California Drivers Are Getting the Message on Distracted Driving
October 14, 2024- Categories: Vehicle Accidents
Could it be that drivers in California are getting the message that using a cell phone while driving is unsafe and illegal? According to a recent report released by the California Office of Traffic Safety, this appears to be the case.
The report, which is based upon actual human observers watching traffic at 204 spots in 17 counties in California, determined that 3.58% of drivers were seen holding a cell phone to their ear, talking into a cell phone, or manipulating a phone as one would do while texting.
The report also states that distracted driving due to cell phones appears to have dropped in California. While the rate for hand-held usage was 3.58% in a recent year, it was 7.6% the previous year and 5.4% two years prior. Also, there was higher use of cell phones behind the wheel on local roads than on highways and secondary roads (3.89%, 2.98% and 2.63%, respectively). Interestingly, SUVs and vans had a much higher rate of usage than cars – 4.75% and 2.93%, respectively.
The study also indicates that across California, approximately one in 28 drivers are texting or talking on their cell phones at this moment. If one were to count hands-free devices, the number would be one in 13.
The survey found that drivers in some California counties had higher rates of handheld cell phone use than others:
- San Bernardino County: 8.2%
- Contra Costa County: 6.3%
- Alameda County: 2.66%
- Orange County: 2.56%
- Sonoma County: 2.35%
- San Mateo County: 1.05%
In cases involving accidents or legal matters, it’s important to speak to a qualified personal injury attorney to find out about your rights. This includes situations like drunk driving accidents. Consult with a qualified drunk driving accident attorney who focuses on this area of the law. Let Neale & Fhima’s legal professionals protect your rights and ensure you receive appropriate legal guidance.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident in which the other driver was distracted, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the law. Texting, talking on the phone, and driving negligently are unlawful in California. The skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers at Neale & Fhima will fight to get the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims in California
The statute of limitations in California for a personal injury claim is two years. The clock starts on the date of the accident. If the injury was not discovered right away and took weeks or months to arise, then a lawsuit must be filed within one year from the date the injury was discovered. Depending on the nature of their car accident injuries, a person may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages including:
- Doctor and medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- PTSD and emotional distress
- Funeral and burial costs (in the case of wrongful death).
This can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases. Don’t delay and let the statute of limitations pass. Hire a car accident lawyer and get the process started.
You could be entitled to thousands of dollars in compensation, depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. If you’ve been seriously hurt in a crash with a distracted driver, Neale & Fhima will represent you aggressively to achieve the highest payout possible in your case.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE NEALE & FHIMA?
We know that there are a lot of personal lawyers in California to choose from, but we believe Neale & Fhima is an excellent choice. Here’s why:
- Years of Experience. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience representing clients throughout California.
- Free Consultations. We will always discuss your situation with you in a free initial consultation before you make any decisions about a claim.
- Our Lawyers Win Cases. Neale & Fhima enjoys a 99% success rate. We think this says a lot about the skill of our attorneys. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of any individual case, you can take comfort in knowing your claim is being handled by personal injury lawyers who have a track record of success.
Injured by a Distracted Driver in California? Contact Neale & Fhima.
While many California drivers are getting the message about distracted driving, there are still many car accidents caused by this problem. That applies to truck accidents, too, because large truck crashes are increasing. If you are hurt in a car accident by someone who was texting on a cell phone, eating, or otherwise distracted, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. Whether it was a broadside collision or head-on collision, injuries can be serious and even life threatening.
Neale & Fhima is experienced in bringing negligence claims on behalf of those who are hurt by distracted drivers. For a complimentary consultation with our distracted driving accident lawyer for your case, please contact us by calling 888-407-2955.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
