The tragic consequences for teens who text and drive

Even though the law in California prohibits one from using any hand-held electronic device while driving, many people are injured each day by distracted drivers on California roads.  These people may be on the phone, reading or sending text messages, or dividing their attention between driving and some other distracting task. If you have sustained injuries stemming from an accident that involved a distracted driver, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as you can.

Shocking statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,477 fatalities occurred in 2015 alone as a result of distracted driving.  Add to that an additional 391,000 that were injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers, and you have close to 400,000 unnecessary accidents caused by distracted driving during 2015.

These statistics are especially tragic when one considers the demographic at highest risk for distracted driving such as texting while driving – 15 – 20-year-olds.  About one-third of all deaths that occur in that age group result from texting while driving, according to the NHTSA. In addition, most of these crashes happen when other passengers, most often of the same age group, are in the vehicle as well.

A large factor contributing to this phenomenon of texting-while-driving crashes involves the recent surge in digital communication and ubiquity of texting among teenagers.  The vast majority of teenagers text each other daily, and this has been the case since at least 2009.

Handling texting while driving accidents effectively

Those who try to send texts as they are driving have to look away from the road for significant amounts of time.  In the event that traffic suddenly stops, such drivers often have little to no time to slow down before they wind up rear-ending the car in front of them.  Collisions such as these can happen at or close to full speed, resulting in catastrophic injuries to the drivers and passengers of both vehicles involved.

We will investigate your accident as thoroughly as possible so that we can establish the strongest case possible for you.  We review statements made by witnesses, police reports, and any other documents relevant to your case. When determined to be appropriate, we enlist the help of experts such as accident reconstructionists and others so that they can provide valuable testimony and evidence relating to the cause of your accident.    

The personal injury attorneys at Los Angeles Injury Group have witnessed firsthand the consequences and dangers of distracted driving, particularly among teens. A great number of our firm’s lawyers are parents themselves and feel an obligation to assist in the effort to increase education of and discussion around distracted driving among teens and their parents.  

While our firm is committed to helping mitigate the risk of distracted driving through education and outreach, we also protect the rights of those who have been injured in such accidents with conviction.  Contact our Los Angeles office to discuss your personal injury claim with our attorneys and schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

https://www.losangelesinjurygroup.com/