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Distracted Driving FAQ

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Distracted Driving FAQ
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Common Questions About Rockford Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving has been a challenge since the invention of the automobile, but today’s motorists have more intrusive distractions vying for their attention than ever before. The time it takes to glance down and answer a text, or to fiddle with the settings of an onboard display screen, can make the difference between life and death.

Clark Frost Zucchi serves car accident victims in Rockford and the Rock River Valley region. We bring an unwavering commitment to providing outstanding results to our clients – which means helping them maximize the settlement they need to move on after a distracted driving accident has altered their lives.

Since distracted driving is a rapidly changing area of state law, our attorneys have drafted answers to the most frequently asked questions on the topic that we hear in our offices.

Is distracted driving illegal in Illinois?

According to Illinois law, texting while driving is a moving violation that can go on a person’s driving record on the first offense, which carries a $75 fine. The fine increases by $25 for each subsequent offense, capping off at $150. Three moving violations in 12 months could result in license suspension for a year.

In addition to facing monetary penalties and potential license suspension, distracted drivers put other people’s lives at risk.

Which is more dangerous? Distracted driving or drunk driving?

Both types of driving are dangerous because they interfere with the visual, manual (hands-on), and cognitive (concentration) focus needed to successfully drive a car. Both distracted driving and drunk driving slow responses to changes in traffic conditions. Distracted driving can also interfere with clear decision-making if a phone call or a text contains upsetting messages. Overall, in 2015, there were more fatal car accidents involving drunk driving than distracted driving (10,265 vs. 3,477), but more total non-fatal injuries were caused by distracted driving than drunk driving (391,000 vs. 290,000).

In general, experts agree that distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Why is distracted driving so dangerous?

Distracted driving is especially dangerous because it essentially takes you away from the act of driving for long enough that you are not paying attention to ever-changing traffic or weather conditions. In the five seconds, it can take to respond to a text, your car can travel the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour. This phenomenon is extremely dangerous for less, but especially for experienced drivers. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 59 percent of crashes involving teen drivers involved a driving distraction in the seconds leading up to the crash.

Why do I need a lawyer after a distracted driving accident?

A qualified personal injury attorney can handle the complex job of untangling the details of a distracted driving crash. An experienced lawyer can also demonstrate that a distracted driver caused the injuries and losses you have suffered. An attorney work to ensure that your injuries are documented and treated, and an attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. When it comes time to ask for compensation, a lawyer can help you calculate a claim that will repay you for the money you have lost while getting treatment for your injuries and trying to support your family.

Learn more about choosing the best personal injury attorney for your case.

Let Us Help You Put Your Life Back Together

Let Clark Frost Zucchi fight for the funds you need to recover as a victim of a distracted driving car accident. To set up a free case review, call us or use our online contact form. We can help.

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Sylvia B.

Kevin Frost is the best lawyer. He’s knowledgeable and always kept me informed. The staff is great as well.

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Kathy N.

Kevin worked above and beyond for us.. He was honest & straight forward and our case was finished before the time we thought.

Kathy N.|
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Gary A.

This law firm helped us through a wrongful death suit for the loss of our daughter as a result of an auto accident. The case was handled professionally and quicker than we were expecting, thank you for your help, Kevin Frost.

Gary A.|
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