Driving is not something one can do safely with one hand and half a mind. It takes vigilance to anticipate danger, and hands on the wheel to brake and steer in a crisis situation.
Cell Phone Use and Other Dangerous Distractions
The Boise car accident injury attorneys of Carty Houst can help if you or a loved one was seriously injured by a distracted driver. We are skilled at demonstrating the negligence when motorists are so engrossed in non-driving activities that they cause a crash.
Distracted Driving Is Negligence
A recent amendment to Idaho's inattentive driving law outlawed texting on a cell phone while driving. The research clearly shows that looking away from the road for several seconds to send or receive text messages puts the rest of us at great risk. Statistically speaking, a texting driver is as dangerous as a drunk behind the wheel.
There is no law against talking on a cell phone while driving, reaching across to the glove compartment, applying makeup or turning around to yell at the kids in the back seat. While these actions are not illegal, that driver may still be found negligent for a resulting car accident or trucking accident.
Under Idaho law, the normal cap on non-economic damages (compensation for pain and suffering) does not apply if the at-fault driver was engaged in reckless misconduct. A jury might see cell phone use as willfully distracting oneself. In fact, our attorneys have secured awards of more than $1 million in permanent injury cases in which distracted driving was a primary factor.
Contact Our Boise Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
Carty Houst offers a free initial consultation, including home and hospital visits for the seriously injured. We are committed to taking on the burdens of your claim and maximizing your compensation. Contact our experienced Idaho car accident lawyers via e-mail or call 208-342-3501 or 877-293-9300.
