Traffic crashes continue to be a leading cause of death in the state of Oregon, which reported around 495 deaths due to auto accidents in 2016. While alcohol and speeding account for many of motor vehicle fatalities, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said that distracted driving, particularly by using mobile phones is increasingly a common factor in car accidents.
Proposed Distracted Driving legislation
Lawmakers in the state of Oregon have proposed new bills that are intended to discourage the use of electronic mobile devices while driving. Existing law under ORS 811.507 prohibits using a mobile device designed to receive and transmit text and voice communication while driving. And the standing jurisprudence does not apply that law to persons using the phone such as checking social media or mobile apps.
A pending Senate bill seeks to expand the law’s coverage to include social media use, navigation and internet use as well as make any use of a mobile electronic device while driving as a Class A misdemeanor.
Legal Remedy for Car Accident Victims Due to Mobile Phone Use
If you sustained severe injuries due to another person’s mobile phone use while driving, you may also have a civil cause of action against the other driver through a personal injury lawsuit. In an auto accident personal injury case, you may be able to receive financial compensation which can cover:
- All your medical bills, past and future
- Lost wages
- Impairment of your earning capacity
- Property damage
- Damages for pain and suffering
Role of Auto Accident Attorney
A crucial step in this type of lawsuit involves proving that the other party was using their mobile electronic device while driving and that their negligent use caused the accident and your injuries. This process, however, can be highly complex, requiring an excellent grasp of tort law and litigation procedure. Call an experienced Oregon personal injury attorney to help you.
In Oregon, the law firm of Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, P.C. has more than 100 years of combined experience in a wide range of personal injury cases including auto accidents. Our attorneys have earned a reputation for relentlessly pursuing the best interests of our clients and preparing strong cases for trial. We work very hard to obtain the full compensation that our client deserves.
We welcome your call today at (541) 617-0555, or contact us online to arrange for a free case evaluation with one of our approachable attorneys. All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency or ‘no win no fee’ basis.