Everyone in California engages in distracted driving once in a while. A person has heard about the dangers, but they might think that they’re the one person who can text and drive without getting into an accident. Unfortunately, no one is immune to the risks of distracted driving. In 2018, over 2,000 people died in accidents that involved distracted driving, and those people probably didn’t think they’d get into an accident, either.
What counts as distracted driving?
When people think of distracted driving, they typically think of egregious examples like texting a friend while driving on the highway. This is a common form of distracted driving, but it’s not the only one. Distracted driving also involves glancing at your phone to check a new message, talking to someone on speakerphone, checking your GPS app or doing anything else that involves pulling your attention away from the road.
This also includes non-phone related activities like putting on makeup, glancing at a newspaper, fixing your hair or engaging in conversation with a passenger. These activities might not sound like a big deal; doesn’t everyone talk when they’re driving with a passenger? But if it takes your attention from the road, it increases your risk of getting into motor vehicle accidents.
Young drivers make up the majority of distracted driving fatalities. Out of the accidents in 2018, nearly a fourth of the victims were between 20 to 29. Drivers aged 15 to 19 also make up a large percentage of car accident victims.
How can you pursue a lawsuit after a car accident?
If you’re involved in a car accident, you might end up suffering from another person’s mistake. A distracted driver could plow into your vehicle, causing injury or disability. A personal injury attorney may be able to help you file a lawsuit and receive compensation.
