In Ohio, in certain situations, it’s against the law to drive while using your phone. Generally, teenagers can’t drive while using their phones, and adults can’t drive while texting on their phones. However, there are exceptions.
You might be considering filing a claim against a driver who caused an accident while on their phone. If so, a lawyer can help with your situation.
When Is Driving While Using Your Phone Illegal in Ohio?
According to Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.204, it’s illegal for an adult to drive in public while texting on a phone or a similar device (like a tablet, a pager, or any kind of computer; an in-dash navigation system or dashboard-mounted GPS device is okay).
The only exceptions to this rule are using a phone during an emergency and using a phone with a voice-to-text feature to send texts.
Also, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.205, anyone under 18 with a probationary driver’s license or temporary permit cannot legally drive while using a phone or a similar device. Sending or reading texts or emails, making or taking calls, and playing games while driving are illegal. However, a teenager can use a phone during an emergency or via a hands-free feature.
What Is the Punishment for Distracted Driving in Ohio?
In a case of distracted driving, an adult driver may suffer a fine or multiple fines. However, law enforcement must notice an actual issue with the driver’s driving (such as speeding or a failure to yield) before law enforcement can administer any charges. In some cases, a driver could have a fine waived if they take a distracted driving course.
When a teenager drives while using their phone, they can be pulled over by law enforcement if law enforcement suspects illegal activity.
The teenager could be fined and even lose their driving privileges for some time, and a penalty can double for another offense. Additionally, the offense will appear on the teen’s driving record and possibly affect their insurance rate.
Different Cities and Counties May Have Different Policies
Depending on where you live in Ohio, there could be different policies. In some cities and counties, driving while using your phone for any reason may be against the law. In these places, the only exception may be using a hands-free function for your phone, like a voice-to-text feature.
You should be up to date on the distracted driving laws in your city or county.
If you believe you’re the victim of a distracted driving incident, you can contact our firm about it. We may be able to tell you about the distracted driving laws where you live and whether they may apply in your case.
What Damages Can You Collect in a Distracted Driving Case?
Your distracted driving case and damages may be quite different from someone else’s case and damages. The damages you could collect depend on the severity of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and other factors. If you lost a loved one in a distracted driving incident, you may be eligible for other damages.
Depending on your case, you may be eligible to collect:
- Medical expenses
- Expenses for rehabilitation, like physical therapy
- Expenses for short or long-term care
- Damages for your pain and suffering
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other property
- Lost wages due to your inability to work
- Lost family earnings your deceased loved one brought in
- Damages for loss of consortium and loss of companionship
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Here’s How a Lawyer Can Help You
A lawyer from our firm can help you determine what damages you’re eligible to collect. Additionally, your lawyer can help you collect these damages by:
- Gathering police reports made after your incident
- Obtaining additional evidence for your case such as other drivers’ cell phone footage of your incident or the accident scene
- Establishing the other driver’s negligence
- Hiring experts, such as medical experts or accident reconstructionists, to testify for your case
- Negotiating a settlement with the other party’s insurance company and lawyer
- Fighting for you in court, if necessary
Your lawyer will take on legal and financial matters while focusing on health and family matters. Leave your case in the hands of a lawyer from our firm.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm LLC Today
Connect with our firm if you believe you need legal support. We can help you if you’re a victim of distracted driving or if you lost a loved one to distracted driving. By calling us soon, you’ll let us obtain evidence and help us meet any deadline that may apply to your case should you choose to file a lawsuit.
Call us today at (614) 545-3930 for a free consultation.