiving texts takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds
• Using a cell phone while driving creates the same reaction as having a BAC of 0.08%, in Wisconsin, legally drunk!
• The number one source of driver inattention in America is wireless devices (cell phones)

The statistics and the list goes on.  The point is simple, distracted drivers are more likely to get into and cause accidents.  First, be smart and limit the use of cell phones and other wireless devices while driving.  On the other hand, pay attention to distracted drivers.  Although people think they are “sneaky” you can always spot the cell phone users and texters.  Do your best to avoid the irresponsibility and negligence of these drivers; however, if you are injured in an accident there are several steps you should take.

First, seek immediate attention.  Second, tell the investigating police officer, if you are able, what you saw the other driver doing just before the crash.  People must learn that this type of activity cannot go unpunished and there are laws against certain of these activities in many states and of course they would all come under the general “inattentive driving” citation that certainly would be applicable to these drivers.  Next, once you have taken care of your medical needs immediately seek the services of an experienced personal injury attorney to make sure that the responsible party pays for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and any other damages caused by the inattentive and negligent driving.  You have rights and you should protect those rights in the event of an accident whether caused by the other driver’s inattentive driving or any other type of negligence.

I have been representing injured victims of automobile accidents and their families for more than 27 years.  Generally, these cases are handled on a contingency fee basis with no fees paid unless and until there is a recovery.  I would be glad to discuss your rights at no cost or obligation to you.  If you or a loved one have been in an accident and are injured please contact me to discuss your rights.  You can contact me by e-mail at mark@kh-law.net or call (866) 455-2993.

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Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC

As the owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC, it is Stephanie’s mission to address each client’s goals for their estate plan. By identifying their wishes and concerns she can educate, guide, and counsel on the different tools and options that will effectively and efficiently accomplish those goals.

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