Car wrecks caused by distracted driving and texting when driving are exploding. Steve teaches injury lawyers what to do when texting and driving distracted cause a crash
I’ll be sharing what lawyers can do when distracted driving causes a car accident at an upcoming national webinar hosted by Strafford Publications. The webinar is titled “Distracted Driving Accident Claims Involving Smart Phones: Pursuing or Defending Litigation.” It’s scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 1-2:30 p.m.
Car wrecks caused by distracted driving are exploding in number
Consider how distracted-driving-related fatalities, injuries and accidents in Michigan increased significantly between 2014 and 2015. According to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center:
- Distracted driving-related fatalities in Michigan increased 100% from 14 in 2014 to 28 in 2015;
- Distracted driving-related injuries in Michigan increased 44% from 2,401 in 2014 to 3,472 in 2015;
- Distracted driving-related car accidents in Michigan increased 40% from 5,353 in 2014 to 7,516 in 2015.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports nearly 3,500 people were killed and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015 alone.
Car-to-car accidents aren’t the only ones we see where distracted driving played a role. The state saw a one-year, 11% increase in pedestrian fatalities from people struck by cars. And the National Safety Council reports that 1 in 4 auto accidents now involves cellphone use.
I’ve been urging the Michigan Legislature take a stand and pass laws that will impose harsher penalties for distracted drivers. I’ve been spreading the message to readers of the Michigan Auto Law blog that texting and driving can be as dangerous as drinking and driving.
Knowing the legal elements involved in a distracted driving auto accident case
The webinar will cover distracted driving laws in the states and federal laws and regulations. It will cover how personal injury lawyers can use evidence of texting and distracted driving in civil cases, such as in the investigation and legal discovery phases of an auto accident lawsuit. In addition, the seminar will cover written discovery and depositions, and the overall impact this evidence can have for settlements and trial verdicts. Vicarious liability of employers and even parents will be discussed, as will the potential direct negligence claims against employers and even the possibility of punitive damages.
If you’re a personal injury or auto accident attorney, this is a webinar you likely won’t want to miss. The reality is that distracted driving and texting are causing many of the cases you are handling right now.
To register and for more information, visit Strafford.
