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Texting and driving is a major problem in Michigan and across the United States. These accidents often lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident caused by someone who was texting and driving behind the wheel, we can help. At Davis Law Center, our skilled Michigan injury lawyers can scrutinize the circumstances of your case and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Texting and driving is an issue that should not be taken lightly. When a driver is not focused on the road, the consequences can be devastating. Studies have shown that a driver who is texting and driving has slower reflexes and reaction times, similar to a drunk driver. In fact, studies have shown that sending a text message forces you to take your eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. If you do this at fifty-five miles per hour, its like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 people were injured in the United States in 2015 alone because of texting and driving. In fact, one out of every four car accidents in the U.S. is caused by texting and driving. By some estimates, text messaging is six times more likely to get you in a crash than drunk driving.
In Michigan, the problem is just as bad. According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, 41 percent of Michigan young adult drivers engage in texting and emailing while driving. While Michigan law prohibits drivers from reading, manually typing, or sending a text message while driving, more than 26 percent indicated they engaged in texting or emailing behind the wheel daily.
Drivers who carelessly cause accidents by texting and driving may be liable for any resulting harm under the theory of negligence. Negligence takes place when an individual fails to use reasonable care behind the wheel. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would act in the same or similar circumstances. For example, a driver using reasonable care would not text and drive, understanding the risk of accidents and injuries associated with such behavior. To win on a negligence claim, the injured party must establish the following elements: i) the defendant owed you a duty of care; ii) the defendant breached the duty of care by texting and driving; iii) the defendant’s breach was a direct cause of the accident and the resulting harm; and iv) you incurred damages.
Once negligence is established, the injured party may be able to recover a variety of damages, including but not limited to pain and suffering and other damages stemming from the accident. The exact amount of compensation, however, will depend on the specific nature and extent of the harm suffered.
The reality is that texting and driving causes dangerous, even deadly accidents. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident caused by someone who was texting and driving, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Davis Law Center, our seasoned Michigan auto accident attorneys understand every case is different, which is why we will thoroughly analyze the circumstances of your accident and come up with a legal strategy accordingly. For more information about your case, call us at 248-865-7740 or contact us online.