How Smartphone Use Affects Car Crash Rates in Rhode Island

What is the impact of smartphone use on overall crash rates? Research suggests smartphone use has a significant impact on overall crash rates. 

If a driver is using their smartphone while driving, they could cause an accident that leaves you injured. Following this incident, speak with a Rhode Island car accident lawyer to review your legal options. 

Using a Smartphone While Driving Forces a Motorist to Take their Eyes Off the Road

To understand the impact of smartphone use on the overall crash rate, look at what can happen when a motorist is not focused on safe travel. If a driver is paying more attention to their smartphone and the road, they could miss hazards, pedestrians, or other motorists. Thus, the motorist may not be able to stop in enough time to prevent a crash. 

Just because a driver knows about the impact of using a smartphone on overall crash rates does not guarantee they will comply with safe driving laws. If a motorist is using a smartphone and slams their vehicle into yours, hold them accountable. Work with a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer to take legal action against this motorist. 

Gemma Law has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for auto accident victims and many others. Our team can share legal FAQs and resources with you and help you determine if now is the right time to sue a motorist who was using their cell phone when they crashed their car into yours. Schedule a free case consultation with us. 

A Distracted Driver is a Dangerous Driver

Talking or texting on a phone is one of the biggest reasons for distracted driving. You have no control over whether a motorist considers the impact of cell phone use on overall crash rates. Yet, if a distracted driver is liable for your auto accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against them. 

Seek legal help when in doubt about how to file a lawsuit against a distracted driver. A car crash lawyer can teach you about distracted driving accidents and answer any questions you have about them.

They can evaluate your economic and non-economic damages. Based on these, they may encourage you to ask for money for your auto repair expenses, medical bills, and other losses. 

A motorist may claim they understood the impact of smartphone use on the overall crash rate and were not driving while distracted. Your lawyer helps you dispute this and other claims made by the driver. They gather evidence on your behalf. Plus, they address common questions about car accident cases and help you make informed legal decisions. 

There are Times When it is Illegal to Use a Smartphone While Driving in Rhode Island

In terms of distracted driving in Rhode Island, rules are in place to protect motorists and pedestrians. Statewide, it is against the law to have a smartphone in your hands if you are driving. However, you can talk or text on a cell phone if you are behind the wheel as long as you use a hands-free device. 

For example, it is illegal to talk on a phone with your left hand while you hold your car’s steering wheel with your right hand. Alternatively, you can use your cell phone as your GPS if you control your device using Bluetooth. 

If you are involved in an auto accident when a motorist was using a cell phone, your lawyer accounts for how this driver may have been distracted.

They may use studies and data to show the impact of the use of a smartphone on overall crash rates in your case against the other driver. That way, they may help you achieve the optimal client case results.

Rhode Island Lawmakers are Teaching Motorists About the Impact of Smartphone Use on Overall Crash Rates 

Public awareness campaigns are ongoing to educate drivers about the dangers of driving while distracted. Rhode Island lawmakers implemented the state’s hands-free driving law in 2018. They have also promoted the “It Can Wait” campaign to encourage drivers to stop their cars safely before they make a phone call, text, or email. 

It is in your best interests to follow driving laws any time you get behind the wheel. Doing so minimizes the risk that you will get in an accident. Most importantly, it boosts your chances of traveling from point A to point B safely. 

Of course, if a motorist decides to use their smartphone and gets into an accident with you, it may be best to pursue legal help. A distracted driving accident lawyer protects your legal rights. They can help you recover damages for your quantifiable and subjective losses. 

Tips to Help You if You Want to Sue a Distracted Driver

Do not wait to file a lawsuit if a motorist is using their smartphone and causes your auto accident. Rhode Island has a statute of limitations of three years for personal injury claims. This window may not be extended. 

Hire a car accident attorney to serve as your legal representative and advocate. Your lawyer submits your compensation request before the window in which you are allowed to do so expires. They can negotiate a settlement for you. 

If a liable party offers a settlement, review the proposal with your lawyer. Ultimately, you should not accept a settlement unless it provides you with fair compensation. If a settlement is less than what you have suffered in losses, you can decline the offer. Your lawyer supports your decision to do so and continues to look for ways to strengthen your case. 

The Bottom Line on the Impact of Smartphone Use on the Overall Crash Rate

If a driver chooses to hold their smartphone and use it, they are breaking the law. This motorist can be liable for an accident in which you are injured or suffer property damage. 

Gemma Law offers legal guidance and support to car crash victims and their families. We can help you deal with the aftermath of an accident caused by a distracted driver. Contact us today for more information.