Available 24/7If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a driver texting on their phone, consult with a California auto accident lawyer today. Accidents often lead to medical bills, time off work, and emotional pain. However, by working with a California texting and driving accident attorney you can help hold the negligent party responsible and seek financial compensation for the damage they have caused. To learn more or discuss your case, schedule a consultation today.
Texting and Driving Laws in California
A Californian law, Vehicle Code Section 23123.5, describes the fact that anyone who is driving a vehicle is not allowed to search the web, send or read a text message, send an email, or send or read an instant message. The law also states that a driver may not type an address into a GPS phone app either. Making sure that the driver is over 18, telephone calls may be made while using a hands-free device.
According to the research made by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the average text message takes about 4 and 5 seconds to read. This means that if the driver is driving at 55 miles an hour, he will travel the length of a football field without ever looking at the road. These risks are astounding and there are many injuries that could potentially happen.
Recovering Damages Following An Accident
In 2013, an award of $930,000 ($680,000 verdict, plus $77,000 is lost wages and $316,000 in future damages) was given to a texting and driving accident victim by a California jury. Victims have no guarantee that they will receive as much as the above case; however, they are still eligible to recover, at least, lost salaries, hospital expenses, and possible medical care needs. Our California texting and driving accident attorneys can help you with seeking legal action, by accounting for all of your damages (both short and long term), stop you from making potential mistakes, and advise you throughout the whole process.
Proving Fault
In order to recover compensation for damages, you need to prove that the other driver was texting and was distracted. To do this, you have to have evidence. This would comprise of:
• Spectator accounts
• Reports from police officers detailing that the driver was texting
• Cellular phone records
To help you evaluate which evidence is available you, and then use it to present it to your case, contact the texting and driving accident lawyers in California.
Additionally, with an attorney available to help you, you will avoid many mistakes that could hurt your case. Trying to settle quickly for low payouts, many insurance companies will settle before the victim knows how bad their injuries truly are. Ryan Sargent, personal injury lawyer, can help you avoid this.