States That Have Banned Texting While Driving

Many states, including Virginia, have taken steps to address the public safety issues of texting while driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a November 2009 list of states that have banned driving while text messaging:

• Texting while driving is illegal for drivers of all ages in 19 states; Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Washington AND the District of Columbia.

• Young drivers cannot legally text while driving in nine states; Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas and West Virginia.

• Texas is the only state to ban text messaging for school bus drivers.

Virginia Bans Texting While Driving

In summer 2009, Virginia joined a growing number of states in enacting a law against using a handheld device to send text messages while driving. The law imposes monetary fines to drivers who are found to be sending – or reading – text messages while driving. This was an important step for the state of Virginia in the prevention of traffic deaths caused by distracted drivers and those who text while driving.

After an Accident Caused by Texting While Driving

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver – such as, someone who was texting while driving – you might be concerned about your legal rights. Accident victims have several courses of action to seek compensation for personal injuries caused by a negligent driver:

• If you are suffering personal injuries, loss of wages or property loss, you may qualify for personal injury damages.

• When someone dies in an accident caused by a distracted driver, the family can consider pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.

• Wrongful death settlements are awarded based on several factors, including; loss of wage income from the deceased, victim pain and suffering, funeral costs and the like.

Virginia has a statute of limitations. It is important to act quickly if you are interested in pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Drivers who text while driving put others at risk for experiencing serious and fatal crashes. As the victim of an auto accident, until you retain an attorney, the representatives of the insurance company know that they are dealing with someone who is not adequately prepared and thus are unlikely to offer you fair compensation.

If you, or your loved one, have been injured in an car accident in the Northern Virginia area, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer who will protect your rights and ensure you get the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Virginia has a statute of limitations that may prohibit you from filing a lawsuit if too much time has passed. Contact The Parrish Law Firm today for a FREE evaluation of your case – 571-229-1800.