Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Victorville

Under state law, every driver has the same duty to pay attention to the road ahead and other people and vehicles around them. Despite that, far too many people distract themselves with their smartphones while behind the wheel, sometimes leading to collisions with devastating consequences.

Texting while driving car accidents in Victorville can serve as justification for financial recovery through civil litigation. However, getting a favorable result from a case like this can be more complicated than you might expect. If you want to ensure the texting driver who hit you compensates you for your losses, support from a seasoned auto accident attorney could be essential.

How State Law Addresses Texting Behind the Wheel

Every state has at least some kind of law addressing the use of mobile electronic devices to read, send, or write text messages while operating a motor vehicle. California’s approach to this matter is among the strictest in the country. Beyond just prohibiting text messaging while in motion, state law prohibits all drivers from using an electronic communications device for any purpose while holding it in their hand.

Drivers over 18 can use cellphones and smartphones in hands-free mode and make single button presses or screen touches to answer or hang up a phone call. The law makes other exceptions for things like turning a mounted GPS on or off. However, drivers under 18 years old cannot use cell phones while driving for any reason except summoning emergency services.

Violating these laws is generally punishable as a traffic infraction rather than a criminal offense. There usually are not any penalties for offenders beyond a one-time fine. If someone causes a car crash in Victorville because they were texting and driving, they could face more severe consequences.

Holding a Texting Driver Liable for Injuries

Because texting while driving is against the law, it qualifies as a breach of the duty of care all drivers have to act responsibly and lawfully behind the wheel. As a result, anyone who texts while driving and causes a collision resulting in injury has met all the criteria necessary to make them legally negligent. This recklessness is the basis for many successful injury lawsuits based around auto accidents.

A person who causes a texting while driving car wreck in Victorville may be liable for both economic and non-economic repercussions of the incident, including medical bills, car repair costs, physical and psychological pain, and more. However, proving definitively that another driver was texting behind the wheel before a crash could require evidence from multiple sources, potentially including subpoenaed cell phone records. Guidance from experienced legal counsel could be vital to finding, preserving, and presenting relevant evidence in a compelling way.

Speak with an Attorney About Texting While Driving Car Accidents

Being distracted in any way while driving a multi-ton vehicle is immensely dangerous, especially when it stems from cell phone use. Fortunately, if someone else was negligent in this way and caused you physical harm, you could hold them accountable for short-term and long-term losses caused by your injuries.

Texting while driving car accidents in Victorville could be much easier to handle effectively with dedicated legal representation on your side. Learn more by calling today.