What Happens When Pokémon Gets Behind the Wheel?

By September 20, 2016October 22nd, 2018Personal Injury
distracted driving e1540239948794

St. Louis Attorneys for Victims of Distracted Drivers

Pokémon Go is the latest craze for adults and teens. It gets you up, gets you moving, and lets you interact with the world around you – all while enduring the quest to catch the Pokémon characters among friends, family, and even random community members. There have been several warnings already issued on major news outlets, by insurers, and even police about using Pokémon Go while driving or walking. If you think those warnings are just out of precaution, think again.

A 28-year old man in New York slammed his vehicle into a tree. The man was playing Pokémon Go at the time – and only glimpsed at the screen for a few seconds before veering off the road. While he wasn’t seriously injured, he had lacerations and broken bones. In Japan, there have been multiple accidents. Another instance included a Pokémon Go player enjoying the game while driving, and his vehicle crashed into a police car. This was even caught on film. In another instance, a driver was distracted by his game and slammed into the back of another vehicle on the highway. There have also been instances where drivers are drinking and driving, and playing Pokémon Go.

Pokémon Go and Other Apps Are Forms of Distracted Driving

All it takes is a few seconds away of distraction from the road ahead to cause a serious crash. Pokémon Go and other apps on your smartphone are considered distractions, and if you use them while driving, you are participating in distracted driving. What is important to realize is that if an accident is caused by a distracted driver – whether he or she is playing Pokémon Go or doing something else entirely, that distracted driver is responsible for the injuries and damages associated with the accident. Distracted driving is a form of negligence; therefore, the injured party (the plaintiff) has the right to sue under personal injury law. Also, the defendant who caused the accident could face criminal penalties in addition to the civil lawsuit.

Originally, the biggest culprit of distracted driving was texting while driving. But, now it seems that Pokémon Go and playing other immersive apps are also forms of distracted driving. As the Pokémon Go craze continues, more distracted driving cases will hit the headlines – and, possibly, deaths will occur because of this game.

Avoid Distractions Behind the Wheel – It is Your Responsibility

Under tort law, distracted driving is a form of negligent driving. When a driver is distracted and acting negligently, he or she is failing to perform a responsible duty of care while behind the wheel; therefore, the driver could be held liable for any damages caused.

If you are driving, you need to remain focused on the road ahead. Some ways to reduce your chances of being a distracted driver include:

  1. Putting away your smartphone and other devices while driving – and never reading text messages or engaging in app play while operating a vehicle.
  2. Turning off the radio and avoiding adjusting the stations while you are driving.
  3. Avoiding conversations with passengers. Conversations are a form of distracted driving, too.
  4. Adjusting all radio controls, temperature, and GPS units before you drive. Adjusting these while driving can distract you.

What if You’re Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

After an accident with a distracted driver, you may not fully realize the damages until months afterward. But, as the medical costs and lost wages pile up, you will find yourself wondering what your options are – especially when you are suffering from an accident and injury that you didn’t cause yourself. That is where a personal injury attorney can help. Contact the attorneys at Carey, Danis & Lowe Attorneys at Law today. We can help you seek compensation for your lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and much more. Schedule a consultation now by calling 877-678-3400, or fill out our online contact form to request a consultation.