Distracted Driving and Auto Accidents
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton car accident lawyer. Distracted driving accidents is on the rise throughout California, particularly involving mobile phone use while behind the wheel. Such accidents are due to the epidemic of social media and high demand for instant communication. Many motorists tend to ignore the penalties associated with texting and driving until it is too late. The detailed article below discusses in depth the consequences of distracted driving behaviors.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any action or activity that diverts the attention of a motorist away from the roadway. This type of driving behavior can be fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed in a 2015 study that 3,477 parties lost their lives as a result of distracted driving. The study also found that the most common age group involved in distracted driving at the time of fatal accidents were teenagers. Distracted driving activities include the following:
- Changing the Radio or Navigation System
- Applying Makeup
- Eating and Drinking
- Reading
- Texting and Driving
Why is Texting and Driving Bad?
One of the most dangerous types of distracted driving is texting and driving. This type of distraction creates particular hazards as it impairs the manual, cognitive and visual abilities of a motorist. According to the NHTSA, the impairments associated with texting and driving and drunk driving are similar. Both of these negligent driving behaviors may result in weaving into oncoming traffic, delayed reaction time and following too closely. Drivers who are using their cell phones while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle have a twenty-three percent chance of causing an accident.
Proving Fault in Distracted Driving Accidents
In order to prove that a party was texting while driving prior to an auto accident, evidence will be required to support your claim. This would comprise of:
- Witness Statements
- Traffic Collision Reports
- Mobile Phone Records
Distracted Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Claims
If a party has suffered injuries or death as a result of a distracted driving accident, there is substantial evidence and a time frame that must be met in order to file a personal injury claim. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two (2) years, with the exception of government entity claims which is six (6) months or 180 days from the date of the accident. Contact a Stockton personal injury lawyer for more information and to help you obtain just compensation for your losses.
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Stockton Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton car accident lawyer. Distracted driving can be deadly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Stockton auto accident, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. You may also connect with me free of toll at (800) 404-5400.
I have been working as an injury lawyer since 1982. I have represented families from throughout California, including Stockton, in securing compensation for their traumatic injury and wrongful death claims for over 35 years.
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