It seems as though everyone has a cell phone these days. For most people under the age of 40 the idea of leaving home without your cell phone is like leaving home without your wallet or purse. Even those over 40 have become dependent on cell phones to make calls on the run or to check e-mail while away from the office. Cell phones, however, have evolved into a primary form of communication for many. Text messaging, or “texting” has replaced actual conversation for many. Texting can be quicker and less complicated than having a long, drawn out conversation. Many people have become accustomed to sending a text message to ask a simple question or to let someone know when they will be arriving or what they are doing. While texting can be an efficient way to communicate, texting while driving can have deadly consequences.
The prevalence of cell phone usage while driving cannot be ignored. Statistics are hard to come by as many people do not want to admit they use their phones while driving. Once study estimated that for 2008, as many as 800,000 people were using their cell phones to talk o text while driving. Since then, many states, including California, have passed legislation limiting or banning altogether the use of cell phones while driving. Despite the ban on texting while driving, people continue to use their phones to send or receive text messages. As a consequence, car accidents – sometimes fatal – continue to be the result of distracted drivers. Estimates run as high as 25% of all car accidents are caused in whole or in part by the use of a cell phone while driving. While it is easy to blame teenagers and young drivers for texting while driving (nearly half of them admit to doing so), the truth is that 20% of adult drivers also admit to texting while driving. In one recent year, over 5,000 were fatally injured as a result of a distracted driver. It seems clear that texting while driving continues to be a serious problem. While the state bans on texting and driving are a meaningful step toward preventing accidents that result from a texting driver, laws are only as effective as the people that choose to abide by them. Until everyone decides to put down the cell phone while driving, motorists must run the risk of being involved in a collision with someone that has been distracted by that all important text message.
If you have been the victim of a distracted driver accident in the state of California, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you have suffered as a result. Texting while driving is not only illegal in the state of California but can be the basis of a negligence lawsuit if the driver’s decision to ignore the ban caused or contributed to the accident. The only way to know for sure whether you have an actionable claim against the driver is to consult with an experienced California car accident attorney. For a free and detailed evaluation of your potential car accident case, please contact the California law firm of Ledger & Associates. With over a decade of experience fighting for victim’s rights, you can be assured that they will give you a complete and thorough evaluation of your case. To make an appointment,, call 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com.
