Car Accidents when Using Your Phone while Driving in Massachusetts: The Consequence of the Hands-Free Law

As a Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer, Attorney Tracy Paulsen from Rightful Legal has helped many people injured in accidents caused by people driving while using their phones. Whether it’s texting, using the phone for directions, searching for something online, looking for a phone number, failure to keep your hands-free can establish that the other driver was negligent in Massachusetts.  

Texting while driving has become as dangerous as drunk driving over the last decade. It is reckless behavior which can lead to serious motor vehicle accidents, injuries and fatalities. It is against the law to text and drive in Massachusetts, and the state takes texting while driving accidents very seriously. Anyone found guilty of this offense faces stiff penalties. If you have been involved in a texting while driving accident it is important to seek immediate legal representation as soon as possible.

Massachusetts Hands-Free Law:  

Attorney Tracy Paulsen has had many successful outcomes for clients using the Massachusetts Hands Free Law to help establish that the other driver who was texting or emailing, or simply holding their mobile phone while driving, was at fault.  If there is a dispute as to liability, evidence of texting or using ones phone can establish that the other party was negligent, and caused the accident, entitling the victim to monetary damages for any injuries they suffered.  

Massachusetts enacted the Massachusetts Hand Free Law, and became the 29th state to ban texting while driving. This law prohibits the use of any mobile device for texting or emailing while operating a vehicle and holding an electronic device while driving. The law bans drivers from texting, sending or reading an electronic messages, images or videos while operating a motor vehicle. The ban covers phones, handheld electronic devices, iPads, tablets and laptop computers. The law prohibits these actions while operators are actively driving and when they are stopped at traffic lights. By ensuring that drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, the Hands-Free Law aims to make the streets of Massachusetts safer for everyone.

Exceptions to the Massachusetts Hands-Free Law:

There are a few exceptions to the Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law law in the case of emergency situations, including:

• Your vehicle is incapacitated from engine trouble or an accident
• To call 911 that is necessary for the personal safety of yourself or others
• To report a disabled vehicle or accident

Basic Penalties for Texting While Driving:

The basic penalties for texting while driving or holding a mobile device while driving in Massachusetts increase as the number of violations increase:

• First violation: $100 fine
• Second violation: $250,  required distracted driving education course 
• Third violation: $500, a required distracted driving education course, and additional insurance costs

A first violation will not result in points on your driving record. All further violations will require you to attend a court-approved program to educate the person about distracted driving and its dangers. A third offense and beyond will result in increasing your insurance premiums.

Massachusetts Accidents Caused by Violations of the Hands-Free Law:

If you are found to have caused an accident as a result of texting or using your cell phone or electronic device while driving, you can be found at-fault and required to defend yourself in a Massachusetts car accident lawsuit. You may be liable to the victim of the accident for any of the following damages through your insurance company and possibly personally liable for:

• Medical and hospital bills
• Lost wages and salary
• Physical therapy
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Lost future learning capacity
• Loss of consortium by spouse
• Loss of enjoyment of life

The severity of the injuries caused by the party texting or emailing while driving will vary, as will the total compensation this person and the insurance company are responsible to pay the victim. 

If you have been injured in a car accident where the driver was texting or using their phone while driving, in violation of the Massachusetts Hands-Free Law, it is imperative that you call a Massachusetts Hands-free Car Accident Attorney today. Tracy Paulsen and her team of Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorneys have helped countless victims recover the compensation they deserve as victims of distracted driving accidents.

Criminal Charges for Texting While Driving: 

If a texting while driving accident leads to death, you can be criminally charged in the state of Massachusetts. Criminal charges can result in high fines and prison time. Therefore, it’s crucial for drivers to understand the gravity of this issue and its potential legal repercussions if such an accident occurs.

Charges for texting and driving, especially criminal charges can become severe, but Attorney Paulsen and her experienced team at Rightful Legal have helped countless clients achieve successful outcomes and eliminate or decrease the burden of such criminal charges on their record. Engaging with Massachusetts criminal law attorneys at Rightful Legal can provide you with the legal support needed to evaluate your situation and come up with the best defense to lessen the charges against you. 

Contact our Massachusetts Texting while Driving Accident Attorneys Today

Facing the aftermath of a car accident caused by a driver using their phone can be a distressing and confusing time. Our dedicated personal injury legal team at Rightful Legal understands the stress and pain you are  experiencing and stands ready to fight for your rightful compensation. Contact us today at 617-821-5856 or fill out our Contact Us form for a free initial consultation.  Let us be your committed and empathetic legal ally as we get you the compensation you deserve.

Rightful Legal has the expertise and resources to assist in a texting and driving accidents in Massachusetts. Attorney Paulsen strives to provide stellar advocacy and legal representation, ensuring that your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve. 

Call or Text Today for a Free Consultation at 617-821-5856 or Contact Us Here.