There is no denying that cell phones are a part of our daily lives. Virtually everyone has one and uses it frequently throughout the day. For some, this also means keeping it within reach while driving, despite state law that bans its use while driving.
If you or a loved one was injured by someone who was using their phone, we want you to understand that the at-fault driver is liable for the damage they have caused. Contact our car wreck attorneys to learn more about texting while driving car accidents in Sacramento and potentially pursuing a claim for compensation.
Texting while driving in Sacramento is dangerous, increasing accident risks by distracting drivers and limiting their focus on the road. California has laws to reduce crashes caused by phone use.
California Vehicle Code § 23123 states that a person driving shall not hold or operate a handheld wireless telephone, unless it is specifically designed for hands-free usage. A person may face fines, points on their license, and an increased insurance premium if they are caught holding a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
Hands-free cell phone laws make it easier to determine if mobile device use caused an accident and increases driver liability for related claims. However, it will require a legal team to establish that a phone did contribute to the incident.
Proving texting while driving caused a collision in Sacramento can be complex. It requires showing the other driver was using their phone during the crash, often with phone records, police reports, or video evidence. Most of this cannot be accessed by accident victims without legal representation, but it is still essential for victims of a wreck to gather what they can. After a collision, you should:
These are all things that should be done at the scene of any crash. The parts that will make it evident that the other driver was distracted by texting or phone calls will be the phone records, which are only obtainable by subpoena.
Drivers must exercise care on the road. Distracted driving, such as texting or talking, breaches this duty and endangers others. If liability is proven, the at-fault driver’s insurance may cover medical costs for the injured party, though it may not cover all expenses.
In California, drivers are only required to have the following insurance coverage: $30,000 for one person’s injury/death, $60,000 for multiple people’s injury/death, and $15,000 for property damage.
There is no allotment for pain and suffering, lost wages, or other hardships. To get this, a victim will need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Damages may include:
Every texting while driving auto accident case in Sacramento is different. Therefore, we recommend that victims speak with our legal team to discuss potential compensation.
Knowing what to do after an accident is never easy. We understand and want to help our clients through the confusion of it all. Therefore, if you are healing after a collision, we want you to know that we are a phone call away. We will even come to you if you are unable to leave your home.
All you need to do is contact Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC, to learn more about legal options after texting while driving car accidents in Sacramento. We will be happy to help you review the facts of your case and discover if compensation may be available to you.