We can’t deny that we live in a digitally dependent world. You’ve probably seen drivers who decide to take a phone call or return a text while behind the wheel. And while there are approximately 6 million car accidents that occur in the U.S. every year, most of us know that these distracted driving behaviors put us at higher risk of a motor vehicle crash.
Still, there are motorists who are willing to take that risk and continue to engage in these behaviors. Not only are they highly dangerous, but they’re often highly illegal. The state of California actually has several laws on the books that ban the use of cell phones while behind the wheel. The use of handheld wireless phones is completely banned, while drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using even hands-free wireless technology while operating a vehicle. What’s more, the use of electronic devices — including the behavior of texting — while behind the wheel is forbidden by law.
And yet, many drivers still take the chance. The light penalty associated with texting and driving might have something to do with it. The base fines for violating California’s texting while driving laws are $20 for a first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. Of course, if texting while driving is the root cause of a serious accident, the consequences will generally be much more severe.
But if you’re hurt in a car accident and believe that a texting driver was at fault, what should you do? Here are some general steps to follow to increase the chances of a favorable outcome, particularly if you decide to work with a personal injury attorney Mission Viejo residents rely on to file a claim.
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving crash, you need a personal injury attorney Mission Viejo motorists can trust. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.