Distracted Driving

California Drivers Need to Know These Smartphone Restrictions

California may not have the toughest smartphone laws for drivers, but there are definitely a few things you should know before you get on the road with a mobile device. Here are some tips for avoiding a traffic violation (and for general safety since these laws are in place to keep drivers from being distracted).

• For drivers under the age of 18, be sure to tuck your phone away and leave it there until you arrive at your destination. 18-year-olds are not even allowed to make hands-free calls while driving in California.
• For drivers over the age of 18, hands-free calls are okay. However, you still need to avoid sending or even reading texts while driving.
• For drivers over the age of 18, you are allowed to pick up your phone to make a call. Just be sure you have a headset, use the speakerphone option, or have the phone connected to your car via Bluetooth. The only thing you are allowed to hold your phone for is dialing.
• California’s smartphone laws only apply to drivers on public roadways. If you are in your own driveway or a private lot, you are allowed to use a phone. Just be cautious because if you hit another car in a private lot while talking on your phone. It may not be illegal, but it can still make the accident your fault for being distracted.

Car Accident Attorneys in San Diego, CA

If you have been injured by a distracted driver in California, you may be due additional compensation for medical bills, missed time from work, and other damages. To learn more, speak with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm by calling 619-344-0260.

Avoid These Common Driving Distractions

Distracted drivers cause accidents that can lead to serious injury or even fatalities. How can you protect yourself and your passengers? While you can’t control other drivers, you can do your best to ensure that you are not distracted while operating your vehicle. Here are some common distractions to avoid.

• Phone – Whether a person is using a phone legally or illegally, it is still a distraction. The best thing to do is let a passenger hold your phone during the drive. If you are alone, any calls or texts can wait. If you are expecting an important call, be prepared to pull over.
• Dashboard dining – Eating at the wheel can be a big distraction, especially if it is something like a big messy burger, which is what most people stop for when on the road. Try to eat before you leave for a drive and plan time to stop and get out during long trips. It will be good to stretch your legs anyway, and it’s safer than eating and driving.
• Media – From books, magazines, and newspapers to music and video content, we are inundated with media on a daily basis. Music isn’t a bad form of media for a drive as long as you are not distracted playing with the radio dials. Reading and watching videos should wait until you arrive at your destination.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys in San Diego

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you need the help of our California personal injury attorneys. Call Petrov Law Firm today at 619-344-0360 to learn how we can help to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

What Does Pure Comparative Negligence Mean?

The state of California is pure comparative negligence state. What does that mean, and how may it affect your personal injury settlement?

What Is Pure Comparative Negligence?

Pure comparative negligence refers to the assigning of a percentage of fault to each party in a case of injury such as a car accident. This means that the at-fault party will not be responsible for 100% of your expenses and losses (unless they are deemed to be 100% responsible for the accident, which is possible).

Let’s consider an example. Imagine you are struck in an intersection by a driver who runs a red light. It seems pretty cut and dry who is at fault. But what if you were speeding? The courts may determine that the other driver is only 75% responsible because if you were driving slower, you might not have been in the intersection when the infraction occurred. This could result in a lower settlement because the other driver is only on the hook for 75% of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damages, and the like.

Helping You Navigate Your Personal Injury Case in Southern California

The personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help you to maximize your settlement, especially if you have a basis for claiming the accident or injury was 100% the fault of the other party. Let us help you negotiate the best possible settlement by calling 619-344-0360 today.

California Laws Regarding the Use of Cell Phones While Driving

While California doesn’t have the toughest laws on distracted driving, there are a number of regulations in relation to cell phone use that you should be aware of if you are a driver. Here are some of the main things you need to know in order to drive safely and avoid a violation.

• If you’re under 18, you shouldn’t be touching or using your cell phone while driving. Even hands-free calls are off-limits for teens with limited driving experience.
• If you’re 18 or older, you still can’t text, but you can make hands-free phone calls.
• If you’re 18 or older, you can actually pick up your phone for a couple of seconds while driving, but only for the sake of dialing a number. Then you have to take the call on a headset or speakerphone.
• Cell phone laws only apply on public roads. If you are in your own driveway, on a private road, or driving through a field somewhere, you can use your phone as much as you want.
• If an emergency arises, you can call the emergency services, police, fire, etc. without having to make a handsfree call.
• Authorized drivers of emergency service vehicles don’t have the same cell phone restrictions as other drivers. Everyone should be giving these vehicles the right of way anyway, so the distraction should add minimal danger.

If You Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident in California

If you have suffered an injury while driving and need a personal injury attorney in Southern California, Petrov Law Firm is here to help. Just call 619-344-0360 today to get our experienced attorneys to help with your settlement.