CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Understanding the Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving

Call for a free consultation Request a free consultation
distracted driver with phone

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road today. Whether it’s sending a text, adjusting a GPS, or even eating while driving, taking your eyes or attention off the road for just a few seconds can lead to catastrophic results. As traffic accidents rise across the U.S., lawmakers and courts are taking distracted driving more seriously than ever—with real legal consequences for those who cause harm.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. This can include:

  • Texting or using a smartphone
  • Changing music or adjusting navigation
  • Eating, drinking, or grooming
  • Talking to passengers
  • Looking at roadside distractions

The most dangerous form—texting—combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all at once. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting drivers are 23 times more likely to cause a crash than those who are focused.

Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving

When a distracted driver causes an accident, they can face both civil and criminal consequences depending on the severity of the crash.

Civil Liability

Injured victims may file a personal injury claim against the distracted driver for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

To recover compensation, the injured party must show that the driver breached their duty of care by driving distracted and that this breach directly caused the accident.

Criminal Charges

In more serious cases—especially when a crash results in serious injury or death—a driver can face:

  • Misdemeanor charges
  • Felony vehicular assault
  • Involuntary manslaughter
  • License suspension
  • Hefty fines and jail time

Many states, including Ohio, have enacted laws banning or limiting cell phone use behind the wheel. Violating these laws can also lead to points on your license and increased insurance premiums.

Know Your Rights After a Distracted Driving Crash

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. You deserve compensation for your injuries, and the driver who caused the crash must be held accountable.

Let the experienced attorneys at Buckeye Accident Attorneys help you pursue justice. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Injured at a Columbus Apartment Complex? What Tenants and Visitors Should Document

A fall at a Columbus apartment complex can raise more than immediate medical concerns when a dangerous property condition may have contributed to the injury. For tenants and lawful visitors,

What Happens After a Personal Injury Lawsuit Is Filed in Franklin County?

Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Franklin County, OH, places your claim within a formal court process governed by procedural rules and deadlines. After filing, the defendant must be served

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Columbus, Ohio

A hit-and-run accident in Columbus, OH, or the neighboring communities can leave you hurt, shaken, and unsure how to prove what happened. The right response is simple but urgent: get

Injured as a Passenger in a Columbus Car Accident? Understanding Your Options

If you were injured as a passenger in a Columbus car accident, you may have more options than you realize. Passengers are usually not the person blamed for the crash,

Who Pays Medical Bills While an Ohio Car Accident Claim Is Pending?

After a crash, medical care cannot wait for an insurance settlement. In Ohio, the person who caused the collision may ultimately be responsible for injury-related losses, but the at-fault driver’s

Cleveland Premises Liability Lawyers: Understanding Property Injury Claims in Ohio

How Cleveland Premises Liability Lawyers Evaluate Property Injury Claims Under Ohio Law A serious injury on someone else’s property can raise immediate questions about medical bills, responsibility, and your next

How Long Does an Auto Accident Settlement Take in Ohio? A Guide to the Claims Process

Ohio Auto Accident Settlement Timeline: What to Expect From Claim to Payout An Ohio auto accident settlement can move quickly when injuries are minor, liability is clear, and records are

How Buckeye Law Group’s Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers Help Injured Ohioans Understand Their Legal Options

Ohio Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers Helping You Understand Your Rights After a Serious Injury A slip and fall can turn an ordinary trip to a store, apartment building, workplace,

How Can an Ohio Truck Accident Lawyer Help You Protect Your Rights After a Commercial Truck Crash?

Legal Guidance After an Ohio Truck Accident: How an Ohio Truck Accident Lawyer Can Support Your Claim A truck accident lawyer from Buckeye Law Group can help injured individuals and

Should You Accept An Insurance Settlement Offer? Why Ohio Injury Victims Should Speak With An Attorney First

After an accident, an insurance settlement offer may provide welcome financial relief while medical bills and lost wages continue to accumulate. However, accepting an offer before the full extent of

More Posts