According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), using cellphones while driving has increased the fatality rate by 31% since 2014. However, a driver can be distracted for several reasons, and you should not have to pay the price for their negligence. If you, or someone close to you, is suffering because of a driver’s negligence, getting the support of a St. Louis’ distracted driving lawyer for your case may help.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233, and let one of our team members evaluate your case. Consultation is free, and you do not pay any upfront or out of pocket fees unless we settle your case.
What is Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused 2,841 deaths in 2018, and 53 of those killed were in St. Louis. It does not help that Missouri only bans the use of cellphones while driving to anyone under 21. The use of a cell phone while driving is still a negligent act if it causes an accident, however.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, such as:
- Eating
- Working the stereo or GPS
- Grooming
- Reading
- Rubbernecking
- Diverting your attention to a passenger
The three types of distractions are:
- Manual – Taking your hands off the steering wheel to do other things
- Visual – Taking your eyes off the road for any reason
- Cognitive – Taking your mind off of driving (daydreaming)
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving lawyer serving St. Louis, call (844) 730-0233
Proving a Driver Was Distracted
Proving negligence is not always an easy process which is why hiring a lawyer may be beneficial as you explore your legal avenues. We know what to look for and have access to specialists who can dig deep into specific types of evidence to prove negligence based on scientific data.
If you want to prove the driver was distracted while driving, here a few things you should gather:
- Surveillance camera footage
- Cellphone and social media data for the time of the crash
- Police report – This should have all pertinent information and the officer’s visual feedback on the incident after talking with the other driver.
- Vehicle data from dashboard recordings
- Photographs
- Witness testimony
- External Distractions (unfamiliar territory or roads)
Missouri is a comparative negligence state. This means that if the defendant can prove you are at fault for a percentage of the accident, that amount comes from the compensation awarded. However, you still must prove they were at the least
51% at fault to get compensation. Discussing your case with an attorney may be able to help better prepare for these types of counterclaims.
St. Louis Distracted Driving Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How a St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you are suffering from injuries or the loss of a loved one, having the support of a team committed to your case’s success can make a huge difference. Hiring a St. Louis distracted driving accident lawyer is a major way to unload the burden of unfamiliarity with the law. An attorney can handle all aspects of your case while you focus on healing.
Understanding the Value of Your Case
Whether it is a personal injury, or a wrongful death claim, due to a distracted driver’s negligence, understanding compensation is key to maximizing the value of your damages. However, value also resides in the personal support a lawyer can offer.
Contact the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for a free consultation. While there is no price you can place to bring a loved one back or make the accident not happen, there is a value to the pain and suffering caused by the negligent driver.
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Damages You Can Recieve for a Distracted Driving Accident
Economic and noneconomic damages may be available in distracted driving accident lawsuits. There is no limit to the amount you may receive in a personal injury or wrongful death claim due to an automobile accident in Missouri.
Damages awarded may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral costs
- Loss of wages
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit for a Distracted Driving Accident in St. Louis
You have five years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim per Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120. You only have three years for a wrongful death claim per Missouri Revised Statutes § 537.100. It may be best to consider hiring an attorney who can ensure all pertinent documents are filed with the proper court in a timely manner, or you could lose your chance to receive compensation.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
When you hire Ben Crump Law, PLLC to manage your case, you are getting a team of attorneys who understand how to handle the most challenging cases. With Missouri being one of the very few states that do not ban all drivers from texting and driving, your chances are also higher in becoming a distracted driving accident victim.
Contact our offices at (844) 730-0233 as soon as possible. We want to help you get through your case smoothly so you can heal. We are committed to investigating and building a strong case to support your claim. Do not let time run out. There is no case too tough, and consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
