Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, resulting in thousands of crashes, injuries, and deaths each year. If you or your loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a texting and driving accident in Virginia, you have the right to seek compensation for your loss.
Texting and Driving: Dangerous and Illegal
The best way to prevent texting and driving accidents is by following safe driving practices at all times. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a moment, brings the potential for catastrophic consequences and lives that are forever impacted. No text or call is more important than someone’s life.
In Virginia, it’s not only dangerous to text while driving, it’s also against the law. The state enacted a law in 2020 making it illegal for vehicle operators to hold a phone while driving, with only a few very specific exceptions, such as when reporting an emergency to the police.
Be Aware of Safe Driving Practices
Practice safe driving every time you get behind the wheel. Model safe driving practices for others when you are in a car with passengers. Teenagers, in particular, will look to you to set an example for safe driving that they will bring to the road as young drivers. Remind yourself of these rules every time you get in your vehicle, and insist upon them for any driver you accompany.
Safe Driving Tips for Teens
- Be smart. Don’t text and drive, period. No text message is worth being distracted while you drive. The tragic consequences of texting and driving accidents cannot be undone.
- Exercise responsibility. You are responsible for your activity with your device. You have control over when to send, read, and respond to texts. Pull off the road if you need to respond to a message or take a call.
- Consider turning your phone off. Make it easy to avoid interaction with your device. While driving, consider turning your phone off while driving if you can. If not, set it to silent to avoid distractions from notifications, and consider storing it away from you before hitting the road, such as in the glove box, the console, or in a purse.
- Be a model. Encourage safe driving practices by modeling the behavior yourself. Don’t text friends who are driving to meet you somewhere or anyone you know who is likely behind the wheel.
- Take a stand. If you love your friends, don’t let them text and drive. Visit AT&T’s “It Can Wait” site to take a pledge not to text and drive and encourage your friends to do the same.
Tips for Adults to Keep Teens Safe
- Be a resource. Share information with your teen about the risks and laws regarding texting while driving.
- Be an example. Don’t send the wrong message by texting while you drive. Model safe driving behavior at all times.
- Be caring. Don’t send a text when you know your teen is driving. Wait for them to call or text you once they have arrived safely at their destination.
- Be aware. Know that texting while driving presents real dangers. Accidents from distracted driving can be prevented.
Texting and Driving Crash Compensation
If you are the victim of a texting and driving accident in Virginia, you may be entitled to compensation related to the crash, including reimbursement for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, and other costs. You should work with an experienced texting and driving crash lawyer who understands Virginia law and can handle all the aspects of your case from start to finish.
Accident lawyers compile all the details of your case to ensure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to under the law. This can include gathering and compiling evidence about the accident, such as police reports and witness statements, and taking depositions from those involved in or who witnessed the accident, discussions and negotiations with insurance companies, accident reconstruction, expert witnesses (if needed), and even representing you in court if your case goes to trial. They have your best interests in mind every step of the way and will fight for what you deserve.
