Distracted driving can take many forms, but the ubiquitous use of cellphones has increased the number of vehicle accidents caused by drivers not paying attention to the road in Illinois and throughout the nation. When drivers are focusing on reading and responding to texts, for instance, they endanger themselves, their passengers and everyone else on or near the road. Such seems to be the case in a recent accident that injured at least two people.
Accident details
The crash happened just after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23. A 59-year-old man was driving along Apple Canyon Road in Jo Daviess County, approaching the intersection of Lake Road. At the same time, a 29-year-old woman was at the intersection, and her car was struck by the other. Reportedly, the man who caused the wreck admitted to looking at his cellphone at the time, which caused him to run a stop sign and collide with the other vehicle.
The alleged at-fault driver and the 29-year-old woman were taken to the hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. Another passenger was also involved but suffered no injuries. The 59-year-old man was charged with several violations, including improper use of an electronic communication device and failure to reduce speed.
Seeking compensation
The woman injured in the wreck has the right to pursue financial relief to help with medical bills, lost wages and other associated damages. She can file a claim against the apparently distracted driver and anyone else with an ownership interest in his vehicle. To increase her chances of obtaining the best outcome possible, she will want to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in Illinois.