Using Tech? Watch Your Step! 

It’s a common sight these days to see people on their mobile phones while walking, driving, exercising, in restaurants and entertainment spots or commuting. The cellphone has become an inextricable part of our lives.

But it’s also a huge source of distraction, as a study conducted in Florida State University reveals. “Our results suggest that mobile phones can disrupt attention performance even if one does not interact with the device,” opine the authors of the study. This means that the mere presence of the phone can create a space in the mind for it and become a source of distraction.

Talking or texting while walking can be hazardous, leading to accidents of all types, including slip and fall accidents. This coupled with a badly-maintained area can spell disaster.

Accidents aren’t always accidental. They’re the result of someone’s fault or negligence and the injured have a right to seek compensation if their accident was caused by another person’s negligence or breaching of safety norms.

An experienced Etobicoke personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and provide the right kind of advice and assistance on seeking compensation.

Cellphones: A Source of Distraction

Non-stop connectivity has become quite the norm and technology has kept pace with this. Smart-phones, wearable devices, mobile connectivity etc are some of the aspects that contribute to this new phenomenon.

We tend to underestimate the distraction factor in the use of phones while walking. In fact, many studies have shown that this can be a comprehensive form of distraction that involves manual, visual and cognitive inattention to the main task which is walking. Younger males, especially in higher income groups tend to discount the distraction value of cellphones much more.

Being distracted can be hazardous while walking outdoors and inside the house/work-place too. We may not be vigilant enough to notice slippery floors, wet surfaces, broken or damaged flooring, etc and could stumble over clutter or construction debris, loose wires and cables.

Plus Points Of Cellphones

On the other hand, if you weren’t distracted by the use of your phone, but unfortunately had a slip and fall accident, the cellphone can be quite an invaluable aid.

Proving fault and establishing liability in slip and fall accidents can be quite challenging when the compensation aspect comes in. These cases can be mired in complex medical, legal and insurance issues and evidence is the cornerstone of a successful outcome.

Cellphones are the perfect tool to take photographs of the location and conditions that caused your accident. This is crucial, because by the time your case comes to trial or negotiation, the conditions could have been changed deliberately by the at-fault party.

You can also click pictures of your injuries, take down details like names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses. Since these pictures have a date and time stamp, it makes them important pieces of evidence. You can record the report that you made to someone in authority about the accident.

More than anything, your cellphone comes in handy while calling for help if you’re injured and it also helps you to get in touch with an experienced Etobicoke personal injury lawyer who can ensure that your rights are safeguarded from the word go.