Taking your eyes off the road—even if only for a second—can have devastating consequences. While many people think it is harmless to glance at their phone, Texting and driving is dangerous and can cause serious collisions, no matter how confident the driver is in their ability to focus on the road while checking their cell phone. However, California law prohibits texting while driving. Therefore, when a driver causes a car accident due to a distraction like a cell phone, you can sue them for negligence.
When you are injured in a texting while driving car accident in San Bernardino, our attorneys are here to help you file a civil lawsuit. Our hardworking car crash lawyers are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way.
California Texting While Driving Laws
In California, texting while driving is illegal. The law strictly prohibits driving while distracted, which includes any use of a cell phone, including:
- Texting
- Searching the internet
- Using social media
- Dialing a phone number
- Changing the music or radio station
- Using a navigation app or GPS
Drivers in California can use their cell phones in a hands-free method, such as Bluetooth, speaker, or voice commands. However, drivers under eighteen cannot use their cell phones, whether hands-free or not. Distracted driving carries significant penalties, including fines. In some cases, an infraction can also add points to the driver’s license, raising their insurance rate. When a texting driver in San Bernardino causes a vehicle wreck, the driver could face criminal charges.
What is Negligence Per Se?
In personal injury law, negligence per se is a legal doctrine where an action violates a statute. For example, someone can be negligent per se if they violate a statute designed to protect someone else from harm.
Depending on the circumstances, texting while driving car accidents can fall under negligence per se. Therefore, anyone involved in a texting while driving car accident should contact a personal injury attorney in San Bernardino to discuss their legal rights and options for financial recovery.
How to Recover Compensation in Texting While Driving Car Accident Cases
Car accident victims can recover economic and non-economic damages from a texting driver following a crash, including past and future medical care, lost income or earning potential, property damage, and physical pain.
Gathering evidence to establish fault and collect this compensation is crucial. There are many ways to prove another driver’s texting caused a car accident. Some examples include the driver’s phone records, eyewitness accounts, police reports, video footage, and even accident reconstruction experts. However, collecting this evidence can be time-consuming. Hiring an experienced lawyer in San Bernardino to investigate the cause of the crash and gather the information needed to build a solid civil claim is beneficial.
Contact a Texting While Driving Car Accident Attorney in San Bernardino
Collisions caused by texting drivers can cause devastating injuries and losses to all parties involved. Fortunately, when you are injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to damages.
Texting while driving car accidents in San Bernardino are on the rise. Contact our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal rights with our knowledgeable attorneys.
