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Family sues Apple after fatal car accident

On Behalf of | Jan 12, 2017 | Car Accidents

As technology continues to develop, drivers continue to get distracted behind the wheel. One common form of distraction has proven to be the Facetime feature on Apple products. In 2014, a driver was using the phone app when he rear-ended a couple’s vehicle and killed their five-year-old daughter. The couple had slowed or stopped their car due to traffic on the highway. The woman and the couple’s other daughter were treated for injuries. The man was listed in critical condition.

The driver who caused the car accident has been indicted on manslaughter charges and is out on bail. His trial will begin next month. Officers who reported to the scene noted that the FaceTime application on the driver’s phone was still active after the crash. The driver also admitted to police that he was using FaceTime at the time of the accident. However, the driver’s lawyer says that the use of the phone did not contribute to the accident.

The girl’s parents have now filed suit against Apple for failure to warn users of the dangers of misusing FaceTime. The couple says that FaceTime distracted the driver and, thereby, caused the devastating accident. The suit also alleges that Apple had the technology to configure the iPhone to lock drivers out of FaceTime when driving at high speeds but failed to take action.

When a Louisiana family loses a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, they can take legal action against those responsible. If their lawsuit is successful, they will recover damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs. While nothing can bring back a lost loved one, families may use this to get some closure and move forward.

Source: ABC News, “Family Sues Apple, Claiming FaceTime Distracted Driver in Crash That Killed 5-Year-Old Daughter,” Jan. 2, 2017

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