Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer: Distracted Driving

OTTAWA ACCIDENT LAWYERS – With the increasing prevalence of Blackberry, iPhone and other cellular devices in workplaces across Ontario, cell-phone-related car accidents have become a bigger concern for Ottawa area drivers.

More than half of Canadians surveyed by CareerBuilder Canada admitted to using cell phones while driving – despite this being an illegal act in Ontario and other provinces. Many added that they feel pressure from their workplaces to answer their phones outside of business hours.

In Ontario, drivers caught using cell phones and other digital entertainment devices while driving face a fine of up to $500. If that usage leads to an accident, they face much more serious Careless Driving charges – potentially ending in a $400-$2000 fine, demerit points and increased insurance premiums.

It’s important to know the facts around using a cell phone when driving. Remember that nobody can force or obligate you to be reachable by phone or wireless device while you are driving. The safest option is to turn your phone off while you drive. If you must leave it on, pull over to the side of the road before taking calls or checking your messages.

If you are involved in a phone-related auto accident, be sure to get medical attention right away, and to follow up with your family physician in the days that follow.  Remember that some injuries take a few days to settle in.  Getting early medical attention is smart for your health and also helps in the event that you wish to pursue a claim for damages.

For more information about what to after an accident, contact the Ottawa injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth by email [email protected] or telephone 613 233-4529.

About the Author: Brenda Hollingsworth

Brenda Hollingsworth co-founded Ottawa’s Auger Hollingsworth in 2005 with her husband Richard Auger. Together, their mission was to create a personal injury law firm for Eastern Ontario that is unrivalled in the province for customer service and legal expertise. Brenda was named an Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 award recipient and took home the Women’s Business Network’s Businesswoman of the Year award in the Professional category. She was also recognized as one of Ottawa Life Magazine’s “Top 50 People in the Capital.” She is often quoted as an expert and has appeared in media outlets such as CTV, The Globe and Mail, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Sun Media, CBC, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, CFRA and many legal publications.

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