The Increased Risk of Auto Accidents with Cell Phone Use
Automobiles are a luxury that is often taken for granted. It is easy to forget that, with the freedoms and conveniences allowed by motor vehicles, comes great responsibility. One bad decision or just a few seconds of distracted driving can lead to an auto accident with irreversible consequences. Auto accidents are likely to lead to traumatic injury or even wrongful death. Our personal injury attorneys help clients obtain their rightful compensation when they have been injured due to another’s irresponsible actions, such as distracted driving. A growing number of our Orange County clients come to us after being injured in auto accidents involving cell phones. Cell phones are a frequent source of distraction that can have devastating consequences on the road.
The Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving
Recent studies have shown that distracted driving, particularly that related to cell phone use, significantly increases the chances of auto accidents. As statistics continue to be gathered regarding cell phones and driving, many states, including California, have initiated bans on texting while driving and the use of handheld cell phones or other devices while driving. The following statistics show some of the dangers of cell phone use while driving:
- It is estimated that at least 23 percent of all auto accidents each year involve cell phone use; that amounts to over 1 million auto accidents each year
- Texting while driving has been shown to make the driver 23 times more likely to crash, while those talking on cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in an auto accident
- Texting while driving is estimated to kill 11 teens each day
- Talking on a cell phone has been shown to significantly slow down a driver’s reaction time
- Answering a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds, in which time a car can travel approximately 100 yards, depending on speed
- In 2012, distracted driving related crashes resulted in over 3,000 deaths and over 400,000 injuries
Despite these findings, many drivers admit that they continue to read and send texts, open e-mails, and make calls on their cell phones while driving. Nearly half of all drivers admit to answering cell phone calls while driving, while one in ten admit to texting while driving. The problem is even worse among teenage drivers, with nearly half of all drivers under the age of 18 admitting to texting while driving.
Compensation in Accidents Involving Cell Phones
Automobile accidents involving cell phones are completely avoidable, yet despite the risks, many drivers continue to ignore the statistics, and even the laws, regarding cell phone use and driving. Drivers or passengers who have been involved in an accident that was the result of distracted driving due to cell phone use may be due legal compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or other incurred expenses or emotional damage. Using his experience and expertise, our auto accident lawyer obtains compensation for clients who have suffered at the hands of a negligent driver.
Contact Our Firm
Sean M. Burke understands the rights of his clients and fights hard to ensure that those rights are protected. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an auto accident involving cell phone use, contact our firm as soon as possible. Mr. Burke will discuss the details of your case and determine if you are due compensation for the injuries sustained.
