Types of Car Accidents

Our Riverside Personal Injury Attorneys Explain Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Everyday, people are injured and killed in automotive accidents. Many of these accidents are completely preventable. Read below for information regarding common causes of motor vehicle accidents. Despite your best efforts, if you are injured in an automotive accident, consider contacting a Riverside auto accident lawyer to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Rear-End Accidents

Riverside personal injury attorneys often see victims who have been injured in rear-end accidents. These accidents result when one vehicle hits the back of the vehicle in front of it. According to national statistics, this type of accident accounts for 29 percent of all motor vehicle accident. A common cause for this type of accident is distracted driving. The driver in the rear vehicle may be texting, talking on a phone, fumbling with the radio dial or engaging in other distracting activities. Many others were looking away from the roadway. This type of accident can often be avoided by drivers paying attention to what they are doing and prohibiting the use of a cell phone while driving.

Side-Impact Collisions

Our Riverside personal injury attorneys can explain that one of the most dangerous types of automotive accidents is a side-impact collision. In 2009, about 27 percent of automotive accident-related fatalities were due to side-impact collisions or “T-bone” crashes. This type of accident commonly occurs when a driver fails to stop when another vehicle has the right of way, usually during a turn. Part of what makes these types of crashes particularly dangerous is that the sides of vehicles often have less space that allows them to absorb energy and protect occupants in the vehicle. This type of accident can be avoided if drivers abide by the rules of the road, such as looking both ways for vehicles even when they have the right of way. Other rules to follow include:

• Stop at red lights
• Stop at stop signs
• Obey the speed limit
• Turn only when the path is clear

Some vehicles come equipped with additional safety features that can help protect occupants if this type of accident occurs, such as side airbags that protect the head area.

Hydroplaning

When driving through standing water, tires must push the water out of the way so that they can have direct contact with the road. This is made possible with the tread of the tire. However, if the vehicle exceeds a certain speed so that the water is not pushed out of the way quickly enough, some water may remain between the tires and the road. This is when a vehicle hydroplanes, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle because it is no longer in direct contact with the road. A Riverside auto accident lawyer can explain that when a vehicle hydroplanes, a driver cannot control the direction that the vehicle will go because turning the steering wheel has no effect and braking will likely make the situation worse. In order to avoid hydroplaning, drivers should drive more slowly when it is raining or when there is water on the roadway. This simple measure helps tires remain in direct contact with the road since the tires will have enough time to push the water out of the way. If a driver feels like he or she is hydroplaning, he or she may simply want to stop accelerating. Applying slow pressure to the brakes may also help.

Accidents with Parked Vehicles

Our Riverside personal injury attorneys represent victims who are injured while in a parked vehicle or who sustain property damage when their vehicle is hit and they are away from it at the time of impact. This type of accident is almost always avoidable. Drivers who are conscious of their actions are more likely to be able to avoid such an accident. They should look behind them when reversing and slowly move into and out of parking spaces. When parking their vehicles, drivers should allow enough space so that the vehicles around them can easily get out of the parking area. Parking further away from a destination may help avoid the unnecessary hassle of an auto claim.

Accidents with Animals

Accidents involving collisions with animals can be serious and extensive. Drivers can help avoid these accidents by staying aware of their surroundings, especially when they see an animal crossing sign. Obeying the speed limit can also help them brake in time. Our Riverside personal injury attorneys may assist victims with filing an insurance claim with their own insurance company.

Legal Assistance from Our Riverside Auto Accident Lawyers

Understanding the common types of accidents above can help prevent you from being involved in an auto accident. However, an accident may still occur. If you need more information about your rights after an automotive accident, contact a Riverside auto accident lawyer from Russell & Lazarus APC by calling (949) 851-0222.

Rear-end Collisions: What Should You Do?

One of the most common forms of motor vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions.  Usually, liability falls upon the driver who rear-ended the other driver.  This person is considered “at-fault.” No matter which side you took in the collision, you will want to follow the right protocol afterward.

EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION

The first thing you should do if you’re involved in a rear-end collision is obtain the other driver’s identification and insurance information.  You should then report the accident to your insurance company, including the identity of the other driver and his or her insurance information.  The at-fault party will also report the accident to his or her insurance company. Know that, even if who caused the accident is not in dispute, insurance companies may challenge how much compensation you should receive, especially if injuries were involved.

OBTAIN POLICE REPORTS

In most minor rear-end collisions, law enforcement will not be contacted, since the individuals involved will usually choose to handle the information exchange themselves. However, if law enforcement is involved, they will conduct an investigation upon arriving on the scene of the accident. After interviewing the drivers and witnesses, they will write a police report, which contains a summary of the police offer’s investigation, any insurance information, and citations for traffic violations. Police reports are especially helpful in liability disputes.  Afterward, Newport Beach car accident attorney will obtain the police report.

SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT

If you have been injured in the collision, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if the symptoms manifest days after the occurrence.  By seeking medical treatment, not only are you trying to heal from your injuries, but you are also documenting the extent of your injuries, which will assist in obtaining compensation.

You should be aware that the insurance company will try to dispute your injuries. For example, an insurance company may terminate payment of your medical bills if the independent medical examiner determines that you have obtained maximum benefit from medical treatment (meaning, no matter how much more treatment you receive, you will not get any better). A Newport Beach car accident attorney will help you obtain reimbursement for any and all medical treatment related to the rear-end collision.

LEGAL ADVICE

Don’t get cheated out of the compensation you are due.  Insurance companies are businesses that profit from making money, not from giving money away.  A Newport Beach car accident lawyer is here to help with not only evaluating your claim, but also recovering money for damages sustained to your vehicle and for your medical treatment.  Contact Russell & Lazarus APC now at (949) 851-0222.

California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: The Danger of Rear-End Collisions

Last month, an Anaheim man was riding his motorcycle on MacArthur Boulevard in Santa Ana when a car in front of him suddenly stopped. He attempted to brake and avoid a collision, sliding his bike. He was thrown from his vehicle and died of internal injuries three days later at a local hospital. At the time of the crash, police say he was driving the speed limit, was not acting recklessly, and did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Although motorcycle riders have a bad reputation for speeding and reckless driving, the majority of motorcycle accidents are not caused by this behavior. In fact, what makes motorcycles more dangerous than other vehicles is simply the fact that motorbikes offer less control and fewer safety features because of their size and structure.

Even Minor Rear-End Collisions Can Be Deadly for Motorcyclists

Rear-end crashes are one example of how motorcycles can be more dangerous than larger vehicles. When two sedans are involved in a rear-end accident, the result often is not fatal; air bags are deployed, bumpers are ruined, but the drivers and passengers survive. When a car rear-ends a motorcycle, or vice versa, the results can be much more serious; when a car’s bumper strikes a motorcycle, it is likely to hit the bike’s wheel, throwing the bike off balance and sometimes even into the air. The biker is not protected by an airbag, but often is thrown from the bike. Even at relatively slow speeds, the injuries can be serious.

Orange County Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

It’s easy for an insurance company to assume that the person riding the motorcycle was at fault for the accident—perhaps because motorcyclists often are seen as risk-takers. If you have been involved in a California motorcycle accident, you should find out who was actually at fault for your crash. Most likely, the person who rear-ended you is at fault.

A Newport Beach personal injury lawyer can help you better understand your legal options at a free, confidential consultation. Call Russell & Lazarus today at (949) 851-0222.

Dealing With the Aftermath of a Rear End Car Accident

If you were in a rear end car accident, you may have significant injuries, as well as worries about the future. Although financial compensation will not heal you, it can help you move forward with life after a serious crash. You need a skilled attorney who can walk you through the steps of filing a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your losses. Call Russell & Lazarus APC today at (949) 851-0222 today. We can help you deal with this difficult time.

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Rear End Car Accident?

It can be difficult to prove that another driver was negligent. This requires you to show that the other driver owed you a duty, failed to uphold that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. However, a skilled lawyer can help you prove that the other driver caused your rear end car accident.

Either the car in front or behind may be at fault for negligence on the road. In order to prove that another driver was negligent and caused your rear end car accident, your attorney may work to prove one of the following. The other driver:

• Was texting, eating, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted.
• Failed to exercise caution while driving.
• Was speeding or driving recklessly.
• Was swerving in and out of traffic.
• Slammed the brakes unnecessarily, often called a “brake-check.”

In order to prove the other driver was at fault for the rear end car accident, your attorney may use dash cam video, eyewitness testimony, or expert reconstruction of the crash.

Common Causes of Rear End Car Accidents

All drivers owe a duty to other drivers to drive with caution and follow the rules of the road. Drivers who fail to drive carefully may be violating their duties to other drivers. A rear end car accident may result from drivers who fail to follow California laws regarding road safety.

Safe drivers must maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of them. When driving at a constant speed, cars should be at least three car lengths apart. Even when in traffic, drivers should be aware of cars stopping in front of them and varying speeds of vehicles. If a driver follows too closely or fails to allow for enough stopping distance and causes a rear end car accident, they have violated a duty that they owe to other drivers.

A rear end car accident may also be caused when a driver unnecessarily slams on their brakes. Drivers should maintain a constant speed when possible. Drivers should slow down gradually and not slam on the brakes. If a driver presses the brakes too hard, they may not give the driver behind them enough time to stop, thereby causing a rear end car accident. Slamming on the brakes unnecessarily is violating a duty to other drivers.

A Rear End Car Accident Can Cause Serious Injuries

All car accidents can cause devastating injuries; however, there are several serious conditions that are commonly caused by a rear end car accident, including the following:

• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Traumatic head injuries (TBIs)
• Muscle bruising and tearing
• Soft tissue damage
• Chest bruising from the seat belt
• Broken ribs and other broken bones

These injuries can result in sometimes irreversible conditions that rear end car accident victims must live with for the rest of their lives.

Call a Rear End Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was involved in a car crash, contact a car accident lawyer today. We have extensive experience working with clients who need guidance through the legal process. Call Russell & Lazarus APC at (949) 851-0222.

Preventing Orange County Car Accidents at Red Lights & Intersections

Red lights are in place to prevent accidents, but intersections with traffic lights still remain the site of an extremely large portion of traffic collisions in California and across the country. What can you do to reduce your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident at a stop light?

Be aware, even if you have the right-of-way.

Far too many drivers assume that since they have a green light, they don’t need to look for oncoming cars or worry about other drivers. Even when you have the right-of-way, glance to your left and right when driving through an intersection.

Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

Intersections are the place where pedestrians literally share the street with cars—a situation which can be extremely dangerous. Watch out for pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road, and be aware that not all pedestrians will cross only when they have a WALK signal.

Make left turns with care.

The most common type of accident at a lighted intersection is a left-turn accident. When making a turn, look carefully and give yourself plenty of room. When others are turning, be aware that not everyone uses their turn signals.

Slow down when approaching intersections.

Don’t wait to slam on your brakes when the green light turns yellow; be prepared to stop as soon as you approach an intersection. Many rear-end accidents occur when cars drive too fast as they approach a traffic light.

Unfortunately, intersections can be the site of some of the most serious accidents because they can lead to head-on crashes and t-bone crashes. Driving safely through an intersection can significantly reduce your chance of a life-changing crash.

Do you need assistance with a California car accident injury case? Call Russell & Lazarus today to request a confidential consultation.

Can I sue after a California car accident that involved running a red light?

Do I get compensation for accident damages that involve running a red light?

Yes, you can seek compensation for damages if you were injured in a car accident that occurred after a vehicle ran a red light.

Partial Responsibility for the accident

If you were struck by another motor vehicle that ran a red light—and you can prove they were, indeed, at fault for the accident—you may have a strong personal injury case. Even if you ran the red light and broke a traffic law, you still may be able to recover some damages. California is a comparative negligence state, meaning, we understand that more than one party can be at fault for an accident. As long as you weren’t 100 percent responsible for the accident, you may have a case.

For example, if you ran a red light and struck a vehicle, you should investigate whether the other vehicle was following all traffic laws or whether the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or driving recklessly. If you were 25 percent at fault and the other driver was 75 percent at fault, you could recover 75 percent of your losses.

Many people wrongly assume they caused an accident, or believe they know who was at fault for an accident without looking at all of the evidence. Keep in mind that many traffic accident causes are not readily apparent even to those who were involved in the crash.

Contact an Orange County Car Accident Attorney

An Orange County car accident attorney can help you better understand your case. To find out how we can help, call Russell & Lazarus today at (800) 268-9228.

Who is at fault for California wrong-way car accidents?

As with all California personal injury cases, understanding who is at fault for an accident depends on the details of the individual case. Having said that, it is reasonably safe to say that, in the case of a wrong-way traffic accident, the driver who traveled on the wrong side of the road is at least partially at fault for the accident, and could be responsible for compensating your family.

However, other parties could also be responsible for the injuries you sustained in a wrong-way car accident. For example, if the wrong-way driver was confused by poor road design, a bad intersection, or a lack of warning signs, whoever designed or was responsible for the road could be partially at fault. As Newport beach car accident attorneys, we understand that every case is unique.

Possibility of partial responsibility

While the wrong-way driver probably is partially responsible for the crash, it is possible there were other factors which caused the driver to enter the highway or interstate in the wrong direction.

Some of these factors may not be readily apparent, especially soon after the car accident. A Newport beach car accident attorney can examine the evidence of your case and help you understand who may be responsible for damages.

Contact a Newport Beach Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one was involved in a wrong-way traffic accident, contact the skilled injury attorneys at Russell & Lazarus for answers to your questions. For a free case evaluation, contact us today by calling (800) 268-9228. We will review the details of your case with you and show you how we can help.

Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in Orange County?

Orange County Truck Accident Attorney

Most of the time serious California truck accident injuries are caused when the truck driver is unable to stop his rig in time. This results in either the trucker rear-ending a smaller, more vulnerable car in front of him, or the trucker side-swiping a more vulnerable car when he swerves out of his lane to avoid a read-end collision. Therefore, a very important question is, “What exactly causes the driver’s inability to stop?”

Why Does it Happen?

Discovering the root of the problem can help truck drivers prevent accidents from happening and can also help other drivers on the road recognize a problem and avoid being near the dangerous truck altogether. After handling Orange County truck accidents for more nearly 30 years, the lawyers at Russell & Lazarus have come to find out that these are the most common reasons for truck driver’s loss of control:

• Drowsy driving. Long hauls and tight deadlines often take precedent over sleep, causing truck drivers to be extremely tired or lethargic behind the wheel.
• Distracted driving. Talking on a cell phone while driving, texting behind the wheel, or simply using their CB radio can cause a truck driver to take his or her eyes of the road. It is also not uncommon for truck drivers to eat while they are driving, which also can be a distraction.
• Faulty brakes. It is the responsibility of every truck driver to inspect his truck before heading out on the road. Long-haul trucks accumulate many miles, and if they are not properly maintained, they could easily lead to the inability to stop, causing a fatal crash.
• Overweight loads. The sheer weight of a normal semi-truck compared to a typical car or SUV can be daunting. Add that to a load that is over the maximum weight allowance, and it can be nearly impossible for a truck driver to stop in the amount of time needed to avoid a collision.

Contact an Orange County Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury after a Orange County truck accident, you need information. Contact the lawyers at Russell & Lazarus immediately for your complimentary consultation and case evaluation by calling (800) 268-9228, or by filling out our online form.

California Distracted Driving Accidents Texting and Driving Lawyer

Modern technology has reached into nearly every area of our lives. It seems like one can no longer order coffee, have a conversation, or conduct normal business without the aid of their iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

While technology brings great things into our world, there is also a stark downside. The truth of the matter is that when drivers focus on their cell phones instead of the road, the real-world consequences can be deadly.

Some of the most common forms of Huntington Beach distracted driving accidents are caused by drivers who are:

• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Changing radio stations
• Reading
• Fixing hair/makeup
• And more

The aftermath of these Huntington Beach car wrecks can be devastating. Some of the injuries that may occur as a result of this type of negligent driving are broken bones, dislocations and sprains, back injuries, neck injuries, and serious head or brain injuries. These may lead to lost wages, disability and even death.

If you or a loved one has been injured or even killed in a Huntington Beach car accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you should not have to bear the full burden of someone else’s negligence. You should consider taking action to receive the full amount of financial compensation you truly deserve.

To learn more, call the Huntington Beach car accident lawyers of Russell & Lazarus today at 888.268.9228 to schedule a FREE no-obligation consultation about your case. If you decide to hire us, you pay nothing unless you win.

An Orange County Distracted Driving Lawyer Can Help You Recover Damages

Distracted driving can cause devastating accidents that injure everyone involved. In such a situation, you need a distracted driving lawyer who can fight to protect you and help you obtain compensation after a car crash. Contact Russell & Lazarus APC today.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving can include:

• Texting
• Attending to children in the car
• Adjusting the radio station
• Petting an animal
• Eating or drinking
• Daydreaming
• Conversing with passengers
• Typing on a cell phone

Distracted driving is a form of negligence. A driver owes others on the road a duty to drive carefully and follow all laws. If they are driving while not fully paying attention to the road, they are failing to uphold that duty. That amounts to negligent behavior. If they cause a wreck, they can be held responsible for their negligence and the outcome of their actions. However, it can be difficult to prove negligence. When you need to prove that someone caused your crash, you need a distracted driving lawyer.

Understanding California’s Distracted Driving Laws

California directly addresses distracted driving with laws related to using cellular phones while driving. The state prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Adults may use cell phones in a hands-free mode. However, people under the age of 18 may not even use phones in hands-free mode. That includes headsets and earphones. Violations of these laws are primary offenses, so a police officer can pull someone over for violating these laws.

How Can You Prove That the Other Driver Was Driving Distracted?

It can be difficult to prove that someone was driving distracted. This is where a distracted driving lawyer can help. We know what type of evidence you need to collect in order to prove distracted driving. You may need to interview witnesses, pull cellular records, and collect data from cell phones. An attorney can file proper discovery that will allow you to obtain the information necessary to prove that someone was driving distracted.

Comparative Negligence in Distracted Driving Cases

In many car crashes, more than one person contributes to the cause of the accident. For example, one person may have been texting while driving and the other may have failed to yield right of way. In this situation, the negligence of each driver will be compared.

Under the rule of comparative negligence, your compensation may be reduced by the amount of negligence that you are assessed. For example, if you are found to be 10 percent at fault and the other person is 90 percent at fault, then your total compensation award of $100,000 may be reduced by 10 percent. The other person would still have to pay you $90,000. The person who drove distracted is often found to be more at fault than the other person involved in a crash.

A distracted driving lawyer can help you navigate comparative negligence. The insurance company of the other driver may be trying to place more blame on you than is legitimate. Your attorney can gather necessary information and prove that you are not primarily at fault. It’s best to let an attorney negotiate with insurance companies who will try to strong-arm you into taking an unacceptably low settlement offer.

Holding the Distracted Driver Responsible

Because distracted driving is illegal, it’s possible to hold the offending driver responsible for their actions. They should be held legally liable for the injuries and property damage that they cause due to their distracted driving. This requires the help of a distracted driving lawyer who can prove negligence.

Call a Distracted Driving Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were in a distracted driving accident, contact an accident attorney right away. The legal team at Russell & Lazarus APC can help. Contact our offices in Newport Beach, Long Beach, or Riverside today.

DRIVING DISTRACTIONS – CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Today’s fast-paced culture promotes multitasking.  Unfortunately, drivers often multitask behind the wheel, posing a danger to themselves and others and violating the law.  Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road is a distractor, but the current most common distractors are electronic devices, including cell phones, emails, and text messages.  Eighty percent of California’s vehicle crashes involve driver inattention.  Because the legislation prohibiting the use of distracting devices is relatively new, many drivers are uneducated about these laws.

CALIFORNIA LAW ON DISTRACTED DRIVING

California has several laws banning the use of cellular phones. The first two laws prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones, and drivers under 18 from using either hands-free or handheld cell phones. The third law, which has received perhaps the most attention, bans texting while driving.  Under California’s Vehicle Code Section 23123.5, “a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.”   The statute includes instant messaging and e-mail.

WHAT TO DO FOLLOWING AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT

If you are involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of another person, you must stop at the scene of the accident. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges. Within 24 hours after an accident, drivers must submit a written report to the Highway Patrol or the local police department where the accident occurred.

If you suffered any injury following the incident, you should seek medical attention.

CONSULTING A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

After you have been treated for your injury, you may wish to consult a personal injury attorney.  Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, allow one of our Newport Beach auto accident lawyers experienced in the California Vehicle Code to inform you of your legal rights.

NEGLIGENCE AND OTHER CLAIMS

The law requires drivers to drive in a reasonable manner.  When a driver acts unreasonably, e.g. texting while driving, he has breached a legal duty.  When that breach results in harm to another, that party’s conduct is the cause of injury, and the injured party has suffered legal damage.  The driver in violation is liable for Negligence. Our Newport Beach auto accident lawyers specialize in all facets of Negligence.

Bringing the appropriate claims, or “causes of action,” determines the legal remedies to which you are entitled.  If you suffered emotional distress and physical injuries, our Newport Beach auto accident attorneys would allege Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress in addition to Negligence.

When a driver’s violation of Section 23123.5 causes injury, he is liable for a unique type of negligence, called “Negligence Per Se.”  This claim means a plaintiff does not have to prove some elements of Negligence.

Other legal considerations will affect the compensation to which you are entitled, e.g. including the proper defendants.  Let one of our knowledgeable Newport Beach auto accident lawyers advise you in making that determination.

CAN YOU RECOVER FOR YOUR INJURIES IF YOU, TOO, ARE A DISTRACTED DRIVER?

California is a “comparative negligence” state, meaning that even if a plaintiff contributed to his own injury, he may still bring suit and be entitled to compensation.

Comparative negligence is a complicated legal defense.  Please contact one of our Newport Beach auto accident attorneys to discuss.

Drowsy Driving Is a Major Cause of Fatal Truck Accidents in Southern California

Orange County truck accidents happen nearly every day. Not only can the majority of these accidents be prevented, but they also have the potential to cause serious injury to all who are involved.

One of the best ways to avoid a serious truck accident injury is to learn their common causes, so that you can recognize when an accident could potentially occur and give yourself extra time to avoid it.

One of the most common causes of Orange County truck accidents is driver fatigue. Many truck drivers are hauling goods that have been imported into or are in the process of being exported from the state of California. This means that the products could have a long way to go, which translates into the driver being in his truck for an extended amount of time.

As many drivers know, being on the road for hours at a time can be draining. And since many times the more a truck driver delivers the more money he or she makes, it is not uncommon for drivers to push their limits and try to fight through the fatigue to bring in extra loads.

Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving—if not more so. Falling asleep at the wheel makes it nearly impossible for a driver to stop his rig in time if there is a problem up ahead. That is why many of the drowsy-driving truck accidents involve fatal, rear-end collisions. Other times, a truck driver will swerve to avoid rear-ending a smaller, more vulnerable car, only to cause a crash in an opposite lane after he or she loses control of the rig.

Don’t let a tragic California truck accident turn your world upside down. Contact the Orange County personal injury lawyers at Russell & Lazarus by calling them toll-free at (949) 851-0222 or by filling out their online form. Not only will you receive a free case evaluation, but you will also be given a list of options that can help you achieve the best recovery.

Could Cell Phone Use Have Caused My California Car Accident?

Distracted Driving Activities

Even though using a mobile device without a headset and text messaging while driving are illegal in California, many drivers still engage in these distracted driving activities. It comes as no surprise that when a driver takes his hands off the wheel, his eyes off of the road, and his mind off of the task at hand, traffic accidents can happen.

California Cell Phone and Texting Laws

California was one of the first states to enact cell phone and texting laws. Anyone driving in California—from new drivers to commercial drivers to visitors—must not use a mobile device or engage in text messaging while behind the wheel. The only exceptions to this rule are drivers who are making an emergency call, drivers of emergency vehicles, and drivers operating vehicles on private property.

If you have been involved in an Orange County car accident in which the other driver was using a mobile device while driving, he or she is likely at least partially responsible for the crash and any subsequent injuries. However, proving that the other driver was on the phone or text messaging can be challenging.

Contact a California Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

A California motor vehicle accident attorney can examine your personal injury case, analyze the evidence, and help you understand the particulars of your claim in a legal light. Were you involved in a car accident in which cell phone use or text messaging could have been a factor? At Russell & Lazarus, we offer free case evaluations. Call our office today to schedule yours: (800) 268-9228.