Car Accidents Caused by Texting While Driving
| February 28th, 2023
We hear a lot about the dangers of texting while driving, but is it really that dangerous? And if it is, why do we keep on doing it? Texting while driving is dangerous, as it causes drivers to take their eyes off the road. This behavior leads to car accidents that can result in serious injuries and even fatalities.
Even though California has one of the lowest records of distracted driving fatalities, texting while driving has caused life-altering injuries to victims. If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident, you need an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney to handle your case.
At Berg Injury, we offer a free consultation and answer all the questions regarding your insurance claim. In the next section, we will give you facts, laws, and statistics about distracted driving, who is liable, and ways to prevent distracted driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver is preoccupied with something other than driving. The secondary behavior causes drivers to take their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, and their mental focus away from the primary task of driving. These behaviors include eating, applying makeup, handling the dashboard controls, talking to a passenger, and texting.
Since nearly every driver has a mobile phone, texting while driving has become a major problem. Lawmakers have placed more emphasis on it because it has proven to be as dangerous as drunk driving.
If a distracted driver caused an injury to you or your loved one, proficient California car accident attorneys could help you fight for what is rightfully yours.
Facts About Distracted Driving
Distracted driving poses a danger to both the young and the old. In fact, young drivers are four times more likely to get into a car accident compared to experienced drivers. Other important facts about distracted driving include the following:
- Men are twice more likely to get into an accident due to distracted driving than women.
- Driving as you are texting is as dangerous as driving after drinking four beers within an hour.
- Texting while driving increases the possibility of a motor vehicle accident by three times.
- Distracted driving qualifies as a primary offense in California.
- It takes about 27 seconds for your eyes to readjust to the road and the mental distraction to end after texting while driving.
California Distracted Driving Laws
According to California Vehicle Code, Section 23123, a person cannot read or write text messages or receive a call while driving on a public road. However, they are permitted to do so, if they have a hands-free system in the vehicle.
Further, California VC, Section 23124, prevents people under eighteen from using a mobile phone, including hands-free. Other laws also prohibit school bus and transit vehicle drivers from using a wireless phone unless it is work-related or an emergency.
California Distracted Driving Statistics
Motorists are often surprised when they hear that texting while driving is among the leading causes of car accidents. The following statistics give a better picture of the frequency and consequences of distracted driving:
- In a 2020 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, men caused 75% of distracted driving fatalities. Of these, 13% were mobile phone related.
- Nationally, distracted driving causes nine deaths and more than 1000 injuries daily.
- More than 650,000 people use mobile phones while driving (NHTSA)
- A survey by AT&T showed that 98% of drivers who text and drive said they know the dangers of texting as they drive, but 75% of them still do it regularly.
Who is Liable in a Sacramento Texting While Driving Accident?
Since California is an at-fault state, a driver in Sacramento who caused harm to another person is responsible for the cost of the accident-related injuries. Additionally, Sacramento also follows the state’s pure comparative negligence law. For instance, if the injured person shares any liability, such as texting while driving, they may get reduced or no compensation for their role in the accident.
If you get involved in an accident due to distracted driving, talk to a car accident attorney immediately. By hiring a car accident attorney, Sacramento victims can hold the party at fault liable for their injuries and damage to the vehicle.
5 Ways to Prevent Being Distracted While Driving
A car, truck, or van is a lethal weapon when a distracted driver is on the wheels. A car accident caused by a preoccupied driver can cause permanent disability. To avoid this outcome, the following five tips can prevent you from being distracted while driving:
- Send texts before getting into the car or pull over and stop if you need to send one.
- Resist the urge to use the phone while driving.
- Refrain from driving if you are feeling drowsy.
- Prepare to drive before you start driving by ensuring everything is in place.
- Ensure your car is well-maintained.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento
Many drivers take the right to use public roads for granted. In the process, some cause serious accidents that change the lives of those around them. If you are a victim of a car accident due to distracted driving, a car accident attorney in Sacramento can help you decide the next cause of action.
At Berg injury, we have helped car accident victims since 1981. We know how to protect the best interest of our clients while negotiating with the insurance company. Schedule a free appointment with us and let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.
