California is cracking down on distracted driving, especially in the form of texting and driving. If you are behind the wheel in California, you are now no longer able to hold your cell phone in your hand for any reason. This new law is intended to make it easier for police to determine if someone is unlawfully using their phone while driving, as well as reduce the number of auto accidents caused by distracted drivers.
Majority of CA Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving
A recent study by the California Office of Traffic Safety showed that 80% of California car accidents happen because of distracted driving. Distracted driving is serious and preventable. Examples of distracted driving include:
- Talking on a cellphone and/or texting
- Eating and drinking
- Putting on makeup
- Using a GPS app
- Fiddling with the radio
- Talking to passengers
- Reading
- Watching videos
This list is not exhaustive. While texting and driving is a big one, there are numerous ways a driver could be negligent and as a result, cause an auto accident. If you or a loved one are injured in an accident caused by a driver who was not paying attention and/or following traffic and safety laws, you may have a legal claim. Contact an experienced accident attorney today.
What To Do After An Auto Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident in Woodland Hills and you believe that the other driver was not paying attention, there are a few steps you should take in order to ensure that you can bring a legal claim and recover financial compensation down the road.
- Call the police. They may come and take a report.
- Exchange information with the other party, including insurance information.
- Take photos and video the scene of the accident.
- Seek professional medical care. Often times, accident victims are hurt and, thanks to the adrenaline rushing through their bodies, do not even realize it.
- File a report with the insurance company.
- Contact an auto accident attorney.
Call a Woodland Hills Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important that you reach out to a qualified Woodland Hills car accident attorney right away. Do not accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without first speaking with your lawyer — you may be accepting far less than you deserve. What’s more, the statute of limitations in California says that you have to file your claim within a certain amount of time.
For a free consultation on what to do after an auto accident that was not your fault, contact experienced accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
