Every time a driver picks up their phone, they gamble with lives. California’s latest hands-free law is a bet on safety, aiming to curb the deadly trend of distracted driving. This regulation isn’t just a new decree; it’s a safeguard, armed with the teeth of stiffer penalties and stricter enforcement.
With roads busier than ever, understanding these changes is critical for every road user. The law marks a shift from reactionary penalties to preventative measures, drawing a definitive line in the sand of California’s legal landscape. How it contrasts with the old laws is a pivotal lesson in legal evolution.
As we delve into the impact of California’s hands-friendly policy on accident claims, we unpack layers of legal implications. From pinning liability to shaping the course of insurance disputes, this article investigates every angle of the law’s street-level influence. Welcome to a discourse on how a simple rule could rewrite the story of road safety in California.
California Distracted Driving Laws and Penalties
Offense | Description | Penalties |
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Handheld Device Use While Driving | Using a handheld cell phone or electronic device while driving |
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Texting While Driving | Sending, reading, or writing text messages while driving |
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Hands-Free Device Use for Minors | Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless communication device |
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Hands-Free Device Use for Adults | Adults may use hands-free devices, including speakerphone and Bluetooth |
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Distracted Driving Causing Injury/Death | Enhanced penalties if distracted driving leads to injury or death |
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Notes:
- First Offense Penalty: The initial penalty for using a handheld device while driving is relatively minor but increases with subsequent violations.
- Additional Fees: The base fines listed do not include additional court fees and assessments that can significantly increase the total amount owed.
- Enhanced Penalties: Severe consequences, including criminal charges, may apply if distracted driving results in injury or death.
These laws aim to reduce the incidence of distracted driving and enhance road safety. For more detailed information or legal assistance, please contact Phoong Law.
Overview of California’s new hands-free law
California’s roads have seen a significant change with the tightening of distracted driving regulations. As of July 1, 2021, Assembly Bill 47 (AB 47) has reinforced the state’s dedication to combating distracted driving by enhancing the consequences of using handheld cell phones while behind the wheel. The new twist? Violators now face the added sting of having points added to their driving record for at least 36 months, stepping up the accountability game from the previous fines-only system.
This legislation builds upon the foundational California hands-free law, which has been keeping drivers’ hands off their cell phones and on the wheel since its first enactment. Rigorous in its aims, it casts a wide net to curb distracted driving behaviors, from the outright ban on the use of handheld cell phones to the prohibition of text-based distractions behind the wheel, a measure enacted in 2009. There is a particular emphasis on protecting younger drivers, who, under the age of 18, must adhere to even stricter restrictions, with hands-free device usage being off-limits entirely.
Safety advocates are hopeful that AB 47 will mark a downturn in the number of distracted drivers who compromise the safety of California roads by engaging with their handheld gadgets while driving. This is more than policy; it’s a direct challenge to the culture of multitasking that tempts drivers to take their eyes and minds off the road. California’s distracted driving law had already made headway by exalting hands-free tech usage over handheld engagement, but this new law shoulders the responsibility further by addressing both the first-time offenders and the repeat wrongdoers.
Explanation of the law and its purpose in reducing distracted driving
The California hands-free law plants itself firmly in the fight against the risks of distracted driving. Since 2008, this law has been the guardrail for motorists, laying down the rule that handheld cell phone use while driving is not just reckless—it’s illegal. The rationale is clear: activities like dialing, talking, and texting are poised to divert attention from the driving task, and when attention wanes, accidents loom.
This law lands harder on the demographic that is often most at risk: young drivers. With the total prohibition of cell phone use for drivers under 18—yes, even hands-free—the law underscores the importance of unimpaired attention for those new to the road and more susceptible to distraction.
To stress the ‘hands-free’ aspect, California’s approach has been to allow the use of hands-free devices as an exception. The 2009 addendum, specifically tackling the rampant hazard of texting, ensures no driver is reading, writing, or sending text messages. The intent behind these legislative layers is straightforward—reduce the number of crashes and near-misses that distracted driving precipitates. With hands-free laws like these, California seeks not just to respond to distractions but to preempt them, clearing the roadways of unnecessary risks.
Comparison to previous laws and how it strengthens penalties
AB 47 marks a toughened stance in California’s traffic law history. Where once the cell phone law violators faced a monetary pinch, now they confront the prospect of a tarnished driving record. This pivot reflects a strategic escalation to deter habitual law-breaking by not only hitting wallets but also flagging driving records with violation points for at least three years.
The fundamental shift? California’s legislature recognized that while fines were an irritant, they might not resonate long-term with repeat offenders. The state’s solution: fortify the consequences. The addition of points to a driver’s record is a stark warning, one that could escalate to raised insurance premiums and even license suspension.
These sterner 2021 laws act as a double-edged sword, maintaining the financial dissuasions and introducing a reputational and regulatory cost that could have significant, lasting effects on a driver’s mobility rights. By targeting repeat offenders with such pointed measures, the revised law reinforces the notion that persistent distracted driving is not a mere faux pas but a defiant risk to public safety.
California’s new hands-free law is less about adding complication and more about clarifying consequence; making each driver understand that the responsibility of safe driving isn’t just in the moment—it extends well beyond the drive itself. The hopes are that this will instill a more profound respect for the rules of the road and ultimately safeguard the well-being of all Californians.
Legal Impact on Accident Claims
The introduction of Assembly Bill 47, taking effect as of July 1, 2021, has fundamentally altered the landscape of accident claims in California pertaining to distracted driving. Under the newly enacted hands-free law, drivers who are caught using handheld cell phones are not only subjected to immediate penalties such as fines and administrative fees but also face the long-term implication of having demerit points added to their driving records for a minimum of 36 months. This has the potential to lead to license suspensions if further violations occur.
The law’s legal ramifications extend into the sphere of personal injury law, where demonstrating a breach of the hands-free regulation can significantly bolster a negligence claim. Those injured in accidents caused by drivers distracted by their phones may find it easier to prove fault, as a citation for violating AB 47 acts as concrete evidence of negligence. With the prohibition of handheld cell phone use, especially among minors, California’s roads become theoretically safer, and this indirectly aids in the legal process of substantiating accident claims that involve distracted driving behaviors.
Changes in Liability for Traffic Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving
With the passage of AB 47, California drivers are subjected to stricter liability for traffic accidents resulting from distracted driving. The imposition of points for such behavioral violations introduces an indelible mark on driving records that directly associates a driver with high-risk behavior. This marks a shift from previous practices where the driver may have faced only immediate monetary consequences.
The new legal measures clarify that liability does not hinge solely on receiving a ticket and fine; drivers who cause harm due to distracted driving are accountable for the injuries and fatalities incurred, independent of the citation. Given that distracted driving encompasses activities that distract visually, manually, cognitively, or even audibly, establishing liability has become a more straightforward process owing to the updated hands-free legislation.
How the New Law Affects Fault Determination in Accident Claims
The introduction of the new regulations under California’s updated hands-free law serves to influence how fault is determined in accident claims. Since California is an at-fault state for insurance purposes, determining who is responsible for an accident—and hence the associated costs—is pivotal. The additional penalties, including points on a driver’s record, can significantly influence fault determination in incidents relating to distracted driving.
As violations of the updated law are perceived as aggravating factors, those at fault could face more severe repercussions during the claims process. With the state’s emphasis on curbing distractions of all sorts, even beyond cell phone use, a broader range of behaviors that impair driving ability are now spotlighted, influencing fault determination and highlighting the seriousness with which the state views all forms of distracted driving.
Impact on Insurance Claims and Coverage for Distracted Driving Accidents
The ramifications of AB 47 for insurance claims and coverage are noteworthy. California’s tough stance on distracted driving creates a direct impact on how insurance companies handle claims. Incident victims are legally entitled to pursue compensation for their losses due to the negligent actions of distracted drivers—losses that may extend to emotional and physical distress, lost wages, and in tragic instances, compensation for wrongful death.
Given the influence of cell phone usage on car accidents in California, reflected in the 28,000 cellphone-related motor vehicle injuries in the state, the palpable impact on insurance claims is undeniable. Furthermore, the spike in fatal incidents due to distracted driving in California emphasizes the magnitude of the problem for insurers, who must navigate increased liability risk in light of these statistics. The fact that distracted driving is the cause of 80% of car accidents in the state highlights the enormous scope of the issue and its consequent significance in the arena of insurance coverage for such accidents.
New Driving Laws and Traffic Accident Liability
The implementation of Assembly Bill 47 in California signifies a critical step in enhancing road safety and altering the legal framework surrounding traffic accident liability. This new ruling, which came into force on July 1, 2021, intensifies the consequences for drivers who flout hands-free laws by mandating a penalty point on their driving record for a minimum of 36 months following a violation. Taking precedence over older regulations that solely penalized drivers with fines, AB 47 strives to mitigate the potential for distractions that notably amplify the likelihood of crashes by imposing longer-lasting repercussions.
Despite the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s finding that only 13% of distracted driving-related fatal accidents in 2020 were attributed to cellphone use, the risks remain substantial. In response, California’s recent driving laws and public safety campaigns have expanded their focus beyond mere mobile phone usage. By recognizing a variety of distractions as hazardous, these initiatives collectively aim to promote vigilance among drivers.
Statistically, an estimated 8% of drivers at any given moment are engaged in hands-free or handheld cell phone usage while driving, underscoring the pervasiveness of distraction risks. The legislative measures embodied in AB 47 indicate California’s committed stance on reducing these risks and enhancing accountability for distracted driving infractions.
Discussion of Other Recent Driving Laws in California
California’s legislative landscape has seen a string of amendments aimed at refining driving behaviors. Beyond AB 47, previous cell phone laws were revised in 2020 to introduce stricter norms that came into effect in July 2021. These updated regulations enunciate California’s commitment to curtailing dangerous driving behaviors associated with distractions.
The efforts to scale back distracted driving accidents are apparent in the enforcement of statute 23123.5(a) VC, which broadly prohibits drivers from using handheld cell phones, with hands-free phone use being sanctioned only for those above the age of 18. The evolution of such laws demonstrates a proactive drive to safeguard Californians across all demographics from the hazards of distracted driving.
Analysis of the Increase in Traffic Accident Liability Due to Distracted Driving
In recent times, the specter of distracted driving has loomed large over California, contributing to around 28,000 vehicle injuries. The state’s Office of Traffic Safety noted a stark 27.3% rise in fatalities caused by distracted driving in 2021 as compared to the previous year. This tragic uptick has amplified the focus on traffic accident liability related to distraction behind the wheel.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the category of distracted driving is expansive, accounting for a range of distractions such as eating, applying makeup, and managing children while driving. With the advent of AB 47, the liabilities associated with being distracted are more significant, and the law’s penal provisions are intended to serve as a deterrent against such perilous driving behaviors.
Examining the Correlation Between Handheld Cell Phone Use and Traffic Accidents
In exploring the relationship between cell phone usage and road incidents, we find that a California study revealed a 66% reduction in crashes linked to handheld phone use post the enactment of a ban in 2008. Although a modest uptick in accidents involving hands-free devices was subsequently observed, the data suggested a behavioral pivot rather than an outright cessation of phone use while driving.
Nevertheless, the figures indicate that cell phones were responsible for less than 1% of all crashes, a statistic which implies a significant potential underreporting of these incidents. The effectiveness of texting bans, too, has been the subject of studies gauging their impact on reducing collisions. Thus, the prevalent discourse on distracted driving, particularly where cell phone use is concerned, remains a pivotal factor in the dialogue concerning motor vehicle accident prevention and the fostering of undistracted attention on the road.
Hands-Free Device Regulations and Distracted Driving Penalties
California is taking a stringent stand against distracted driving with its comprehensive hands-free device regulations. Aimed at diminishing distractions behind the wheel, these laws underscore the importance of paying undivided attention to the road and improving overall traffic safety.
Overview of hands-free device regulations under the new law
Under the new regulations, California strictly prohibits drivers from holding a mobile phone or using it for any purpose that requires physical interaction, such as dialing, talking, or texting. Drivers above the age of 18 are permitted to use hands-free devices, allowing them to make use of Bluetooth technology, earpieces, and speakerphone functions. This legislatively enforced hands-free operation includes only those devices that are either mounted on the dashboard or are voice-activated to ensure the driver’s focus remains on driving.
Explanation of penalties for using handheld devices while driving
The penalties for defying the hands-free law begin with a fine of $20 for the first offense. Subsequent infractions will yield higher fines of $50 per occurrence. It is essential to note that these explicit fines might be just the base amount, with the total payable amount potentially escalating due to additional assessments and fees. Furthermore, if a distracted driving ticket remains unpaid, the driver may face serious legal repercussions, including being found guilty of failing to appear in court. Violating these hands-free regulations notably endangers not just the driver’s wallet but also their standing within the legal system.
Discussion of the potential reduction in distracted driving accidents with hands-free devices
The consequences of distracted driving are well-documented. Engaging in activities such as texting or talking on a mobile phone can triple the risk of an accident. California’s laws seek to address this preventable peril by advocating for the usage of hands-free devices. With cellphones identified as the culprit in just 13% of distracted driving fatalities nationwide, the law targets this significant but not solitary distraction. Keeping in mind that cellphone use can reduce brain activity dedicated to driving by 37%, these hands-free regulations are positioned to substantially reduce this form of distracted driving. This broader legislative approach helps to create a safer driving environment by incentivizing drivers to eliminate preventable distractions and focus on the road.
By adopting and adhering to these stringent measures, California aims to witness a downward trend in distracted driving incidents, thereby enhancing roadway safety for all users. The collective effect of such preventive strategies may be far-reaching, contributing to fewer fatalities and an overall reduction in accident rates related to distracted driving behaviors.
Understanding California’s Traffic Laws and Hands-Free Legislation
California is recognized for its proactive approach to enhancing the safety of roads through comprehensive traffic laws. With a determined effort to minimize the incidents of distracted driving, the state promulgates strict regulations against the use of handheld cell phones and any text-related functions while driving.
Overview of California’s traffic laws and how they relate to distracted driving
In line with its unwavering commitment to road safety, California’s traffic laws unequivocally restrict the operation or holding of wireless communication devices during driving. However, these laws make exceptions for voice-operated, hands-free systems. The laws further permit drivers to activate or deactivate GPS devices with a single tap or swipe, provided the device is securely mounted in a driving-friendly position. For drivers under the age of 18, the laws are even stricter, completely barring the use of cell phones, regardless of hands-free capabilities. The intent behind these stringent measures is to create an environment where the focus of drivers is not divided, thereby curtailing the dangers introduced by distractions such as texting and talking on mobile phones.
Explanation of specific nuances in California’s hands-free legislation
The nuances of California’s hands-free legislation are shaped to enforce a no-tolerance policy towards using handheld wireless telephones while driving. Infringements attract a financial penalty and are followed by the addition of points to the driver’s record for a period of at least 36 months, as outlined in AB 47. A series of offenses can lead to the escalation of punitive actions, such as the suspension of the driver’s license, further emphasizing the gravity of compliance with the hands-free law. These strict directives demonstrate the state’s initiative to sideline distractions, ensuring that hands-free devices are the only acceptable form of communication for drivers, thus reinforcing the state’s dedication to road safety.
Analysis of the impact of hands-free legislation on overall traffic safety
The rationale behind imposing hands-free legislation is supported by studies indicating a marked decrease in hospitalizations linked to driving-related accidents—a 7% reduction attributed to texting bans. Moreover, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, activities such as dialing, talking, or texting on a handheld cell phone increment the risk of a crash threefold. Through AB 47, California reinforces the law by integrating additional consequences for repeated breaches, reflecting its stringent stance to dissuade handheld device usage. Enforcement of these laws, in tandem with effective public awareness drives and increased policing, amalgamates into a robust strategy expected to steer a significant decline in distracted driving incidences. Altogether, these efforts form a coherent framework with an expected outcome of improved traffic safety and a lower rate of accidents and serious injuries on California’s roads.
Accident Claims and Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant public safety concern and is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. In California, the risks associated with such behavior have prompted the enactment of strict hands-free laws to protect road users from the consequences of driver inattention due to handheld device use. Accident claims stemming from distracted driving often involve personal injury suits and wrongful death suits, which are critically influenced by these laws.
If an accident occurs and the responsible party was driving while distracted, specifically violating the state’s texting and driving laws, this breach can be pivotal in establishing negligence. The California hands-free law, which was reinforced in 2008, restricts all motorists from using handheld cell phones while driving. This stipulation serves as a key element in legal proceedings related to distracted driving accidents, as it provides a foundation for proving fault.
Penalties for violating California’s hands-free law can contribute to the success of an accident claim, as infractions result in fines, administrative fees, and points on the driver’s record, which may lead to license suspension. When such evidence is introduced in an accident claim, it underscores the liability of the distracted driver.
The introduction of laws such as AB 47 is a direct response to the increasing number of incidents linked to distracted driving. By establishing specific consequences for contraventions, safety advocates hope to curb the number of crashes and severe injuries attributable to such negligence and thereby enhance road safety.
Importance of Accident Claims in Addressing the Consequences of Distracted Driving
In 2017 alone, distracted driving in California was responsible for 3,177 fatalities, an alarming figure that signaled a crucial need for stringent driving laws like AB 47. By outrightly prohibiting handheld device use while behind the wheel, the hands-free law targets reductions in distressing statistics caused by common distractions such as texting, talking, or dialing on a cell phone.
It’s an unfortunate reality that while males represent 75% of drivers in distracted driving-related fatalities, activities involving mobile phone use accounted for 13%, with other distractions also contributing significantly. For victims, or the families of those lost to such incidents, accident claims serve an indispensable role in seeking justice and compensation. These claims leverage the negligence of the distracted driver, often proven by their disregard for texting and driving laws, to secure relief for losses incurred.
Accident claims are more than just legal proceedings; they embody the repercussions of distracted driving and emphasize the dire need to stay attentive at the wheel. They also help to spread awareness and potentially dissuade drivers from engaging in hazardous multitasking activities while driving.
Explanation of the Process for Filing Accident Claims Related to Distracted Driving
Victims injured by distracted drivers might be entitled to significant compensation for their damages, which vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the specific context of the accident. To file a claim, victims—or their representatives—must establish the fault, usually with the support of a personal injury lawyer, by showing that the distracted driver’s violation of California’s texting and driving laws directly caused the accident.
Filing claims involves a process of gathering conclusive evidence and presenting the case to demonstrate negligence on the part of the distracted driver. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff, necessitating clear and convincing evidence that the driver’s inattention was the direct cause of the collision.
It is crucial for drivers to recognize the consequences of using cell phones or electronic devices while driving. Not only can it lead to serious accidents, but the legal repercussions, including the probability of facing a tough accident claim, serve as a strong deterrent to such behaviors.
Discussion of the Role of Personal Injury Lawyers in Handling Distracted Driving Claims
Personal injury lawyers occupy a pivotal position in the aftermath of accidents involving distracted driving. They provide essential guidance and representation for victims seeking restitution for various losses, including medical bills, loss of income, and emotional distress.
Such legal professionals are adept at navigating the complexities of filing a personal injury claim under California law, ensuring that victims put forward the strongest possible case. They are instrumental in evaluating the extent of damages and identifying the forms of compensation victims are entitled to receive. This could encompass actual expenses, such as medical treatment and rehabilitation, and more subjective losses, like pain and suffering or emotional trauma.
Personal injury lawyers not only aid in building and presenting a case but also act as advocates during negotiations or litigation, aiming to secure fair and just compensation. Their expertise is invaluable for distressed victims who may otherwise struggle to cope with the complicated dynamics of accident claims and the harsh realities of their consequences.
Penalties for Distracted Driving under California’s Hands-Free Law
In response to the persistently high numbers of distracted driving incidents, California has enacted stringent hands-free laws aimed at reducing the prevalence of these hazardous behaviors on the road. These regulations are critical for drivers to understand as they carry specific financial and administrative penalties.
Overview of the Penalties Imposed for Distracted Driving Offenses
The punishment for distracted driving in California under the hands-free law commences with a relatively modest fine of $20 for the first offense. However, subsequent offenses are met with a standard fine of $50. It’s important to note that this amount represents the base fine and does not account for additional assessments and fees that can significantly drive up the total cost of the ticket. For instance, what starts as a $20 fine could balloon into a cost several times higher when these additional expenses are considered.
Beyond the fiscal impact, drivers should be aware that they also risk getting points on their driving record for texting violations, particularly if they reoffend within a 36-month period. Furthermore, an accumulation of such offenses could potentially lead to the suspension or even revocation of driving privileges if specific thresholds are surpassed within designated timeframes.
Explanation of Subsequent Offense Penalties for Repeat Distracted Drivers
California does not treat repeat distracted driving offenses lightly. A second offense for distracted driving within a 36-month span escalates the base fine to $50, underlining the state’s commitment to deterring habitual disregard for driving attention. From July 1, 2021, the enforcement of AB 47 introduced a consequential addition to the penalty system. This law mandates the addition of a point to the driving record of those convicted of a texting violation within 36 months of a previous infraction—further impacting repeat offenders and reinforcing the legal imperative for hands-free driving.
Examination of Additional Penalties for Distracted Driving Violations
AB 47 not only added further fines but also increased the stakes of noncompliance with the hands-free law in California. The necessity for adherence is clear when considering that certain legislation, such as the 2017 cell phone law, obliges drivers to mount their phones and only use them via voice control or with a single swipe to avoid holding the device while driving—hence promoting safer use.
Should drivers be convicted of such violations within a 36-month window, the addition of points to their driving record becomes a harsh reality. Moreover, California has established rules whereby driving privileges are suspended if specified numbers of points are tallied up due to cell phone infractions, among other traffic offenses, over certain periods. For example, a first offense of texting while driving in the state incurs a fine that can reach $162, with these sums escalating with further violations, indicating the gravity with which the state views distracted driving.
In summary, the penalties under California’s hands-free law serve as a mix of immediate financial disincentives and escalating consequences for recurrent violations, sending a strong message about the state’s intolerance for distracted driving.
The Role of Hands-Free Devices in Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
California’s hands-free legislation necessitates the use of hands-free devices for drivers to lawfully interact with their cell phones while behind the wheel. The motive is clear — to diminish the risks of distracted driving accidents that are all too common due to the manual, visual, and cognitive distractions that come with holding and operating a mobile phone. By mandating hands-free use, drivers can still utilize essential features of their devices, like navigation and communication, without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel.
Discussion of the Benefits of Using Hands-Free Devices While Driving
The benefits of using hands-free devices while driving are anchored in their potential to mitigate the instances of distracted driving. California permits drivers to employ hands-free methods such as speakerphone or voice commands, providing the flexibility to stay connected while prioritizing road safety. The implementation of hands-free solutions serves to address the alarming statistic from the California Office of Traffic Safety, which associates dialing, talking, or texting on a mobile phone with tripling the risk of a crash.
Key Advantages of Hands-Free Device Usage:
- Minimized Physical Distractions: Allows drivers to operate a phone without manual handling, keeping hands on the wheel.
- Reduced Visual Distractions: With phones mounted, drivers are less likely to look away from the road to interact with their devices.
- Enhanced Cognitive Engagement: Voice-activated commands help maintain focus on traffic and driving conditions, which is crucial as studies suggest that cell phone use can reduce brain activity related to driving by 37%.
- Decreased Accident Risk: Hands-free device use aligns with findings that non-handheld phone use accounted for only 13% of distracted driving fatalities.
- Legal Compliance: Adhering to hands-free regulations helps drivers avoid the legal and financial consequences of distracted driving offenses.
Despite these advantages, it’s essential to recognize that any conversation, even via hands-free devices, can still divert a driver’s attention. Therefore, the emphasis is on the responsible use of technology—ensuring that the primary focus remains on driving safely. For commercial truck drivers, governed by strict regulations set forth by the FMCSA, adherence to hands-free protocols is even more critical given the larger implications of distracted driving in heavy vehicles.
Moreover, when considering liability, hands-free device laws play a crucial part. Accidents traceable to cell phone use can render the driver responsible for damages and injuries inflicted. Hence, employing hands-free options is not just about abiding by the law but also about reducing personal culpability in the unfortunate case of an accident.
The utilization of hands-free devices is a measure that concurrently heightens road safety and aligns with the legal framework. This focus on prevention rather than just penalty aims to foster safer driving behavior and ultimately lessen the incidence of distracted driving accidents in California.
Contact Phoong Law for More Information
If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding the impact of California’s new hands-free law on distracted driving accident claims, Phoong Law is here to help. Our experienced team can provide personalized advice and representation to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at 866-GOT-PAIN or send us a message through our website for more information and to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your case with expertise and care.Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The impact of California’s new hands-free law on distracted driving accident claims can vary based on individual circumstances. For specific legal advice related to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney. The authors and Phoong Law assume no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.