A cellphone can be one of the most dangerous things for Pittsburgh drivers and pedestrians. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that over 3,000 people lost their lives in 2010 in car accidents that were attributable to cellphone use.

Calling and texting on a phone diverts a driver’s attention from the road and makes it more likely that an accident will occur. Even drivers who are using hands-free devices are shown to be distracted from the task of driving and more likely to cause an accident. Distracted drivers can be held accountable for the damage that they cause by an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury attorney.

A personal injury attorney can file a negligence lawsuit against those who cause car accidents while being distracted by their cellphones. Funds from a negligence lawsuit can help pay for the damage arising out of a car accident including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, among other things.

Family members who lose loved ones due to distracted drivers also have options. A personal injury attorney can file a wrongful death action against motorists who cause fatal crashes. A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of legal action in which the surviving family members of a deceased car accident victim can sue the driver that caused the accident. Funds from a wrongful death lawsuit can pay for medical and funeral expenses arising out of a fatal accident in addition to compensating family members for the loss of the car accident victim’s love and companionship.

Source: USA Today, “Feds: Phoning, texting killed 3,092 in car crashes last year,” James R. Healey, Dec. 8, 2011