Texting While Driving Led to Bus Accident

A fatal bus accident in Texas may have been caused by the other driver texting and driving. The accident occurred when a pickup truck driving the other direction crossed the dividing line and hit the oncoming bus. A witness at the scene said the truck driver admitted that he had been texting on his phone, according to the Associated Press. The accident killed 13 people who had been riding on the bus, returning from a church retreat.

Texting while driving is often seen as a problem teenagers have, but the consequences affect everyone. When a distracted driver crashes into someone else, the driver’s negligent actions are hurting more than just his or her own self. Even if an accident involves just the driver’s own car, the accident will still affect the driver’s future.

The Dangers of Texting While Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving led to nearly 3500 deaths and nearly 400,000 injuries in just 2015. Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous activities, because it takes the driver’s attention away from the road for even just a few seconds. In that time, the driver is not paying attention to where he or she is going. Other cars may be changing lanes, or other drives may be driving distractedly as well.

Texting while driving is not the only dangerous form of distracted driving. The NHTSA lists other common distractions, including:

• Eating and drinking
• Talking to others in the vehicle
• Changing the radio station

At the start of 2017, California’s laws about phone use while driving got even more strict. Previously, laws only explicitly prohibited texting and talking on the phone while driving. Now, the Sacramento Bee reports, California drivers cannot hold their phones at all. Phones must be mounted in a sale place and may only be used with hands-free methods. This will hopefully reduce car accidents caused by distracted driving.

Texting While Driving Accident Attorney

As with any car accident, accidents caused by texting while driving can have lifelong consequences for driver and the victims. Distracted driving is dangerous and illegal. If you have been injured by a driver who was texting behind the wheel, you could have a legal claim against the driver. A personal injury lawyer experienced in car accidents can help you get all the compensation you deserve from the driver and your insurance.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident by a driver who was texting, contact an attorney to help you. Schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in car accidents. Contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim in Los Angeles County. Call 800-LAW-TALK (529-8255) or contact us online.