Reacting to a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sacramento car accident attorney Clay Arnold today urged California parents to talk with their teens about the dangers of texting while driving.
In the CDC’s survey of risky teen behavior, 58 percent of high school seniors admitted to texting or e-mailing while driving during the previous month. Among high school juniors, 43 percent admitted to doing the same thing.
Using electronic devices as well as eating, drinking and other forms of distracted driving is to blame for about 16 percent of teen car accident fatalities, according to the CDC.
“This report should be a wake-up call for parents throughout California,” said Arnold, whose Sacramento personal injury firm represents car accident victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death claims.
“Parents need to make sure their young drivers understand the risks they take when they text while driving or use a cell phone or any other type of distracting electronic device while behind the wheel,” he continued. “Distracted driving can lead to accidents and injuries to themselves, their passengers and others on the road. One bad decision can have serious consequences.”
Arnold pointed out that minors are prohibited by law from using cell phones while driving regardless of whether it is a hand-held or hands-free device. Additionally, all drivers are barred from writing, sending or reading “text-based communications.” Adults cannot use hand-held cell phones behind the wheel.
“In addition to speaking to their teen drivers about the risks of using electronic devices while driving, parents can also set an example by obeying the law and not using cell phones or texting while driving themselves,” Arnold said.
Arnold said people who are injured or family members of individuals who have been killed in auto accidents blamed on distracted driving have the basis of a legal claim against the at-fault driver for compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering and other losses.
“If you’ve suffered a personal injury or the wrongful death of a loved one because of
texting while driving or some other kind of distracted driving, you should understand that the at-fault driver needs to be held accountable,” the Sacramento personal injury lawyer said.
“Anyone who has been hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver should contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about their legal rights and options.”
About The Arnold Law Firm
The Arnold Law Firm was founded in Sacramento, California, in 1975 by Clayeo C. Arnold. The firm’s personal injury trial attorneys are dedicated to the aggressive representation of people injured by the negligent actions of others. The firm’s experienced trial attorneys have successfully advocated for hundreds of people throughout the United States injured in automobile, trucking, and construction equipment accidents; on construction sites and work sites; by dangerous conditions of public and private property; by defective products; through the malpractice of healthcare professionals and legal professionals; and through the use of unsafe drugs or medical devices. The Arnold Law Firm is located at 865 Howe Avenue #300, Sacramento, CA, 95825. For help with a personal injury case, contact the firm at (916) 924-3100 or use its online form.
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