Pokemon Go – The Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers, South Carolina

Pokemon Go

Pokémon GO: The Dangers of Playing While Driving

Pokemon GO, a worldwide location-based game for iPhones and Androids, took the world by storm following its July 6th, 2016 release. The game quickly received more downloads than Netflix, Twitter, or Pandora.

While the game is meant to encourage exercise by using walking to different locations as a way to capture Pokémon, some users have discovered that the game can also be played by driving to these locations. Not surprisingly, car accidents have been reported that were caused by individuals attempting to play the game while driving, including one driver who drove into a tree while playing the game and another who slammed into the back of a police cruiser. Understandably, concern has been raised about the impact Pokémon GO will have on distracted driving accidents.

Why is Pokemon GO so Dangerous While Driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are three primary types of distractions that are particularly dangerous when driving:
• Visual distractions, where you take your eyes off of the road;
• Manual distractions, where you take your hands off of the wheel; and
• Cognitive distractions, where you take your mind off of driving.

Attempting to play Pokemon GO while driving illustrates an especially serious type of driving distraction because it causes all three types of distractions; you must take your eyes off of the road to watch the screen, take your hands off of the wheel to use your phone, and take your mind off of driving to play the game.

What Types of Damages Could I Receive from a Distracted Driving Lawsuit?

If you were injured by a driver who was playing Pokemon GO at the time of your accident, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver to recover damages for your injuries. Damages that can be awarded in a personal injury claim include:
• Medical expenses (like hospital stays, rehabilitation, and surgeries);
• Pain and suffering experienced during and after the accident;
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity from not being able to work after the accident; and
• Loss of companionship.

If a jury determines that the at-fault driver’s distracted driving was particularly reprehensible, then you may also be awarded additional punitive damages, which are intended to punish the at-fault driver for his conduct and keep others from participating in similar conduct in the future.

Injured by a Distracted Driver? Let Us Help You Today!

If you have been injured in a car accident by an at-fault driver who wasn’t paying attention and are considering filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, it is important to contact a lawyer immediately. South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations, meaning you must bring your claim within three years after the accident occurred. You don’t have to fight your case alone—the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Lovely Law Firm are here to help you win the compensation you deserve. To schedule an absolutely free case evaluation, please call (843) 839-4111 today.

Sources:

Distracted driving statistics: http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/

Police car accident: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/07/20/driver-slams-into-baltimore-cop-car-while-playing-pokemon-go-accident/87333892/

Tree accident: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/07/14/pokmon-go-player-crashes-his-car-into-tree/87074762/

Game popularity: http://fortune.com/2016/07/14/pokemon-go-netflix/

Every case is different. Results vary.