Distracted Driving Accidents in Illinois 

No matter where you drive these days, distracted driving has become a more prevalent problem than ever before. The introduction of smartphones, and the carelessness exhibited by today’s drivers in general, contribute to what statistics indicate is a rising and growing epidemic in America – distracted driving. 

In the Chicago area and in Illinois generally, our team at Anspach Law Office knows all too well how prevalent distracted driving accidents are. We’ve handled many personal injury claims arising from car accidents in the greater Chicago area and see first-hand just how dangerous this increasingly prevalent phenomenon on our country’s roads can be. 

Below is a brief overview of the distracted driving problem in the Windy City and the harm it causes. 

Distracted Driving in Illinois

Illinois lawmakers have prohibited certain distracting activities while driving in our state. For example, texting, cell phone use, or use of any electronic device is prohibited by Illinois law while operating a vehicle. Only individuals who are nineteen or older may use hands-free devices to access electronic communications functions from their devices while behind the wheel. Illinois even has enacted laws imposing criminal liability on someone whose distracted driving leads to an accident with another car, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. 

Despite these strict laws prohibiting various forms of distracted driving, the problem still persists at an alarming rate in the state. Although Illinois is not among the worst states when it comes to distracted driving accidents or fatalities, it still occurs frequently enough to be a cause for concern. 

Distracted driving can take many forms besides using electronic devices while behind the wheel. Eating, adjusting your radio, applying makeup, and even daydreaming while driving are several other forms distracted driving can take.  

According to 2019 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in Illinois alone, there were 151 fatal crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in 160 fatalities. According to another study, between 2018 and 2019, Illinois ranked 11th in the U.S. for fatal accidents due to distracted driving. Thousands more people suffer serious and costly injuries due to distracted driving, and victims deserve to receive full compensation for their injuries and losses. 

Anyone who believes they were hit by a distracted driver should learn about their legal rights.

Seek Help from a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

If a distracted driver in Chicago causes you to become the victim of a car accident, you need to find a personal injury lawyer in the area who you can trust to represent you and your claim. At the Anspach Law Office, we have a team of dedicated attorneys ready to hold distracted drivers accountable for the injuries they cause others by exposing them to unnecessary risks on the road. If you’ve been the victim of a car accident due to a distracted driver, you should get in contact with us by visiting our website to see what we can do for your personal injury claim.