By now, most of us know that we should avoid engaging in distracted driving practices. While we agree that drivers should remain focused on the road, many people still read their texts, send a tweet, or glance at their phones while on the road. Unfortunately, these unsafe behaviors can lead to significant consequences. Many states, including California, have seen a rising number of distracted driving-related auto accidents in recent years. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Riverside County and you suspect that a distracted driver was involved, contact an experienced car accident lawyer right away to discuss your options for pursuing and securing the compensation you deserve.
Distracted Driving Can Lead to Significant Injuries
When you remove your eyes from the road to read a text or change the radio station, you can put yourself and others at risk. A recent report found that nearly 17 percent of all crashes involve the use of a phone five seconds prior to impact. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 400,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2018. During that same year, approximately 2,800 people were killed in a distracted driver-related accident.
2020 Saw an Increase in Distracted Driving Behaviors
Even though there were fewer cars on the road for several months in 2020, those who did travel by car were more likely to engage in reckless or distracted driving practices. In April, Los Angeles County reported that law enforcement officers were issuing a record number of speeding tickets, as drivers were viewing the open freeways as an invitation to travel at excessive speeds. Additionally, although the duration of cell phone use while driving has decreased in many areas, the frequency of cell phone usage while driving has increased. Many drivers may feel increasingly compelled to check their phones while driving, which interferes with their ability to focus their attention on the road.
Securing Compensation Following a California Auto Accident
The aftermath of an auto accident can be disorienting and overwhelming. Your top priority should be to assess yourself and others at the scene for any injuries and to call for an ambulance if necessary. You’ll also want to make sure you contact local law enforcement at the time of the incident so that an official accident report can be created. The responding officer will likely assess the situation to determine whether the other driver may have been engaged in distracted driving practices. If you suspect that the other driver was using a cell phone or was otherwise distracted at the time of the incident, you should discuss your suspicions with a trusted auto accident attorney. Together, you can develop a solid legal strategy aimed at securing you the compensation you need in order to get your life back on track.
For more information about what steps to take following an auto accident in the Temecula or Murrieta area, contact Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today at (951) 489-3320 to speak to a trusted car accident lawyer.