Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Rancho Mirage
No matter what type of vehicle they are operating or their final destination everyone who drives on public roads has the same duty under state law to obey the law and pay close attention to their surroundings at all times. Reading or writing text messages behind the wheel violates both of these obligations—and unfortunately, it is among the most common auto accident causes across the state.
When you are injured in a texting while driving car accident in Rancho Mirage, the actions you take to enforce your right to civil recovery could significantly impact your life. You deserve fair financial restitution for the harm an irresponsible driver caused you, and a seasoned car crash attorney could give you the help you need to get the compensation you deserve.
What Does State Law Say About Texting Behind the Wheel?
Almost every state in the country has a law prohibiting drivers of all ages from reading or writing text messages on any mobile communication device while driving. California goes a step further by prohibiting drivers from using cell phones, smartphones, or any similar handheld device while in direct control of a motor vehicle, including while they are stopped at traffic lights and stop signs.
Cell phone and smartphone use while driving is only legal if the driver has the device mounted on their dashboard, center console, or in the lower left or right corner of their windshield. Even then, drivers can only use device functions accomplished with one tap, touch, or swipe of their finger. Drivers under 18 cannot use any mobile communications device for any reason while driving, whether in hands-free mode or not. These laws intend to decrease texting while driving vehicle crashes in Rancho Mirage and across the state.
Texting While Driving as Grounds for a Civil Claim
Texting while driving constitutes a breach of the duty of care drivers have to follow all applicable traffic laws at all times. When a breach is the direct cause of a motor vehicle accident and results in an injury to someone else severe enough to require professional medical attention, the driver who committed the breach is legally negligent. An injured person can hold them financially liable for the accident’s consequences based on that negligence.
Recoverable losses through a lawsuit or settlement demand built around a Rancho Mirage texting while driving car accident may include:
- Car repair or replacement costs, plus other forms of personal property loss
- All medical expenses for crash-related injuries
- Lost work income during injury recovery or lost earning capacity due to long-term disability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Lost consortium and enjoyment of life
If a court determines a texting driver demonstrated a reckless disregard for others through their behavior, it may impose additional punitive damages and award them as additional compensation to the injured person.
An Attorney Could Help After a Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Rancho Mirage
Being distracted for any reason behind the wheel puts you and everyone around you at risk of catastrophic harm. Texting behind the wheel is the most common distraction on the road. When a texting driver leaves you with serious injuries, they should pay for your ensuing losses.
Representation from a skilled attorney can be crucial to achieving this kind of outcome in a civil claim following texting while driving car accidents in Rancho Mirage. Call today to discuss your options.
