Distracted Driving and Personal Injury Claims
Smartphones are both a miracle and a curse. These days we can do almost anything on our phones, and some of us are addicted to our smart devices. Unfortunately, the rise of digital technology has resulted in an increase of car accidents. Some accidents have proven to be fatal. In almost every state texting is illegal, but people continue to engage in distracted driving. If you were injured in a car accident as a result of a negligent distracted driver, the attorneys at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center can assist with your claim.
Wyoming Distracted Driving Laws
In Wyoming, it is illegal to send, read, or draft a text message while driving. It is also illegal to read emails, surf social media, or do anything on a cellphone while driving other than make a call. A phone should be equipped with hands-free Bluetooth technology for usage to not be illegal. You must be parked and off the road in order to text on your phone. If cited by a police officer, a driver is subject to a $90 fine, and it is considered a traffic misdemeanor.
If a driver is texting and strikes another vehicle, causing an accident, they are liable for damages and injuries suffered by the plaintiff. During discovery, a plaintiff’s attorney can request phone records from the defendant to determine if they were texting at the time of the accident. Sometimes the driver may admit fault at the scene, but this is unlikely. Unfortunately when a driver does not have their eyes on the road, an accident can be extremely severe, sometimes fatal. In 2018 alone, 228 accidents were caused by distracted driving. Of those 228 accidents, five fatalities occurred. These accidents are not the result of weather or other uncontrollable factors, in fact they are completely preventable.
Next Steps after a Collision
If you are in an accident and you believe the driver was distracted by their phone, get their identification and vehicle information. If possible, take a photograph of the vehicle damage along with their car insurance information. Contact the police so that a police report can be written and used as evidence. If the officer believes distracted driving was the cause of the accident, he will very likely issue the defendant driver a ticket for distracted driving. If you are physically hurt, do not hesitate to go to a local hospital and seek medical treatment. Continue treatment as needed. Many victims often need extensive physical therapy and additional care because of a collision for injuries to the neck, back, broken limbs, or other injuries. Contact an attorney as soon as you can to make a statement and get on the path to recovery.
Contact Our Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one were in an accident as a result of distracted driving, call our attorneys at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center. We will work hard to help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve. You do not need to continue to suffer because of another driver’s negligence. There is absolutely no excuse for texting while driving, and the person who caused your accident should be held liable for damages.
