Distracted driving ranks among the most common causes of serious collisions in Green Bay and throughout Wisconsin. It only takes one glance at a phone or a quick adjustment of the radio to cause life-altering injuries that come with overwhelming medical bills. When someone else’s inattention causes you serious harm, you deserve accountability.
The dedicated distracted driving accident lawyers at Schwaba Law Firm stand up for victims of these preventable collisions. We push back when insurers attempt to deflect blame and reduce your payout with evidence-backed arguments that demand full compensation. Contact us today to learn more. Your case review is free and fully confidential.
What is Distracted Driving?
Wisconsin law prohibits drivers from engaging in activities that take their attention away from the road. When a motorist diverts their eyes, hands, or mental focus from safely operating their vehicle, it’s considered distracted driving, and they may face liability for any harm they cause.
Under state law, drivers may not do the following:
- Compose or send text messages while driving
- Use a handheld mobile device in certain situations
- Engage in any activity that interferes with safe vehicle operation
Some common examples of distracted driving include the following:
- Texting or emailing while driving
- Talking on a cellphone
- Using GPS or navigation apps
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Reaching for objects inside the vehicle
- Applying makeup
- Talking to passengers and turning away from the road
It only takes a brief moment of inattention to cause a catastrophic accident, particularly when traveling at highway speeds. However, the law also allows victims of these accidents to hold the distracted driver financially responsible for the harm they’ve suffered.
Why Distracted Driving Is So Dangerous
Many people underestimate the dangers of distracted driving. If a driver looks away from the road for just five seconds while traveling at 55 mph, the vehicle travels the length of a football field. If any hazard arises, a life-altering collision can occur before they even have a chance to see it, let alone react.
Distracted drivers often do the following:
- Fail to notice red lights or stop signs
- Drift into other lanes
- Rear-end stopped vehicles
- Strike cyclists or pedestrians
- Cause head-on or high-speed intersection crashes
Because distracted drivers rarely have enough time to react and avoid a collision, the force of impact is often devastating. Some of the most common injuries our distracted driving accident attorneys see include the following:
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Severe lacerations scarring
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
These injuries don’t just cause physical pain; they disrupt careers, strain relationships, create immense financial stress, and cause significant emotional trauma.
Serving Accident Victims Throughout Wisconsin
Schwaba Law Firm proudly serves the people of Green Bay and across Wisconsin when they suffer injuries in car accidents caused by distracted drivers. Our team has extensive experience with these cases, and we know what it takes to win.
We build strong car accident claims by doing the following:
- Conducting detailed investigations
- Reviewing crash reports and medical records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists when needed
- Gathering cellphone records and digital evidence to prove distraction
Car accident claims often hinge on your attorney’s knowledge of both state law and the local courts and judges that will shape your case. Our team has a deep understanding of how these cases play out in Green Bay, and we have a strong track record of building successful claims and recovering maximum compensation for our clients.
We understand that clients face far more than legal challenges after a serious distracted-driving collision. Our team offers compassionate support and personalized attention as you look to recover your rightful compensation and rebuild your life. Your recovery is our priority, which is why you will have direct access to the attorney handling your claim and can get in touch with us anytime, 24/7.
Many of our former clients have shared kind words about the quality of services we provide, such as this one:
“Andy is always helpful, available, and thoughtful in sharing his legal expertise. I fully trust his legal judgment and would highly recommend him and his firm.”—Molly Walsh, former client.
Find out more about the quality of service we offer when you contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
Proving Distracted Driving
Insurance companies rarely admit their driver acted irresponsibly. They employ various tactics to shift blame and downplay injuries. To recover your rightful compensation, a distracted driver lawyer from Schwaba Law Firm will likely seek the following:
- Police reports and citations
- Cellphone usage records
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Vehicle data recorders
- Social media activity
Every state has its own fault rules for car accident claims. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this rule, anyone less than 51 percent at fault for the collision can recover compensation. However, the court will reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault.
As reputable texting and driving accident lawyers, we use our knowledge of Wisconsin law to build claims that hold the at-fault party fully accountable. We counter insurance company tactics designed to exploit the modified comparative negligence rule and place unfair blame on you.
Damages Available for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
Compensation for distracted driving accidents falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages account for the financial losses caused by the accident, including the following:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair/replacement
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, account for the personal harm caused by the at-fault party, including the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Disfigurement
Our attorneys carefully assess the many impacts of your injuries to present a clear picture of how the crash changed your life.
Get Help from a Green Bay Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
If a distracted driver caused you life-altering harm, you need an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights. The team at Schwaba Law Firm will be your fiercest advocates as you seek accountability and full compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for your free, fully confidential consultation.
