Around four and a half billion people worldwide have cell phones, with 260 million of those people living in the United States alone.  The invention of the cell phone has revolutionized our communication with others, whether the device is used for calling, texting, e-mailing, or browsing the web.  A mobile phone also gives us the ability to call for help when an emergency occurs away from a land line.

Even though the creation of cell phones seemed to introduce added ease and safety in our lives, their widespread use during transportation is causing car and trucking accidents that claim thousands of lives and result in hundreds of thousands of injuries every year.

At McMinn Law Firm, we realize that driver inattention or distraction due to cell phone usage is a growing problem that is both lethal and preventable.  Have you ever driven carelessly or been in an accident because of a cell phone?  Have you driven with one hand on the steering wheel?  Have you taken your eyes off of the road to reach for a phone or dial a number?  Have you been distracted by your conversation or the conversation of one of your passengers?  Have you texted while driving?  Our use of cell phones while driving seems convenient and necessary until someone gets hurt.

As a responsible driver, you understand that drinking alcohol in excess of the .08 BAC limit is both illegal and dangerous.   However, did you know that studies have shown that talking or texting on a cell phone will driving is more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated?    When viewed in this context, it is no wonder that states and cities are trying to tackle this issue by adopting new laws restricting cell phone usage. 

On a national level, the U.S. Department of Transportation has now banned commercial truckers and bus drivers from texting while driving.  Statistics had showed that a trucking accident was 23 times more likely to occur when the driver was texting.  The Obama administration recognizes the dangers of distracted driving, and some suggest that a national texting ban for all motorists could be next. 

The lawyers at the McMinn Law Firm have experience with the most current laws against cell phone usage.  If you have been in a car or truck accident caused by a driver distracted by a cell phone, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and/or injuries that have resulted from the driver’s negligence.  Contact the McMinn Law Firm today to allow us to investigate your claim fully and fight for the compensation you deserve.