With the advent of the iOS and Android operating systems, having a wealth of information at our fingertips has been made possible. We can see whatever we want, ask whatever we want, and contact whoever we want all with a few taps on the keyboard. Smartphones have drastically changed the lives of the mass majority over the past 10 years, and with it, they’ve also facilitated in injuring and even taking lives due to distracted driving accidents.
“How can a cell phone cause injury?” you may ask. A few ways… let’s start with a few obvious tips, presented by Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer, Brian M. Boyer:
Distracted Driving: Since the advent of the cell phone, more and more people have allowed themselves to divert their attention from the roadway to their handheld device and as a result, motor vehicle accidents have increased a ten-fold. Whether you are looking at your device due to an incoming text notification, shuffling through your playlist, viewing the GPS, or heaven forbid you are using social media, car accidents do not discriminate. If you take your eyes off of the road for even a second, you run the risk of not only injuring yourself; you can seriously injure those around you.
Although I caution my clients to not discuss their pending personal injury lawsuits with anyone, despite my warning, some believe that one brief call or text to their friend or relative will not relish harm. What you need to remember is that any such discussion, whether by cell phone or text, can significantly impact your lawsuit. If the person you confide in does not exercise discretion, the contents of your conversation can trickle down into the wrong set of ears. And heaven forbid your case goes to trial, this can come back to haunt you.
Your phone records can be used against you in court!
What’s even worse is exchanging sensitive information about your case by text can actually be used as evidence against you should your case escalate to trial. The defense can subpoena your text records from your wireless provider if the case is severe enough. Moreover, if you are dealing with a wrongful death lawsuit, your cell phone activity can be used to determine whether you were driving recklessly at the time of the accident.
The bottom line is this: a notification will still be on your phone after you’ve stopped the car. Protect yourself, your health, and the safety of others around you–put your phone down and focus on a safe commute.
About the Author: Brian M. Boyer is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, and other various personal injury matters. He is also highly experienced in handling wrongful death cases, a few in relation to distracted driving! Do not wait. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Mount Charleston, contact the Injury Firm to speak with our law firm at 702-800-0988 for a free consultation!
