Driver negligence is defined as careless, reckless behavior that endangers the driver of a motor vehicle and those around them. In most situations, drivers are performing habitually negligent actions without realizing it, such as talking on a cell phone or operating their vehicle after having a drink. Negligence can take many forms but one of the most typical is distracted driving.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s 2011 report found that distracted drivers accounted for 481,518 fatalities because of their negligence, injuring 127,942 individuals and killing 1,437. These accidents were the result of inattention to the road due to portable electronic device usage, texting or emailing on a cell phone, and other manual and cognitive distractions.
When drivers are not focused on the task at hand, or they are impaired by drug or alcohol use, the likelihood of a car accident increases exponentially. The victims of negligent drivers can suffer serious personal injury, property damage or death.
If you or someone you love was injured because of Ohio driver negligence, you may be eligible for compensation based on the physical pain and emotional anguish you experienced from the crash.
At O’Connor, Acciani and Levy, our auto accident lawyers believe that the victims of reckless drivers deserve to be represented competently and effectively, which is why we will always fight for the MAXIMUM amount of compensation due to our clients.
To find out how we can help, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form located on the right side of this page, at the top. It is 100% FREE and there is no obligation to proceed. The details of your case will always remain completely confidential.
Examples Of Negligent Driving
Motorists can engage in a number of behaviors that put themselves and those that share the road with them at risk. Some of the most common forms of driver negligence include:
- Adjusting stereo
- Checking emails while driving
- Disobeying traffic signs and signals
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigued driving
- Improper lane change
- Night driving without headlights
- Passenger interaction
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Texting while driving
- to name a few.
Distractions can be manual, cognitive or visual but regardless of the type of distraction the result is the same lack of focus slows down reaction time, which can either cause or exacerbate a car accident. Unfortunately, many drivers do not consider some of these to be risky enough to cause a crash, which may explain why time and again the same negligent behaviors are performed by drivers across the nation each day.
Types Of Injuries Caused By Negligent Drivers
In 2011, the 127,942 people that experienced negligent driver injuries each experienced a different set of circumstances leading up to the crash. The range of injuries that the victims of a car accident may endure can run the gamut from bumps and bruises to paralysis or death.
The following are some of the most common types of injuries caused by driver negligence:
- Airbag injury
- Brain Injury
- Broken bones
- Chest injury
- Cracked ribs
- Dental damage
- Facial disfigurement
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
- Loss of limb, or amputation
- Seatbelt lacerations
- Sensory loss
- Torso injury
- and many others.
If you were the victim of a car accident in Ohio, your rights need to be defended and you deserve compensation for the pain and suffering it caused you. The emotional and mental trauma of a crash can linger for much longer than the physical wounds, and contacting an experienced car accident law firm will put you on the path to a successful outcome in your case.
Contact Our Attorneys Today
The team of Cincinnati personal injury attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy are here to defend your rights, and we know that the moments after an accident can be some of the most frustrating and frightening ones, depending so many factors.
Immediately following an accident, contact Ohio emergency medical help, and gather as much information about the accident as possible. There will be many things to consider after the crash, such as medical treatment, whether or not to return to work, how to pay bills or how to handle emotional distress.
The legal repercussions of negligent driver accidents are serious, but the process doesn’t have to be any more stressful for you and your loved ones. We are proud to offer our professionalism, dedication and expertise to the citizens of Ohio & Northern Kentucky, and we passionately fight for justice for our clients, as we have since 1992.
Let us put our reputation of success to work for you. Call (877) 288-3241 today to discuss the details of your case with our legal staff, confidentially and 100% free. Don’t suffer in silence, let experienced and compassionate litigators help you and your loved ones get the justice that you deserve, and hold the negligent parties responsible for their actions.