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A car accident lawyer can attack cell phone distractions

cellphone_signMillions of Americans use cell phones while driving. But safe Americans never do, because facts are facts: Cell phone distractions cause enormous losses in lives, injuries and property damage. Study after study proves it, and every day drivers see such distractions, whether they lead to a car accident or not. You can find a lawyer or attorney with Adler & Associates to battle back.

If a car inexplicably slows down on a freeway fast lane, chances are the driver is making a cell phone call. If a car drifts into another lane without signaling or without the driver looking, chances are that driver is making a cell phone call. And if you or a loved one is harmed in a car accident caused by a cell phone distraction, you needn't take any chances in gaining your full and just financial recovery. Rather, you can contact a car accident lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates, and the first step is getting a free case review.

New study shows cell phone accident dangers

A new study released Dec. 1, 2008 concludes that drivers are far more distracted when talking by cell phone than when talking to a passenger riding with them in a car. Conducted by three University of Utah psychologists and released by the American Psychological Association, the study finds that drivers on cell phones tend to drift out of lanes and miss exits, while drivers conversing with passengers benefit from having a "second set of eyes" to help the driver navigate and to remind them of where to go.

The same psychologists found in an earlier study that hands-free cell phones are just as distracting as hand-held cell phones. In each case, it's the conversation that's the biggest distraction. Some states, such as California, have passed laws limiting cell phone use and requiring hands-free cell phones, but according to the Utah researchers, cell phone calls remain a dangerous distraction in either case.

Indeed, the study found that young adults talking by cell phone while driving have the reaction time of a senior citizen -- or worse. Many drivers on cell phones are found to be as impaired as if they had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 per cent, which constitutes drunk driving in most states.

Study cites 'shared awareness' of passengers

The Utah study cites a "shared awareness" by passengers who can assist a driver as part of their conversation. Using a sophisticated simulator, rather than actual cars, test subjects "drove" on 24 miles of highways with overpasses, on and off ramps and two-lane traffic in each direction. The test subjects who were alone and on cell phones consistently made more driving mistakes than those who shared a vehicle with a passenger.

However, this does not take into account a significant difference between a driver talking to a passenger in the front seat and a driver talking by cell phone to someone many miles away: Regardless of whether the passenger is assisting in navigation, a passenger conversation is in the "here" of a "here and now" equation. A conversation with a friend or a loved one who is many miles away diverts the driver's mind to that person and that place, making a cell phone conversation more distracting than one with a passenger.

Texting, dialing also can cause accidents

The study also doesn't take into account the terrible toll being taken by drivers -- and even pedestrians -- who are distracted by placing text messages or simply by dialing a phone. It's not just the conversation but the physical act of focusing on another device besides the automobile that impairs a driver's abilities.

In thousands of cases across America, such impairment by calling or texting is causing destruction and tragedy. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles commuter train slammed into a freight train when the commuter train's operator was distracted by sending text messages. Twenty-five people died and 135 were injured, many seriously.

A car accident lawyer can fight for you

If you or a family member has suffered due to the negligence of another driver, whether it's from cell phone use or from basic recklessness, contact a car accident lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates and start the process of gaining financial recovery for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. A car accident attorney with Jim S. Adler & Associates will hold those who are responsible for your accident accountable in the legal arena, and he or she will fight for your compensation.

An Adler auto accident lawyer offers a free case review if you simply fill out the free case review form online. A Jim S. Adler & Associates car accident lawyer needn't have been a passenger in your car to offer the kind of post-accident help you need.

Disclaimer: The Texas law firm of Jim S. Adler & Associates is licensed to practice ln Texas. The law firm also works with outside and local lawyers in America's other states to litigate claims, as needed, including the states of:

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