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Imagine a driver heading down Poplar Street in Harrisburg with one hand on the wheel and the other on their phone. Not only are they putting everyone around them in danger, but they are also breaking Illinois law. The state bans the use of handheld devices while driving to help prevent distracted driving accidents and keep roads safer for local families. Unfortunately, many drivers still ignore this rule, increasing the risk of serious crashes across Harrisburg and neighboring communities.

What Is Texting While Driving?

Texting while driving involves using a cellphone to send messages, check apps, or browse the internet while operating a vehicle. It is especially dangerous because it takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off driving.

Under Illinois law, drivers are prohibited from using an electronic communication device unless it is hands-free or used to contact emergency services. This includes reading or sending texts, browsing the web, checking social media, or similar activities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that around 3,300 people died in distracted driving crashes nationwide in 2022, with 12% of those crashes involving cellphones. In Illinois, over 600 pedestrians and cyclists lost their lives in distracted driving accidents.

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you need an experienced texting while driving accident lawyer in Harrisburg, IL, who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Illinois Texting While Driving Laws

Illinois takes distracted driving seriously. First-time offenders face a $75 fine, while repeat offenders can expect higher penalties and potential license suspension. Texting while driving is also considered negligence, which means drivers who cause accidents can be held legally and financially responsible for damages.

Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Harrisburg, IL, can make a significant difference in proving negligence and recovering full compensation.

How Texting While Driving Causes Accidents

Texting drastically reduces a driver’s ability to respond to changing road conditions. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can be the difference between avoiding an accident and causing one.

Common types of crashes caused by texting include:

• Rear-end collisions

• Sideswipe accidents

• Intersection crashes

These often occur because the distracted driver fails to notice traffic changes, stoplights, or pedestrians in time.

Common Injuries from Texting-While-Driving Accidents

Texting-related accidents can lead to life-altering injuries. Victims often face long recoveries, missed work, and emotional distress.

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash

• Broken bones

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Internal bleeding

• Soft tissue damage

• Concussions

• Cuts and bruises

Seek medical attention right away after an accident, even if you do not feel hurt initially. Early diagnosis helps protect both your health and your injury claim.

Your Legal Rights After a Texting-While-Driving Accident

If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek financial compensation for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost income

• Pain and suffering

• Vehicle damage

A knowledgeable texting while driving accident attorney in Harrisburg, IL, can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights every step of the way.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Working with an experienced distracted driving lawyer in Harrisburg is essential to building a strong case. Your attorney can:

• Investigate your accident and collect evidence

• Obtain phone records or traffic footage

• Handle all communication with insurance companies

• Negotiate for fair compensation

• Represent you in court if necessary

Lawler and Lawler has the resources and experience to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Why Choose Lawler and Lawler Injury Law in Harrisburg, IL

At Lawler and Lawler, we provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation for victims of texting-while-driving accidents. Our firm has decades of experience handling personal injury cases throughout southern Illinois, and we understand the challenges local families face after serious crashes.

We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our team is known for professionalism, dedication, and results. We also offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and options.

What to Do After a Texting-While-Driving Accident

1. Seek medical attention immediately.

2. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage.

3. File a police report and obtain a copy.

4. Contact Lawler and Lawler Injury Law to schedule a free consultation.

Our attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and guide you toward the next steps.

Get Justice with a Texting-While-Driving Accident Lawyer in Harrisburg, IL

If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver’s cellphone use, contact Lawler and Lawler Injury Law today. Call 618-529-9377, fill out our online form, or visit our office for a free case review.

Texting While Driving Frequently Asked Questions