Car Accidents and Cell Phone Use

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that at least one car accident occurs every ten seconds in the US, leaving thousands of people mildly or severely injured. If you were one of those people who acquired major injuries, had some properties damaged, or witnessed the death of a loved one due to a car accident, you may get help from a Los Angeles car accident attorney and file an accident claim.

Through an accident claim, victims of car accidents can receive compensation from the third party responsible for the mishap, or from their car insurance company. Legal compensation or damages are awarded so that you can reimburse the expenses you incurred because of the accident. However, it is important that you first prove the following facts about the accident:

• The accident happened because of a negligent third party.
• You were injured in that accident.

Recently, one of the leading causes of car accidents found was distracted driving, more specifically the use of cell phone while driving. The National Safety Council reported that 28 per cent of the car accidents that happen every year are due to drivers who are texting or making a call. There were around 6,000 deaths recorded due to cell phone use of drivers in 2008.

A study conducted by the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) showed that there are two dangers associated with driving and cell phone use.

• Drivers take their eyes off the road to text or make a call.
• Engaging in a conversation or texting distracts them from driving.

Drivers take their eyes off the road for at least 4.6 seconds to text, but it only takes less than a second for the environment and the road to change, which means that what they last saw before calling or texting have already changed. Having a conversation while driving distracts the driver, especially once they’d become so engrossed in the conversation. This means that they are not focused on the road anymore.

Because of this, many states have already banned the use of cell phone while driving. In California, drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones while behind the wheel. Violators caught in the act by a police officer can be cited, even if there is no traffic offense taking place.

Whatever is the reason for the car accident that caused you injuries, getting legal help from a Los Angeles injury attorney at Mesriani Law Group can definitely give you greater chances of recovering compensation. Call (310) 826-6300 to get help now.