Filing a Claim After a Distracted Driving Auto Accident in California
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. Distracted driving can be caused by using a cell phone, eating, changing radio stations, or talking with other passengers while driving.
The CDC reports that distracted driving poses a huge risk for drivers on the road. According to data published by the agency, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in traffic accidents involving distracted driving in 2018. An additional 400,000 people sustained non-fatal injuries. Distracted driving is a serious problem that affects all those who share the road. The CDC reports that on average, about 20 percent of those who sustained fatal injuries in collisions involving distracted driving in 2018 were not in vehicles at the time of the accident. These victims were either riding their bikes, walking, or jogging at the time of the accident.
State Laws on Cellphone Use While Driving
In the smartphone age, everyone is more connected than ever, but while cellphones help bring people together, they also tend to cause serious distractions for those on the road. Using a cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, it is also illegal in the State of California.
The State of California has enacted strict laws that aim to prevent distracted driving. According to California Vehicle Code §23123 – 23123.5, drivers cannot operate their vehicle while holding and operating a wireless phone unless the device has been configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation.
California has novice driver provisions when it comes to distracted driving while in the use of a cell phone. According to state laws, those under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from using a cell phone, even when the phone has been configured to be used as a hand-free device.
Distracted Driving Has Serious Consequences
Driving while distracted creates an enormous potential for serious injuries and deaths on roads across the nation. Unfortunately, there are many reasons to be distracted when on the road, and it can be difficult for drivers to avoid taking their attention off the road. Drivers who are not attentive to the road ahead of them can be held accountable when their inattention leads to the injuries of another person.
People who are injured by distracted drivers can seek monetary compensation when they sustain the following damages: Mounting medical bills, Loss of wages and benefits, Loss of earning potential, Disability, Loss of quality of life, Emotional distress, and Physiological trauma.
Speak to an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
Distracted driving accidents have the potential to affect people in more ways than one. When a driver is not paying attention to the road ahead and is also driving at considerable speeds, killing an innocent bystander is a likely outcome. Although not every distracted driving accident will lead to fatal injuries, victims are often left with devastating injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives. Consequently, it is very important for victims to pursue a personal injury claim after the accident. Compensation obtained from a personal injury claim can help for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other incurred damages.
The personal injury attorneys at the Knez Law Group are highly versed in auto accident cases involving distracted drivers. The firm triumphs on behalf of victims who suffer the consequences of negligent drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident involving a distracted motorist, take immediate action and contact the proficient litigators at the Knez Law Group. Consider scheduling a complimentary consultation with the law firm today.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He went on to pursue his Law Degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in Ontario, California. While pursuing his law degree he earned various awards, including CALI Award in Torts and he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Knez was also a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic where he worked with people seeking asylum into the United States from countries where they had experienced persecution or threat of persecution. Additionally, Mr. Knez was a member of Law Review where he was an Associate Editor and published a Law Review article on California family custody move-away cases.