Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Wausau

Using a cell phone behind the wheel of a car is incredibly dangerous behavior that often results in serious crashes. Thankfully, state laws prohibit texting or using a non-hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle. These laws save countless lives each year.

Unfortunately, many people still decide to ignore common sense and send text messages behind the wheel. If you were injured in a texted while driving car accident in Wausau, a hardworking vehicle collision attorney could help you hold the other driver accountable for their carelessness. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might be entitled to substantial monetary damages, which could help you fully recover.

Local Cell Phone Laws Explained

Wausau is one of the Wisconsin municipalities that does not allow drivers to use a mobile device behind the wheel. In general, it is illegal to engage in any form of distracted driving, and cell phones certainly qualify as an example.

Drivers are allowed to talk on the phone if they use the speaker or some other hands-free method. This serves as a safer alternative to holding the phone up to one’s ear while driving. However, using a hands-free device still poses some risk. For example, studies show that using a phone on speaker is still more distracting and dangerous than talking with a passenger. Using hands-free devices is also incredibly distracting for young, novice drivers who might not have the experience to safely multitask.

The bottom line is that while using a hands-free device is legal, it might still cause a cell phone related collision. If a driver has any further questions about how cell phone laws might relate to texting-while-driving car accidents, a knowledgeable attorney in Wausau could be a valuable resource.

Assigning Blame after a Texting Behind the Wheel Accident

After being hit by a defendant who was likely using their cell phone at the time of a crash, it is important for an injured driver to prove that the mobile device helped cause the collision. A plaintiff can usually do this by seeking the assistance of a skilled legal representative; someone who can investigate the collision and analyze the defendant’s behavior.

Unfortunately, proving cell phone use can sometimes be a difficult process. In many cases, a defendant’s insurance company will try to place some blame on the plaintiff. For instance, if a claimant was also using their cell phone at the time of the wreck, an insurance agent might use this to argue that a large percentage of the negligence falls on the plaintiff for being distracted behind the wheel. A persuasive attorney could counter this argument by showing that the accident still would have happened even if the claimant was not using their cell phone.

A well-practiced attorney in Wausau could also strengthen an injured person’s case by proving that, in fact, they did not text behind the wheel.

Cell Phone Records are Valuable Evidence

One final thing to understand about accidents caused by texting or phone use is that cellular records are crucial pieces of information; this data could make or break a plaintiff’s case. These records, for example, show whether a claimant or defendant sent, received, or answered calls at the time of an accident.

A dedicated legal representative could take the lead in subpoenaing a defendant’s cell phone record. To do this, they can obtain an authorization signed by the defendant or their representation that allows the cell phone company to release this valuable information. An intelligent attorney in Wausau knows what to look for when examining these records and could use them to strengthen a plaintiff’s texting while driving accident case.

Speak With an Attorney about Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Wausau

The unfortunate truth about texting while driving car accidents in Wausau is that they could easily be prevented if everyone acted responsibly behind the wheel. Regardless, these crashes still happen all the time.

An experienced lawyer from our firm could help protect your rights as a safe driver if you were injured in one of these collisions. Our team members could analyze the relevant cell phone records, negotiate with a stubborn insurance agent, and help you seek the justice you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.