Driving while distracted is becoming more of an issue on Iowa’s roadways. In order to be considered distracted driving, a driver must not do anything that takes their focus off the road. RSH Legal – Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers can help with your issues.
Examples of typical diversions are:
- Mobile communication devices
- Personal Care
- Consuming food or liquids
- Holding the mobile
- Talking to travelers
In only one glance at their phone, the typical distracted driver covers the distance of a football field.
Texting while driving is illegal in Iowa.
As a result of the risks associated with distracted driving, Iowa has passed stringent legislation outlawing some types of distractions. Given that cell phones are the primary source of accidents caused by distractions, it is no surprise that the most prominent law addresses this issue.
Fines for Disrupting Iowa’s Text-While-Driving Law
Because it is a primary enforcement legislation, Iowa’s texting while driving statute allows police to stop drivers and issue citations for the offense regardless of whether any other traffic violations have taken place.
A $45 fine is imposed for every offense of driving while texting. The current $45 fine is subject to proposed legislation that would raise it.
Auto accidents caused by texting while driving
In Iowa, the penalties for driving while texting are not very severe. When an accident involving a distracted driver occurs, the actual repercussions become apparent.
In a case involving a personal injury, evidence that can support the claim of distracted driving could include:
- Proof of the negligent driver’s lack of concentration in police reports
- Testimony from eyewitnesses supporting the driver’s inattentiveness
- Proof of the driver’s cell phone use during the accident
- Recordings from the driver’s behavior just before the collision
Laws pertaining to instances involving distracted driving in Iowa
In personal injury cases, the amount of compensation you can receive may be affected by the fact that Iowa employs a modified comparative fault system.
An injured party can still seek compensation for their losses under Iowa’s modified comparative fault rule, even if they were at least somewhat to blame for the accident, but, the amount of compensation they get will be diminished in proportion to their degree of guilt. In addition, the individual cannot seek compensation for their losses if they are more than partially to blame.
Knowing when to call an Iowa personal injury lawyer
Consult a seasoned personal injury attorney in Iowa if you have suffered injuries as a result of a distracted driving accident. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can assist you with:
- Find out what you can do via the legal system
- Find out what the other driver was doing while distracted and collect evidence of it.
- Determine the total amount of your damages, which should include all of your medical bills (past and future), lost income, and emotional distress.
- Represent you in negotiations with insurance providers
- Act as your advocate during the trial if required
