Naperville Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
At Marker & Crannell Attorneys At Law P.C., we understand the devastating impact of distracted driving accidents in Naperville and throughout DuPage County. As Naperville natives with over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We focus on personal injury cases, bringing an aggressive, sophisticated and confident approach to each distracted driving case we handle.
Distracted driving is a serious form of negligence that puts innocent lives at risk. Our passion for justice drives us to fight tirelessly for victims’ rights, demanding accountability from those who choose to text, eat or engage in other distracting behaviors behind the wheel. We pride ourselves on maintaining open communication with our clients and offering focused, personalized legal services. When you choose our firm, you’re gaining advocates who understand the local landscape and are dedicated to pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Prevalence Of Distracted Driving As A Cause Of Accidents
A distraction of even a few seconds can be enough to cause a serious accident. Taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel or even daydreaming about something else all take your focus from the task of driving. When you’re not paying attention, an accident can happen.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13% of all accidents in 2021 involved distracted driving. Distracted driving is increasing every year, according to a study done by the Insurance Information Institute (III). The study found that between 2019 and 2023, there was a 30% increase in the average amount of distracted driving per mile. A considerable cause for this increase stems from more and more people returning to work and other daily commutes as pandemic restrictions lifted.
Distracted driving accidents often result in the following types of accidents:
- Rear-end collisions: These types of accidents are common as drivers who are eating, texting or otherwise distracted are not paying attention to how closely they’re following behind another car. In fact, the NHTSA reports that nearly 87% of all rear-end crashes are due to the following driver being distracted. When they’re not keeping a proper distance, they may collide right into the car in front of them and cause significant damage or injuries.
- Intersection accidents: Many drivers tend to check their phones or adjust their GPS when they come to a stop at an intersection. Even if they’re not moving, this quick distraction can take a driver’s mind off their surroundings. Drivers may miss when a signal turns green or not notice pedestrians as they cross the street until it’s too late.
Car and truck drivers who are fatigued or distracted can cause a catastrophic accident while on the road. In Illinois, it is illegal to use hand-held phones, text or use other electric devices while driving. If you are 19 years of age or older, you are allowed to use hands-free devices or bluetooth devices, although these devices can also cause distractions.
If you are in an accident by someone you suspect was driving distracted, you will need to provide evidence when pursuing your claim. You should collect the following:
- Police reports: It’s important to always report an accident to the police. The police report will also provide you with information about the other driver. Police may also notice if the other driver is distracted, such as having their phone out or fast-food wrappers in the front seat. They may take photos of the other car and include them in the report which can help you build your case.
- Cell phone records: An attorney can help you subpoena the other driver’s cell phone records to determine whether they were texting or calling someone while driving at the time of the crash.
- Video footage: Video evidence from a traffic camera, dash cam or other surveillance video may show that the other driver was distracted at the time of the crash.
- Eyewitness statements: If anyone saw the accident and noticed the other driver was distracted, their statements can help bolster your case.
By working with an experienced car accident lawyer, you can seek compensation for the damages done to you. We know how complex these cases can be and work tirelessly to help you gather the right evidence and aggressively advocate a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Stand Up To Negligent Drivers: Schedule Your Free Consultation
Suffering injuries because of the negligence of another driver is an injustice, and you should demand compensation. At Marker & Crannell, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight aggressively for your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency basis – you don’t pay unless we win or settle your case. Call us at 630-912-6009 or fill out an online form to arrange a consultation.