Bernard Tully Personal Injury Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700
Have you been a victim in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by a distracted driver who was texting while driving? If not, I am sure you know a friend or family member who has been. We recently represented a client who was rear-ended because the other driver was not paying attention. It later came out during the wrongdoer’s deposition that he was on his phone at the time of the collision. Sound familiar?
What Should You Do?
Carnegie Mellon University did a study that concluded texting while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk. Even though the person who is texting while driving is sober, their reaction time to stop their car is the same as if they were drunk. If you happen to be a victim who was hit by somebody texting while driving, what should you do?
You should insist that your attorney file for what is called punitive damages. This is because punitive damages are designed to deter others from similar conduct in the future. It also provides a benefit to society because most of the population want to stop others from texting while driving. Plus, the financial value to a punitive damage claim is that it is money that you can be awarded by a jury in addition to your regular compensation for your pain, surgery, and any wage loss.
Let’s say the non-punitive damage part of your case is worth a hundred thousand dollars. This is specifically for your surgeries and anything else related to the accident. If you make a claim for punitive damages, the law allows you to add on to those hundred thousand dollars. The jury will then have the option to provide additional money than the wrongdoer’s insurance coverage limits in order to provide you, the injured party, adequate compensation and to deter others from texting while driving in the future.
Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer
The threat of punitive damages is a very valuable tool that you could use and our suggestion for you is to insist that your lawyer file a lawsuit that includes a claim of punitive damages in your case.
Our main focus is honesty. We always preach it. We are passionate about trying to help any injured person or family member with their case. Questions about the blog? CALL US!
Bernard Tully Allegheny County Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700 and 1-800-518-0050