St. Louis Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

As time passes, distracted driving becomes more and more of an issue for drivers in Missouri and Illinois. In fact, AT&T once reported that 61% of drivers text while driving. This reckless behavior leads to terrible car accidents that can cause severe injuries and financial stress.

If you or a loved one have been injured because another driver was on their phone while driving, contact our St. Louis distracted driving accident lawyers at DM Injury Law. We have helped thousands of clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve, and we can fight for you.

Tell us your story over a free consultation. We are a contingency-fee-based personal injury law firm, which means you don’t pay us unless we win.

Distracted Driving Laws in Missouri & Illinois

Missouri

Per Senate Bill 398, drivers in Missouri must follow these laws:

• Drivers cannot hold or support a cell phone or wireless device while driving but may use Bluetooth or voice-activated features.
• Drivers cannot manually type, write, send, or read text-based communications while driving.
• Drivers are not allowed to watch, record, post, send, or broadcast video or movie content while driving.

Missouri’s Hands-Free Driving Law

As of January 1, 2025, Missouri police officers are no longer handing out warnings to drivers who are on their phones or other devices. Instead, if a driver is pulled over for another offense, like speeding, running a stop light or sign, or not using the turn signal, and the police officer spots them using their phone, they can be issued a fine. The first offense is $150. The second offense is $250, and all subsequent offenses are $500.

If you are in an accident where the at-fault driver was given a ticket for using their phone, the police report could be used as evidence in your personal injury case.

Speak to an attorney in St. Louis today for advice.

Illinois

Illinois state law prohibits the use of cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices while driving. There are a few exceptions to this law, including:

• Using a hands-free or Bluetooth device if you are at least 19 years old
• Using your phone to report an accident to 911
• Using your phone while parked on the road’s shoulder
• Using your phone while parked or stopped in neutral while in traffic

Speak to a distracted driving attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, today if you need help with a car accident claim. 

Common Distracted Driving Habits

According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, 106 people died in Missouri distracted driving crashes in 2023. There are many bad habits that drivers can get distracted by, including:

• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Eating and drinking
• Adjusting the GPS
• Changing music or radio stations
• Interacting with passengers
• Reaching for items in the car
• Grooming or applying makeup
• Watching videos
• Reading
• Checking social media
• Taking selfies or photos
• Daydreaming or “zoning out”
• Checking emails
• Handling pets
• Using in-car entertainment systems
• Writing notes
• Smoking or vaping
• Searching for dropped items
• Adjusting mirrors or seat settings
• Looking at maps or directions

The list could go on and on. Call our St. Louis distracted driving injury lawyers to tell us about your accident over a free consultation.

What Damages Can I Seek After A Distracted Driving Accident?

After being a victim in a distracted driving accident, you have the possibility to receive both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are reimbursement for financial losses that can be measured. Non-economic damages are payments for losses that are more subjective.

After an accident, a texting-while-driving accident lawyer can fight for compensation to help you pay for:

• Medical bills
• Rehab and therapy
• Long-term care
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial costs (if the crash resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• PTSD
• Loss of independence
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t face this challenging time alone. We at DM Injury Law are dedicated to helping you fight for the compensation you are owed. Our St. Louis distracted driving attorneys and support team of case managers, medical record specialists, and investigators are here to lead you through this complex process. Tell us your story over a free consultation. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.