A number of loved ones have tragically been lost in Ohio over the past dozen or so years due to distracted driving or suspected distracted driving. Distracted driving was identified in nearly 14,000 car accidents in Ohio during 2016. In addition, car accident fatalities increased for the first time in 50 years during 2015 and talking, texting, and use of the internet while driving were identified as major factors causing the increase.The number of distractions, including everyday activities distracted drivers sometimes engage in, is thought to be increasing. Distracted driving certainly includes cell phone use, internet use while driving and texting while driving but it also includes other behaviors such as operating a navigation system or radio while driving, eating while driving, grooming while driving and engaging with passengers while driving.What is important to note is that a distracted driver who has caused a car accident that has resulted in injuries or other harm may be liable to compensate victims for their damages. Distracted drivers may be responsible to compensate victims for their medical expenses, lost wages and the pain and suffering associated with being harmed in an unexpected distracted driving accident.Victims of distracted driving-related car accidents, and their families, may find they are in need of assistance with the significant physical, financial and emotional damages they may suffer following a distracted driving-related car accident. As a result, it is important for victims to be aware that personal injury legal options are available to help when victims have been harmed by the careless behaviors of distracted drivers.Source: Dayton Daily News, “Deadly Ohio highway crashes increase from distracted driving,” Thomas Gnau, Sept. 14, 2016