Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer

At this point, we all know that texting and driving is careless. If you were injured in a car accident because someone else was texting while driving, call The Cagle Law Firm today. In many places, using an electronic device while behind the wheel is illegal, whether by state law or a local ordinance. Texting and driving is careless. When another driver pays more attention to their phone than the road, they put everyone at risk. This is even more evident when they cause an accident that hurts you, your friends, or your family members.

At The Cagle Law Firm, our St. Louis car accident lawyers understand you might hesitate before calling an attorney after a car accident due to the time commitment involved. You assume an insurance company will take care of everything. Unfortunately, the truth is that an insurer may not look out for your best interests and might not treat you fairly. By having a lawyer by your side, you improve your chances of obtaining a fair outcome that realistically meets your needs.

To discuss how to obtain compensation with one of our texting while driving lawyers in St. Louis, use our online contact form or call toll-free at (1-800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-1681. We will set up a free consultation with you.

In the meantime, let’s learn about the laws surrounding texting and driving.

Missouri Texting While Driving Laws

Missouri, in 2023, passed a ban on distracted driving throughout the state. While it was strongly advised not to engage in texting before, Missouri became the 49th state to ban this dangerous driving behavior. However, many municipalities had enacted laws making texting while driving illegal. Under the Missouri Vehicle Code Section 304.820, no one 21 years of age or younger operating a vehicle in the state may send, read, or write a text message or electronic message by means of a handheld electronic wireless communications device. If you are 21 years old or younger, you may not type out, send, or read text messages, emails, or mobile apps messages and notifications while driving.

The law also goes on to ban all people operating commercial motor vehicles from using any handheld mobile phone or sending, reading, or writing any text or electronic messages.

Texting while driving is a primary offense in Missouri. That means a police officer can pull someone over for being on their phone without any other traffic violation occurring. It is considered a moving violation and is an infraction, which can result in fines and license points.

Illinois Texting While Driving Laws

Illinois bans using handheld phones and texting while driving, no matter your age or whether you are driving for personal or commercial reasons. Under 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2(b), it is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle while using an electronic communication device. However, if you are an adult driver with your full license in Illinois, you may use a handless phone to make and receive calls and messages while you drive. You cannot do this if you are 19 years old or younger, have your learner’s permit while younger than 19 years, or if you are a school bus driver. There is a full cell phone ban, handheld or otherwise, for these types of drivers.

Like in Missouri, this is a primary offense. An officer does not need any other reason to stop and pull someone over for cellphone use. A first offense is an infraction. A second or subsequent offense is considered a moving violation, which can lead to additional penalties beyond a fine.

Illinois’ law goes further. Under 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2(b-5), a driver commits a Class A misdemeanor if they violate the texting while driving law and cause an accident that results in great bodily harm. The offense is a Class 4 felony if the driver’s cell phone use causes a deadly crash.

Car Accident Compensation

After being injured in a car accident in which the other driver was negligent by using such a handheld device while you should speak about the value of your claim with a texting while driving lawyer in St. Louis. You may have the right to obtain compensation for your:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Physical limitations
• Disfigurement
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Punitive damages (when applicable)

Contact us at The Cagle Law Firm today to discuss the potential value of your injury claim.

Texting While Driving Accident Claims & Legal Process

If you were injured because another person was texting or on their phone while driving, contact a St. Louis distracted driving lawyer at The Cagle Law Firm right away. We will begin an investigation of the crash right away. Through this investigation, we gather the evidence to establish what happened. Evidence that the other driver was on their phone at the time can be used to show they were negligent.

Often, individuals think we need to subpoena cell records. Depending on the facts of the crash, this may not be necessary. Sometimes, simply because a driver fails to keep a careful lookout and strikes you or your car, it is evidence that they were negligent. When needed, cell phone records can add to the evidence to prove that the other driver was failing to use reasonable care and possibly in violation of Illinois or Missouri municipal law.

Following an investigation, our attorneys make a “demand” to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A demand is an explanation of the facts and demand for payment. Based upon the insurance carrier’s response, our legal process moves forward. A petition for a lawsuit is generally filed upon the expiration of a demand. At any point in the process, an insurance carrier may make offers, and it is possible that parties can come to an agreement. Whether we can come to an agreement with the insurer depends on a number of factors, including the value of your damages, the at-fault driver’s policy limit, and whether the insurer treats you fairly.

Each client and each case is unique in the way that our attorneys proceed. Our attorneys develop a strategy that best serves the individual client. Our mission is to look out for the best interest of our clients and their financial recovery.

Fatal Texting-While-Driving Accidents

Distracted driving accidents can be catastrophic and deadly. If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash caused by a driver on their phone, contact a car accident attorney right away. You and your family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, through which you can seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial contributions
• Loss of care and support
• Loss of love and companionship
• Loss of inheritance that you would have received

Comparative Fault in Car Accidents

Just because the other driver was texting while driving does not mean they or their insurer will accept full responsibility for the accident right away. The other driver may claim that your actions contributed to the accident and that the crash was your fault, too.

In this situation, Illinois’s and Missouri’s comparative fault laws become important. In both states, you can be prohibited from receiving any financial recovery after a crash if a court determines you are more than 50 percent at fault. If a court finds you are somewhat responsible for the accident, yet less than 50 percent at fault, you will receive compensation. However, it will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately, and do not start discussing comparative fault with any insurance company.

A Skilled St. Louis Texting while Driving Lawyer Can Help

You probably have a lot of questions after being in an accident. You might be sure what happened yet have a suspicion that the other driver was on their phone or texting. If you have any inkling that texting while driving is the reason for the crash, call the personal injury attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm right away.

We will thoroughly investigate and review your case, including searching and gathering evidence that the other driver was on their phone. If we can show they were texting while driving or were in some other way violating Illinois or Missouri law, then we will fight hard for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

Contact The Cagle Law Firm today toll-free at (1-800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-1681. You can also use our online form to schedule a free consultation of your case.