According to Distraction.gov,1 texting is one of the most dangerous types of driving distractions because it causes manual (hands off the wheel), visual (eyes off the road), and cognitive (mind off the task of driving) distractions all at the same time. Texting has even been noted as more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol under many circumstances. The generalized term “texting” does not only refer to reading or sending texts on your phone, but also to reading or sending emails, Facebook messages, typing anything text-based into a browser or search engine, and more.
Laws Against Texting: MO Car Accident Lawyers
Due to the high risks of accidents and injuries associated with texting and driving, the large majority of states have outlawed the practice. 45 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws making any type of text-based messaging on a hand-held mobile device illegal and violators of these laws risk facing citations by law enforcement. Some states have gone as far as to outlaw all uses of a hand-held mobile device, including talking on a cell phone.
Missouri is one of the few states left2 with no laws regarding texting and driving for drivers over the age of 21. However, just because a texting driver is not breaking the law does not mean that injured victims cannot hold that driver liable in civil court. Texting—like other types of distracted driving—is still considered to be negligent behavior and drivers should be held responsible for any injuries that they cause through negligence. For this reason, you can file a successful personal injury lawsuit against a texting driver who caused your injuries provided you can prove that the driver was, in fact, texting at the time of the collision.
Contact a Car Accident in St. Louis to Discuss a Possible Legal Claim Today
If you have suffered injury in an accident that you believe occurred because another driver was texting, you should call an experienced personal injury attorney at The Bruning Law Firm as soon as possible. Collecting evidence is vital in a texting case and the sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner he can begin working on your case. Call us at 314-735-8100 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
LET US GET STARTED ON YOUR ST. LOUIS CAR ACCIDENT CASE TODAY
If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in an auto accident, contact The Bruning Law Firm today. We provide the comprehensive, professional legal representation you deserve at a time when you need it most.
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