Omaha Cell Phone Car Accident Attorneys

Cell Phone Car Accident

With the advancement of technology, distracted driving has become an epidemic in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 5,474 people were killed in accidents that were reported to have been caused by distracted driving during 2009, the most recent year such statistics are available. An additional 448,000 people were injured in distracted driving-related accidents during that year as well. All motorists should have a responsibility not to utilize their cell phones while driving. Driving while distracted by a cell phone can be deadly.

According to the NHTSA, of those people killed in distracted driving-related accidents, 995 involved reports that a cell phone was the source of the distraction, which was about 18 percent of the deaths in these types of crashes during 2009. Of the people who were injured in distracted driving-related crashes, approximately 24,000 involved reports of a cell phone as the source of distraction, which was about five percent of the injured people in these types of accidents during that year.

While there is no denying that cell phones and related technology can be useful, all motorists should have a responsibility not to utilize their cell phones while driving. As it has been shown, driving while distracted by a cell phone can be deadly.

Nebraska’s Cell Phone Law

Unfortunately, Nebraska is one of the few states left in the U.S. that does not have a ban on all drivers using handheld devices when behind the wheel. However, drivers under the age of 18 that have a learner’s permit or an intermediate license are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.

In July of 2010, Nebraska outlawed text messaging while driving for all drivers. It is only "secondary enforcement" however, which means police must pull the motorist over for another offense before citing them for using their cell phone to text. Drivers in Nebraska who are found to be texting on their cell phone while driving face fines between $200-$500 and may have three points added against their driver’s license.

Proving Liability in Cell Phone Car Accident Cases

If a driver admits they were using a cell phone at the time of an accident, the police will include it in their accident report. However, in many instances, a driver will deny using a cell phone, which can complicate matters. In such instances, eyewitness reports will become invaluable. The driver’s phone records may also need to be requested in order to prove they were distracted at the time of an injury or fatal collision.

The Nebraska car accident lawyers at Cullan & Cullan know how to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We work carefully with accident investigators to prove liability for a collision while fighting to protect the legal rights of our clients. If you have been involved in an accident caused by a driver who was distracted by their cell phone, contact our attorneys for a free consultation. We can help you hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions and assist you in obtaining the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries and related losses. Call our law offices today to learn more about how we can help you.

Recent Motor Vehicle Accident Case Results

Spring 2008 – Automobile Accident – Back Injury: Jury awards $125,000.00 in automobile accident with back injury. Offer of $15,000.00 prior to trial.

Winter 2008 – Automobile Accident – Back Injury: $85,000.00 settlement in automobile accident with back injury.