Personal Injury Law

Distracted Driving: Family Seeks Justice from Cell Phone Company

By Catherine D. Bertram, Partner

According to the New York Times article, by Matt Richtel, a victim's family has sued the wireless company after they lost their mother when she was killed by a driver using his cellphone.  The driver of the other vehicle, reportedly admitted that he was distracted by a cell phone call when he ran a red light and struck the other vehicle killing Ms. Doyle. 

Mr. Hill, who pleaded guilty to negligence homicide, a misdemeanor in Oklahoma, said he was not aware of the education efforts of wireless companies.   

The lawsuit is filed in Oklahoma.  According to the Times article, this is one of a handful of such cases.  According to Kenneth A. Bamberger, a professor at Berkeley School of Law, these cases are compelling because they address the ultimate issue of whether companies who profit from devices should also have responsibility to educate on the safe use of such devices and whether these same companies should contribute to minimizing the risk of use of these same devices.

 Our firm has extensive experience litigating cases involving distracted and dangerous drivers, including automobile accidents.   We know how devastating these injuries can be for the victim and the entire family. 

Previously on the DC Meto Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles relating to the dangers of distracted driving:

• Teenagers and cell phone use while driving;
  
• Teen drivers and over-confidence
• Hands-free phones and distracted driving

For information about your legal rights, please email Catherine Bertram at cbertram@reganfirm.com or call Ms. Bertram directly at 202-833-1875.

Full post as published by DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog on December 07, 2009 (boomark / email).