Texting and driving car accidents have become more common in recent years, leaving countless victims injured or even worse – losing their lives. Unfortunately, many California motorists still operate their vehicles while either reading or sending a text. The fact is a few seconds is all it takes for a serious or fatal car crash to occur. Those who have suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone who was texting or otherwise distracted may want to consider visiting with SLM Law at (310) 443-4119 to learn how they may be able to receive compensation for their injuries and losses.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Any time someone takes their attention away from the roadway it is due to some type of distraction. Motorists often eat while they are driving, engage in conversation with passengers, talk on their cell phones, text, apply makeup, fiddle with their entertainment or stereo systems, and more. Texting is by far the most common and serious distraction today. Distractions fall into three categories including:
Manual Distractions: Manual distractions require drivers to take one or both hands off the steering wheel. Examples of this would be eating, drinking, texting, switching stations on the stereo, adjusting the temperature, etc.
Visual Distractions: Visual distractions are anything that take the driver’s eyes off the road. Examples of this include reading a text or texting, browsing a playlist, looking at billboards, looking at passengers, or observing towns, places, or surroundings.
Cognitive Distractions: Anything that takes a motorist’s mind away from driving is a cognitive distraction. Examples of this include having your mind on other things (being preoccupied), listening to audio books or podcasts, talking with passengers, texting, or anything that causes the mind to drift to something other than driving safely.
Texting and driving car accidents occur every day. Texting while driving is more perilous because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Those with questions regarding how they can obtain justice after a texting and driving accident due to someone else’s negligence may want to consider scheduling a consultation with SLM Law.
Why Texting and Driving Is Dangerous
It is obvious that distracted driving is dangerous, given that it can take a driver’s eyes and mind away from the road. According to a Federal Communications Commission guide, over 3,100 individuals lost their lives in 2019 due to distracted driving. In 2018, approximately 400,000 people suffered injuries in car accidents involving distracted drivers. Many states have taken action regarding texting and using cell phones while driving.
- Motorists have been banned from using hand-held phones while driving in 25 states
- Motorists of all ages have been banned from texting while driving in 48 states
- Novice drivers have been banned from all cell phone use in 37 states
- School bus drivers have been banned from using cell phones while driving in 23 states
In California it is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving for any reason according to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). This includes actually texting or simply reading texts. Some studies have suggested that texting and driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving, causing motorists who engaged in this activity to have slower reaction times than those who had a 0.08 (legal limit) blood-alcohol level.
Common Injuries in Texting and Driving Car Accidents
Injuries suffered by those involved in a distracted driving accident vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the crash. Injuries may be minor or so severe they leave a victim disabled for life. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Muscle, joint, or tendon damage
- Burns or bruises
- Facial disfigurement
- Amputation injuries
Those who are injured in texting and driving car accidents due to the negligence of another motorist may be entitled to compensation of costs related to their injuries. Damages that may be awarded to personal injury victims could potentially include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases future income when the victim cannot work due to the extent of their injuries.
Consider Scheduling a Consultation with SLM Law
Unfortunately, many motorists in California choose to ignore the laws and continue to use their cell phones to talk, send texts, or read text messages while driving. This is extremely dangerous behavior and often results in car accidents that leave innocent people seriously injured or dead. Negligent drivers who participate in texting while behind the wheel should be held accountable by injured victims and their families. Those who are victims of texting and driving car accidents and need legal guidance may want to consider reaching out to a California personal injury attorney at SLM Law at (310) 443-4119.