Poplar Grove Distracted Driver Accident Attorneys
Distracted driving is becoming increasingly worse as motorists have become too comfortable using their phones while driving. Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road or their hands off the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a distracted driver, you should contact a Poplar Grove distracted driver accident lawyer today.
About Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley
Our attorneys at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley have been fighting for clients in Poplar Grove for over 50 years. We are passionate about serving our community. No matter how severe your injuries are, we can get you the recovery you need to pay for your damages. Call our office for proven and dedicated service, securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Poplar Grove Distracted Driver Accidents
Distracted driving involves doing another activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Driving distractions include using cell phones, eating, talking to passengers, and adjusting the radio or temperature in the car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 3,275 deaths due to distracted driving in 2023 alone.
Despite new laws and aggressive campaigns by the CDC and other groups, the total number of car accidents caused by distracted driving continues to increase each year. Many drivers find it difficult to stay focused on the road in the age of smartphones. It is estimated that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for at least five seconds. When traveling at 55 mph, that is equivalent to driving an entire length of a football field with your eyes closed.
In 2024, Illinois made it illegal to use teleconferencing apps, watch videos, or use social media while driving. The unfortunate truth is that even with these laws in place, the burden of proof falls on the victim in most cases. If you are hit by a distracted driver in Illinois, you should follow these steps:
- Contact the police to report the accident.
- Seek medical attention even if you think you are fine. Some injuries may appear hours or days after the accident occurred, and it is important to document all medical care post-accident in case you need to file an injury claim.
- Take pictures at the scene to document damage and injuries you sustained, if you are physically able to.
- Ask any witnesses present to give a statement and ask for their contact information for a claim.
- Contact a distracted driver accident attorney right away.
An attorney can listen to your case, gather important evidence, and negotiate for the maximum compensation available for you.
Why Choose Us?
Your risk of being in a car crash at the fault of a distracted driver is increasing every year. Just a few seconds of driver distraction caused by a smartphone is enough to change the course of your life forever. In fact, 14% of fatal crashes in the country involve the responsible party using a cell phone. If you or your loved one has suffered from a car crash, it is important to contact a Poplar Grove distracted driver accident attorney as soon as possible.
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley, we can demand the maximum compensation possible and work hard at gathering evidence, including cell phone logs and witness statements, to prove the distracted driver’s fault. We can also accompany you to your court proceedings at the Winnebago County 17th Judicial Circuit Court system and present all evidence in your favor.
Personal Injury Matter Types We Handle
Our firm provides expert legal representation for the following specific accident and injury matters:
- Poplar Grove Car Accident Injury Lawyer – Comprehensive representation for motor vehicle collision victims, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries
- Poplar Grove Truck Accident Lawyer – Aggressive advocacy against trucking companies and commercial drivers whose negligence caused catastrophic injuries on Northern Illinois highways
- Poplar Grove Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Skilled representation for motorcyclists who have suffered serious injuries due to other drivers’ negligence, speeding, or failure to see motorcycles on the road
- Poplar Grove Rideshare Accident Lawyer – Expert handling of complex Uber and Lyft accident cases involving multiple insurance policies, whether you were a passenger, driver, or struck by a rideshare vehicle
- Poplar Grove Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – Dedicated representation for pedestrians struck by negligent drivers, securing compensation for severe injuries and long-term medical needs
- Boone County Truck Accident Lawyer – Strategic litigation against trucking companies throughout Boone County for accidents involving commercial vehicles and semi-trucks
FAQs About Poplar Grove, IL Distracted Driver Accident Law
Is Distracted Driving the Main Cause of Accidents in Illinois?
Distracted driving is one of the largest reasons for car accidents in Illinois. Taking your attention off the road for even just seconds can have deadly consequences. According to the Illinois government, driver inattention causes over 1 million accidents annually. They also cite that cell phone usage increases your chance of being in an accident by 400%. If you were in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be owed compensation.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Yes, you should hire a distracted driver accident lawyer in Poplar Grove, Illinois, after a car accident. A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and prove who is at fault. Illinois is an “at fault” state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is the one who will pay for damages caused to the other party. Illinois also practices comparative negligence, which can be complex to calculate without the aid of a skilled lawyer.
How Do You Prove Fault in a Distracted Driving Accident Case?
Accident victims, unfortunately, have the burden of establishing proof that a distraction caused the other driver to crash into your car. You can prove fault through eyewitness or expert testimonies, police reports, and physical evidence like cell phone logs. The help of a distracted driver accident attorney is crucial to have evidence strong enough to prove without a shadow of a doubt that the driver was distracted when the accident occurred.
What Are the Three Types of Distracted Driving?
The three main types of distracted driving, according to the CDC, are taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and taking your mind off driving. These types of distractions have many different causes.
Looking at the GPS, changing radio stations, or reading a text message will take your eyes off the road. Distractions like eating, drinking, or reaching for an object you dropped while driving will remove your hands from the wheel and can reduce your reaction time.
Hire a Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer
If you or your loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to pursue legal action. Whether or not you think you are eligible for a settlement, it is recommended that you contact an experienced lawyer today to discuss your case.
By working with a qualified lawyer, you can maximize your compensation and save yourself time by avoiding unnecessary delays. Our lawyers can help during negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Call us today to speak with a qualified distracted driver accident lawyer.
Serving Poplar Grove and Northern Illinois
When accidents shatter your life in Poplar Grove or throughout Northern Illinois, you need attorneys who aren’t just skilled legal advocates but also neighbors who genuinely understand this community. At Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, our strong family ties to Marengo and the greater McHenry County area run deep, making us that much more passionate about serving the people who live and work here. With over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, we bring both sophisticated legal expertise and a genuine commitment to giving back to the Northern Illinois communities we call home.
Based in Marengo with roots throughout McHenry County and serving Poplar Grove and surrounding areas, our firm combines decades of personal injury experience with the personalized attention you simply won’t find at large, impersonal law firms. Our attorneys are heavily involved in local bar associations and actively volunteer with community organizations, from supporting our troops through local Cub Scout initiatives to numerous other charitable efforts. This deep community involvement means we understand the local roads where your accident occurred—from high-speed collisions on US-20 and Route 173 to crashes on smaller county roads—and we’re personally invested in helping our neighbors recover.
Whether you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident on Route 173, struck while riding your motorcycle through Boone County, hit as a pedestrian in downtown Poplar Grove, involved in a complex rideshare accident, or suffered injuries in a truck collision on US-20, partnering with Poplar Grove accident attorneys who take the time to truly understand your individual situation and provide genuinely personalized legal counsel—rather than treating you as just another case number—can be the difference between struggling through recovery alone and having dedicated advocates who fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
