Talking on the Phone While Driving Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers

Driving while using a phone is becoming more common, but it’s also causing more accidents. In a busy city like Chicago, people often try to take calls or check messages while behind the wheel. This may seem harmless, but it can lead to serious crashes that harm people and damage property.

Even a quick glance at your phone can cause you to miss important things on the road. That split second of distraction can be the difference between safety and disaster. This is why distracted driving is now a serious issue in Chicago and across the country.

When someone causes an accident by talking on the phone, it’s not just a personal mistake—it can affect other people’s lives too. That’s why the law takes these cases seriously. If you’ve been hurt by a distracted driver, knowing your rights is important.

Distracted Driving in Chicago: A Growing Concern

More and more accidents in Chicago are happening because drivers are not paying full attention. One of the biggest reasons is cellphone use. Whether someone is making a call, texting, or scrolling through apps, it all takes their focus off the road.

Chicago roads are already busy and sometimes dangerous. When drivers add distractions like phones, they make the situation even worse. That’s why distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of traffic crashes in the city.

People often don’t realize how risky phone use is until something bad happens. Even hands-free calls can affect how well a person pays attention while driving. It’s not just about where your hands are—it’s also about where your mind is.

The Link Between Phone Use and Car Accidents

Using a phone while driving can cause accidents in many ways. It can slow your reaction time, make you miss traffic signs, or cause you to swerve into another lane. Many crashes happen simply because someone was focused on their phone instead of the road.

Research shows that phone use while driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. People think they can multitask, but in reality, the brain struggles to focus on two things at once.

Many accidents in Chicago have been linked directly to phone use. Whether it’s a rear-end collision or a crash at an intersection, distracted drivers often play a big role. Knowing this link helps victims understand what really caused their accident

What Illinois Law Says About Talking on the Phone While Driving

Illinois has specific rules about using phones while driving. The law says drivers must use hands-free devices like Bluetooth or speakerphone. Holding a phone while driving is not allowed, even if you’re just talking.

There are only a few exceptions—like calling 911 during an emergency. Other than that, you must keep your hands off your phone while driving. This rule is meant to keep drivers focused and reduce accidents.

If a driver breaks this rule and causes a crash, it can work against them in court. It shows that they ignored a safety law, and that can make it easier for victims to file a claim. That’s why understanding this law is so important after an accident.

Penalties for Violating Cellphone Usage Rules

If a driver is caught using a phone illegally, they can face tickets, fines, and points on their license. First-time offenders may just get a warning or a small fine, but repeated violations lead to higher penalties.

If the phone use leads to an accident, the situation becomes more serious. The driver could face criminal charges or even lose their license, depending on how bad the crash was.

More importantly, these violations help personal injury lawyers prove that the driver was at fault. It becomes clear that the driver wasn’t being careful, which strengthens your case in court or during insurance claims.

How Talking on the Phone Can Cause Serious Accidents

When you talk on the phone while driving, three types of distractions happen. Visual distraction means your eyes leave the road. Manual distraction means your hands aren’t fully on the wheel. Cognitive distraction means your mind isn’t focused on driving.

Even a short conversation can reduce how well you react to things around you. A driver might miss a red light, not see a pedestrian, or fail to notice a car braking ahead. All these moments can cause serious harm.

Studies show that drivers using phones are more likely to cause rear-end crashes, sideswipes, and even deadly accidents. These aren’t just small mistakes—they’re dangerous events that change lives forever.

Who is Liable in a Distracted Driving Accident?

When a distracted driver causes an accident, they are usually considered responsible. The law calls this “negligence,” which means the driver didn’t act with proper care and caused harm to others.

To prove negligence, evidence is very important. This might include phone records, witness statements, video footage, or even the driver’s own confession. These details help show that the crash was caused by phone use.

If you’re the victim, you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake. A strong case can help you recover costs and get the support you need to heal and move forward.

Why You Need a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

After a crash, it’s not easy to deal with medical bills, insurance companies, or legal papers. That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes in. They understand the law and know how to protect your rights.

A lawyer will listen to your story, gather all the important evidence, and figure out how to build the best case. This helps make sure you get the right amount of money to cover your losses.

Without a lawyer, you might miss out on fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to pay less. But a good lawyer makes sure your case is taken seriously.

How Phillips Law Offices Can Help

Phillips Law Offices has years of experience handling distracted driving cases. We understand how these accidents happen and know exactly what kind of evidence is needed to prove fault.

Our legal team works closely with each client. From the first meeting to the final outcome, our lawyers stay by your side and make sure you feel supported and informed at every step.

Whether it’s a phone call or a courtroom trial, Phillips Law Offices works hard to get justice for accident victims. Our results show how committed they are to helping people recover and move forward.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover

If you’ve been hurt in a distracted driving crash, you may be able to recover money for different losses. This includes medical bills, rehab costs, or any treatment you need to heal.

You can also be paid for lost income if the injury kept you from working. If the injury affects your ability to earn in the future, that’s part of the compensation too.

Pain and suffering are also considered. That includes physical pain, emotional stress, and how the accident changed your life. In very serious cases, the court may even award extra money to punish the careless driver.

Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Accident

Right after a crash, follow the given below steps:

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

After a distracted driving accident, your first priority should always be safety. Check yourself and others in your vehicle for any injuries. If anyone is hurt — even if it seems minor — call 911 immediately for medical help. It’s also a good idea to check on people in other vehicles involved in the crash, if it’s safe to do so. Accidents can be chaotic, but staying calm and ensuring everyone gets the help they need is the most important first step.

2. Move to a Safe Area 

If your vehicle is in the middle of the road and it’s safe to move it, try to pull it over to a safe spot, like the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Moving your car out of traffic helps prevent further accidents and keeps you out of harm’s way. However, if the vehicle is too damaged or if moving it could cause more danger, it’s best to leave it where it is until the police arrive.

3. Call the Police

Next, make sure you call the police. Even if the crash seems small, having a police report is crucial. The report will provide an official account of what happened, which can help you later if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. When the police arrive, give them accurate information, but avoid guessing or making assumptions about who was at fault.

4. Exchange Information

Exchange information with the other driver involved. Get their full name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details. While doing this, try to stay calm and professional — don’t get into arguments or discussions about fault. If you noticed the other driver was talking on the phone or distracted at the time of the crash, try to make a note of it.

5. Take Photos and Videos

If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the scene. This includes damage to the vehicles, your injuries (if any), skid marks, broken glass, traffic signs, and anything else that helps document the accident. These images can serve as powerful evidence when it comes time to file your claim or prove the other driver’s negligence.

6. Talk to Witnesses

Talk to any witnesses who saw what happened. Their testimony could support your version of the events. Ask for their name and contact information, and write down or record what they saw while it’s still fresh in their memory. Even if it seems like a small detail, it could make a big difference later on.

7. Don’t Admit Fault

Be careful not to admit fault at the scene, even if you feel nervous or sympathetic. It’s natural to say things like “I’m sorry” out of politeness, but these statements can sometimes be misinterpreted as admitting blame. Let your lawyer and the insurance companies sort out the details based on facts and evidence.

8. Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s smart to get a medical checkup. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma, might not show symptoms right away. A medical report will also help link any injuries to the accident, which is useful if you need to file a claim later.

9. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. A Chicago personal injury attorney will help protect your legal rights, guide you through the claims process, gather evidence, and fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

Types of Cases We Handle

Distracted Driving

At Phillips Law Offices, we handle a wide range of personal injury cases, with a strong focus on helping victims of distracted driving accidents. These cases often involve drivers who were texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention behind the wheel. Our team is skilled at proving negligence in such situations and holding the at-fault driver responsible for the harm they caused.

Car Accidents

We also represent clients involved in all types of car accidents — whether it’s a minor rear-end collision or a serious multi-vehicle crash. Car accidents can leave victims with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical or emotional trauma, and we work tirelessly to help our clients recover what they deserve.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are another area where we offer strong legal support. Crashes involving large commercial trucks often lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. These cases can be complex, involving multiple parties like trucking companies, drivers, or manufacturers, but our attorneys know how to navigate these challenges effectively.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are also among the cases we handle. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road, and even a low-speed accident can result in serious injuries. We help injured riders get the compensation they need for recovery, especially when their injuries result from another driver’s careless or distracted behavior.

Bicycle Accidents

We also advocate for pedestrians and bicyclists who have been hit by vehicles. These cases often involve distracted or speeding drivers who fail to yield or pay attention at crosswalks and intersections. Our goal is to help injured victims get justice and make sure the responsible driver is held accountable.

In addition, we handle catastrophic injury cases — these are life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, or amputations. These injuries often require long-term care, and our firm is committed to securing the maximum compensation to help clients rebuild their lives.

Wrongful Death

Finally, we represent families in wrongful death cases. Losing a loved one due to another person’s negligence is heartbreaking, and no amount of money can replace that loss. However, a wrongful death claim can help families cover funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and bring a sense of justice and closure during a difficult time.

What Our Clients Say

Many clients have shared how Phillips Law Offices helped them after life-changing accidents. Their stories show how much the team cares and how hard they work to get results.

People mention the kindness, patience, and clear communication they received. Others talk about getting fair compensation when they thought all hope was lost.

These real stories are proof that the law firm stands by its clients, not just as lawyers—but as people who truly want to help.

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago

When looking for a lawyer, trust is key. Choose someone who listens, explains things clearly, and has a strong background in handling accident cases.

Ask about their experience with distracted driving claims. Find out how they gather evidence and what kind of results they’ve had in similar cases.

During your first meeting, ask how they plan to help you and what you can expect throughout the case. The right lawyer will answer your questions and make you feel confident moving forward.

Can I sue even if I was partly at fault?

Yes, in Illinois, you can still get compensation even if you were partly to blame—as long as you were not more than 50% at fault.

What if the at-fault driver denies phone use?

A good lawyer can help find proof, such as phone records or security footage, to show what really happened.

How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?

You usually have two years from the date of the accident. But it’s better to act sooner so that evidence doesn’t get lost.

Contact Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Today

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