Did You Know That Social Media Use While Driving Is Illegal?

 Posted on October 09,2024 in Car Accident

Distracted driving poses a clear danger to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Various activities are considered distractions, and texting while driving is at the top of most lists. Most states in the U.S. have laws prohibiting hands-on cell phone usage while driving because it dramatically increases the likelihood of car accidents.

An Illinois law went into effect earlier this year that makes using social media and video conferencing apps while driving illegal. If a driver breaks that law and causes a crash that injures you, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced attorney from Adler Law Offices, LTD can find evidence to support your claim and hold the at-fault driver accountable.

What Is the Illinois Law Banning Social Media While Driving?

Apparently, some drivers found a loophole in the laws banning hands-on cell phone use while driving and participated in video conferencing calls or accessed social media while their phones were mounted on dashboards or other surfaces. To close that loophole, Illinois enacted a law that makes participating in video conferences or using social media while driving illegal.

Why Is Social Media or Video Conferencing While Driving Dangerous?

Even if drivers are not holding their phones, their attention and eyes are focused on the screen, and they are listening to phone audio rather than traffic sounds. The driver’s reactions to emerging hazards are often delayed, causing otherwise avoidable collisions.

You might be surprised to learn that using social media can cause your brain to release dopamine, sometimes called the "feel-good chemical." Increased dopamine can make drivers feel happy, but it can also impair judgment and make impulse control challenging. This can lead to erratic and careless driving behaviors, again often leading to crashes.  

Because distracted drivers often do not notice a danger in enough time to avoid it, many collisions they cause are at high speeds. Common injuries include whiplash, concussion, broken bones, brain and spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and extensive bruising.

Can You Get Compensation If a Distracted Driver Injures You?

Every driver has a legal duty to use reasonable care to avoid harming others. When they disregard that duty, they may be found negligent. In personal injury cases, such as car accident claims, you typically must prove the at-fault party was negligent. In Illinois, you can obtain compensation as long as you are under 51 percent responsible for causing your accident. However, the amount you might receive is reduced proportionally.

If you qualify, your damages might include reimbursement for accident-related expenses and compensation for the negative ways it impacted your life, such as:

• Lost income
• Property damage
• Replacement services
• Medical expenses
• Losing the ability to enjoy life
• Pain and suffering

The amount you might receive depends on case-specific factors. Your lawyer from Adler Law Offices, LTD knows how to calculate your damages accurately and will fight to help you collect the highest possible amount.

Call Our Dedicated Cook County, IL Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

With over 40 years of experience, Adler Law Offices, LTD provides the effective legal representation you need to win your case. Call us at 312-236-2700 for your free consultation with our skilled Mount Prospect, IL car accident attorney.