Texting and Driving Can Be a Deadly Combination
In a press release issued today, text messaging and driving may soon be banned in all states. It will be mandated that all states ban texting while driving if they want to receive highway funding. If they do not comply with the requirement to ban texting while driving, their funding will be withheld. So far 19 states have banned texting and driving. Texting has been linked to many serious Missouri car and truck accident cases. Experienced personal injury lawyers always explore the possibility of an at fault driver texting before a crash.
Illinois is the most recent state to prohibit texting while driving. The law was signed into effect on August 6 bringing the total of states that have banned text messaging while driving to 19. It is expected that Missouri will soon follow the lead of its neighboring state.
In St. Louis, Missouri a tractor trailer accident causing multiple fatalities on Highway 40 was allegedly caused because the semi truck driver was texting while he was driving and caused a chain reaction accident. Entire families were killed during this horrendous truck accident.
According to the Automobile Club of America, the risk of having a car accident increases by 50% for those who text message and drive at the same time. With 46% of new drivers surveyed saying they text and drive, teens are the largest group texting and driving, increasing the risk of cell phone auto accidents in Missouri and throughout the nation.
The federal government announced plans for a national summit to study distracted driving habits which will include texting while driving. This announcement comes in response to a recent railroad accident in California when a train engineer was text messaging at the time of the accident. 25 people were killed and 135 were injured. In another incident, in Boston, a trolley driver was texting and missed a stop sign injuring 62 people.
If you are involved in a tractor trailer accident, railroad accident, or automobile accident and think texting was the cause of the wreck, you need an attorney experienced in these types of cases to fight for your rights. Damages from these types of accidents can be severe. In addition to pain and suffering, injury victims often face outrageous medical bills, extended hospital stays and time off work, resulting in lost income.
The skilled St. Louis auto accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys at Page Cagle have the experience you need on your side. It is very important to choose a lawyer that regularly handles significant injury cases. John Page, a partner at the personal injury law firm, Page Cagle, can be reached by calling 314.322.8515. Call to schedule a free consultation. Additional information is also available by visiting the Page Cagle website at www.injuredclient.com.
