A teenager in Georgetown Township was killed in an accident police think was caused by texting while driving.

Texting while driving, as with any other form of distracted driving, significantly increases an individual’s chances of getting involved in an accident. In fact, one study found that people who text while driving are more than 20 times more likely to get in an accident than those paying full attention to the road.

The victim in this case was 18-year-old Eric Helm, a student at Jenison High School. Police believe Helm was texting his girlfriend back and forth in the minutes leading up to the accident. Helm was driving westbound on Port Sheldon Street when he crossed into oncoming traffic at a curve in the road and hit a pickup truck head-on.

Police say that if Helm hadn’t been texting, he would likely have noticed the curve in the road and remained in his lane.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an car accident caused by a person who was texting while driving, you have legal rights that may entitle you to compensation. A Detroit personal injury attorney at Freedman & Freedman can help you exercise those rights by filing an injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party in an effort secure the largest possible settlement. We strongly believe that those who act recklessly and negligently must be held accountable for their actions, and that’s exactly what we intend to do.

Contact the Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman today to learn more about filing a claim!