Putting Our Knowledge And Experience To Work
Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in Cincinnati, OH & Covington, KY
Distracted driving continues to be an alarming issue, with car accidents increasing as more drivers engage in unsafe activities behind the wheel. Whether it’s a distracted driver using electronic devices or engaging in other dangerous behaviors, these incidents can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. In a distracted driving accident, the at-fault driver’s actions put not only themselves at risk but also other drivers and passengers sharing the road.
At The Lawrence Firm (TLF), our dedicated team of distracted driving accident attorneys in Ohio and Kentucky works tirelessly to help victims of motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving. From a thorough investigation into each distracted driving accident case to gathering crucial evidence to prove the negligence of the distracted driver and securing maximum compensation for our clients, we are fully committed to supporting accident victims through every step of their personal injury claim.
For comprehensive legal help and to secure the fair compensation you deserve, call our office toll-free at (800) 698-4054 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation today.
What is Considered Distracted Driving?
A distracted driving accident can change lives in an instant, whether it’s due to distracted drivers using cell phones, texting while driving, or engaging in unsafe activities like fiddling with in-vehicle controls.
More specifically, distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted by various factors—ranging from text messages, cell phone apps, and electronic devices in general to internal distractions like daydreaming or interacting with passengers—causing them to lose focus on the road.
These distractions hinder a driver’s ability to pay attention and react swiftly, often leading to car accidents that affect not just the distracted driver but also other drivers, passengers, and vehicles on the road.
Types of Driver Distractions
Even a momentary lapse in concentration can compromise safety and lead to serious consequences. Here are the three main types of driver distractions:
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions occur when a distracted driver takes their eyes off the road. These distractions include reading text messages, using cell phones, or interacting with electronic devices, as well as looking at other passengers, applying makeup (looking at yourself in the mirror), staring at roadside attractions, eating or drinking, looking for items in your vehicle, or smoking.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions occur when a distracted driver takes their hands off the wheel. These distractions may include reaching for food, adjusting vehicle controls, making calls without a hands-free device, applying makeup or brushing hair, and lighting a cigarette or vaping. Even brief manual distractions can reduce a driver’s ability to respond quickly, increasing the risk of car accidents.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a distracted driver’s mind drifts away from the task of driving. This type of distraction happens when a driver is preoccupied with thoughts, daydreaming, or engaged in intense conversations with passengers, all of which can impair reaction time. Even when hands remain on the wheel and eyes on the road, cognitive distractions can reduce a driver’s ability to process information quickly, increasing the risk of car accidents.
How Dangerous is Distracted Driving?
According to the Traffic Safety Bulletin from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, from 2019 through 2023, there were 55,857 crashes in Ohio involving one or more drivers distracted by something within their vehicle. Among these incidents, 169 were fatal crashes that resulted in 185 deaths, and more than 29,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes. Notably, 2023 saw the lowest number of fatal crashes over the five-year period, with just 28 incidents.
In Kentucky, the risks associated with distracted driving are equally concerning. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet states, “Of the 3,733 highway fatalities in Kentucky between 2014 and 2018, 843 involved distracted driving—22 percent of all deaths.” These statistics highlight the dangers of multitasking behind the wheel. When a distracted driver is busy multitasking, the ability to react to hazards is diminished, placing other passengers and other vehicles at significant risk.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents
Cell Phone Use / Texting While Driving
Text messages, emails, and social media use while driving remain a primary cause of distracted driving accidents. When a distracted driver uses cell phones, even for a brief moment, it increases the likelihood of a car accident.
Adjusting In-Vehicle Controls
Modern vehicles are equipped with electronic devices and infotainment systems, which integrate touchscreens, navigation, and media controls into a single interface. However, adjusting these in-vehicle controls while driving diverts a driver’s eyes and hands from the road, increasing the risk of a distracted driving car accident.
Eating and Drinking Behind the Wheel
Eating and drinking behind the wheel is a dangerous form of distracted driving that can lead to loss of control and potentially serious car accidents. Reaching for food, unwrapping snacks, or spilling hot coffee diverts a driver’s focus, making these everyday actions common causes of distracted driving accident cases.
Talking to Passengers or Children
Talking to passengers or managing children and unrestrained pets in the vehicle creates in-car disruptions that pull a driver’s focus away from the road. These interruptions often require drivers to take their hands off the wheel, shift their eyes from traffic, or divide their attention—greatly increasing the risk of an accident.
Drowsy or Fatigued Driving
Driving while drowsy or fatigued is especially dangerous because it impairs a driver’s ability to stay alert, make quick decisions, and respond to sudden changes on the road. Fatigue can cause mental lapses, delayed reaction times, and even microsleep episodes, where the driver briefly nods off without realizing it. This level of distraction makes it much harder to recognize and avoid potential hazards, increasing the likelihood of a serious accident.
Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents can lead to a range of severe injuries that inflict not only physical pain but also emotional distress and financial stress on affected individuals. Common injuries caused by distracted driving accidents include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious or catastrophic injury due to the negligence of a distracted driver, contact an Ohio or Kentucky catastrophic injury attorney at TLF today.
Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims Due to Distracted Driving Collisions
Fatal car crashes caused by distracted driving can leave families heartbroken and searching for answers after losing a loved one. When a distracted driving accident results in a fatality, the focus turns to helping accident victims’ families explore legal options through a wrongful death claim in civil court. At TLF, our Cincinnati and Covington wrongful death attorneys work diligently to gather strong evidence, including police reports and cell phone records, to build a compelling case that shows how the distracted behavior contributed to the tragic car crash.
We are committed to supporting families during this difficult time by guiding them through the legal process and outlining all available legal options. With a sincere approach and a focus on holding responsible parties accountable, our legal professionals help families seek the financial relief and justice they need to cope with the devastating impact of a fatal distracted driving accident.
Compensation for Distracted Driving Accident Victims
Victims of a distracted driving accident, especially those involved in serious accidents, may be entitled to pursue compensation for a range of damages. A personal injury attorney from our law firm will work to secure full financial compensation, which can include:
- Medical bills, including expenses for hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Our firm also works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. This allows you to concentrate on your recovery without the added financial burden while we handle everything else.
Proving Negligence on Behalf of the Distracted Driver
In distracted driving cases, proving that the other driver was negligent is essential to securing compensation—and that’s where TLF can help. Our experienced Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati personal injury attorneys know how to gather the right evidence to prove distracted driving, including analyzing police reports, collecting witness statements, and reviewing phone records or mobile device data that may show texting, social media use, or other distractions at the time of the crash. We also understand the nuances of Kentucky and Ohio driving laws and how to use every available resource to hold the liable party accountable.
For many accident victims, it’s not enough for a driver to admit fault—you need strong legal support to demonstrate exactly how their negligence caused your injuries. That’s why our team builds persuasive claims by working with investigators, securing video footage when available, and highlighting patterns that indicate unsafe behavior. With the help of a dedicated distracted driving accident lawyer from our firm, you can pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let TLF provide the legal representation you need to move forward confidently after a preventable crash.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Distracted Driving Car Accident Claims in OH and KY
In Ohio, an at-fault state, a personal injury claim for a distracted driving accident must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, as established by Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
In Kentucky, a choice no-fault state, drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, individuals can reject PIP benefits to pursue a personal injury claim against an at-fault driver for a distracted driving accident. According to KY Revised Statute 304.39-230(6), if such a claim is viable, it must also be filed within two years from the date the cause of action accrues.
Consulting with a distracted driving accident lawyer is essential to ensure that all aspects of your personal injury claim are properly addressed and that your claim is submitted on time.
Why Choose a Cincinnati/Covington Distracted Driving Injury Lawyer at TLF?
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, don’t try to deal with the aftermath alone. At The Lawrence Firm, our experienced Cincinnati/Covington distracted driving accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your damages, and pursue compensation from those responsible. From navigating conversations and negotiations with insurance companies to building a case that fully accounts for all current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and more, we provide the legal guidance needed to protect your interests every step of the way.
Distracted drivers must be held liable for the harm they cause. Whether your injuries are minor or life-altering, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our team will assess your case, explain your options, and help you take the right legal action moving forward. Contact a trusted Southwest Ohio or Northern Kentucky distracted driving accident lawyer at TLF today to schedule a free initial consultation—we’re ready to fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.
Contact TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If a distracted driving crash has upended your life, now is the time to seek legal assistance. Our team of dedicated distracted driving attorneys is committed to holding negligent drivers liable and ensuring that you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses.
You can reach our Ohio office by calling (513) 651-4130 or our Kentucky office at (859) 578-9130. You can also call us toll-free at (800) 698-4054 or request a free consultation with a Covington or Cincinnati distracted driving accident lawyer on our team via our online intake form today.
Practice Areas
You Pay No Fees Unless We Win!
We are happy to offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. If you hire us as your legal counsel, we will represent you on a contingency-fee basis. You will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover financial damages.