Cell phones are one of the most convenient devices ever invented. Anywhere you go, you are bound to see someone on a cell phone, either conducting business with a colleague or chatting away with a friend. This occurrence is especially common in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for motorists, this convenience can seriously impair one's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, and can lead to increase traffic collisions and injuries.
On July 21, 2008, California Vehicle Code 23123 went into effect, and states, "A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving." The law also prohibits those who are under the age of 18 from using their cell phones entirely while operating a moving vehicle. Furthermore, a new Wireless Communications Device Law that went into effect on January 1, 2009 states that it is "an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle." Though the law does not prohibit people from dialing their cell phones while driving, they are strongly discouraged from doing so. It is clearly evident, and now a mandate of California law, that cell phone usage while driving a motor vehicle is strictly prohibited.
Laws are put into effect because there is evidence that the law will help protect people. Due to the overwhelming number of crashes and fatalities that resulted in cell phone usage while operating a motor vehicle, California lawmakers saw it fit to create a law that would help protect motorists from unnecessary distraction while on the road. For those motorists who still choose to use their cell phones, it is abundantly clear they not only disregard their own safety, but the safety of all other motorists and pedestrians on the road. Motorists who exhibit this blatant disregard must be held accountable for their actions, and must compensate all parties that are affected from Los Angeles distracted driver accidents.
Los Angeles is a busy city in which motorists crowd the roads for the better part of the day. When traffic accidents occur because a motorist chooses to talk or text on their cell phone while at the same time driving, the Los Angeles cell phone accident attorneys at Ellis Law Corporation are here to help. Our skilled lawyers will assist you with all aspects of your case, and will ensure that you are duly compensated for the negligence that led to your accident.
