April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the dangers of cell phone use behind the wheel. If you were injured in a car accident because of a distracted driver, it’s important to know that you have legal recourse: Our Morgantown lawyers can pursue the compensation you deserve.
In an attempt to curb car accidents due to the distractions stemming from mobile devices, West Virginia has instituted laws against cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle. Key details of the law include:
- Drivers are prohibited from texting, making or receiving calls, surfing the Internet, or using other functions on a handheld device except in emergency situations; hands-free operation is allowed.
- If a police officer sees a driver using a cell phone, he or she can be pulled over without violating other traffic laws.
- Fines begin at $100 for a first offense.
The most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 400,000 people were injured in a single year from car accidents involving a distracted driver. No matter how strict state laws are against cell phone use while driving, some drivers will still value access to technology over safety.
If you were hurt because the driver in another vehicle didn’t put down the phone, you might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Please contact Jim Leach, L.C., or call 1-304-865-8530 today to schedule a consultation with our committed Morgantown car accident lawyers.