At some point or another, most of us have seen a driver texting at the wheel. While it is legal in Tennessee to use a cell phone while stopped at a red light or a stop sign, a Franklin driver who texts while their vehicle is in motion jeopardizes not only their own safety but the safety of everyone around them as well.
The potential consequences of texting while driving are staggering. The National Safety Council says that one in every four car accidents in the United States is the result of texting and driving. Even though Tennessee outlawed texting and driving in 2009, the state remains one of the deadliest places for distracted driving accidents in the country. If you suffered an injury in an accident caused by a driver texting at the wheel, a Franklin texting while driving lawyer may be able to help. Work with a compassionate car accident attorney that could advocate for you.
Defining Distracted Driving
There are many forms of distracted driving. While texting and driving is perhaps the most common form today, distractions have always plagued drivers. From the car radio to eating a snack to animated conversations with passengers, there is virtually no limit on the kinds of distractions that can shift a motorist’s focus from the road.
Texting while driving is a catch-all term used to refer to all kinds of activities done on a smartphone while behind the wheel. Checking email, reading app notifications, and adjusting the GPS systems on a phone can all lead to distracted driving. Even if a person is not technically texting while driving, their cell phone use while their vehicle is moving can cause serious damage.
Impact of Texting While Driving
The National Safety Council estimates that ten percent of all car crashes in Tennessee stem from cell phone distractions. Many of these accidents result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue damage. These injuries can forever change the way a person lives their life.
Even after injuries heal, the emotional and financial damage resulting from a car crash may remain. Post-traumatic stress disorder can sometimes affect survivors of car accidents, and many unrepresented victims are left footing the bill for expensive healthcare and car repairs. This additional stress can compound the mental toll taken on someone hurt by someone else’s negligence. A Franklin texting while driving lawyer could help an individual seek compensation for their injuries.
Compassionate Legal Help from a Franklin Texting While Driving Attorney
For those injured in car accidents caused by drivers who text at the wheel, the days and weeks following a crash can feel hopeless. When other drivers make reckless choices, the consequences can forever change a person’s life. It is easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of such a life-altering collision.
Fortunately, a Franklin texting while driving lawyer could help you pursue legal action against the driver responsible for your wreck. Even if you are not sure whether you want to pursue a civil case or go to court, it is always a good idea to consult with an attorney and learn what your options may be. Call today to set up your appointment with a considerate, knowledgeable local lawyer.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.