There is no shortage of distractions in vehicles today. Many diversions are within arm’s reach in the car, including cell phones, GPS systems, music and movie players and more. These devices are all meant to make trips more convenient and enjoyable. But they can also pose a deadly threat if they take drivers’ minds off their real jobs behind the wheel —driving responsibly.
Of all these distractions, texting while driving is considered the most lethal. In fact, Canadians believe that texting while driving is one of the biggest hazards to their safety on the roads today, according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
And they’re right to be worried. ICBC statistics show that distracted driving is now responsible for more than a quarter of all motor vehicle accident deaths in British Columbia.
A Texting And Driving Lawyer Will Stand Up For You
If you were injured in an accident caused by a texting driver in Vancouver, look no further than Warnett Hallen LLP. Our compassionate distracted driving lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering and other losses.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a motorist’s attention away from driving. Cell phone use — and texting in particular — is regarded as the most common distraction, but it is hardly the only one.
Other forms of distracted driving include:
- Adjusting stereo or climate controls
- Talking to passengers
- Programming GPS systems
- Eating and drinking
- Caring for children
- Smoking
- Personal grooming
It only takes a moment’s distraction to cause a serious car accident. If texting or any other activity is proven to be the cause of an accident that injured you, the distracted driver may be held liable for his or her actions.
Why Is Texting While Driving So Dangerous?
Distractions are classified in three ways:
- Visual: Anything that takes your eyes off the road
- Manual: Activities that take your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Distractions that take your mind off driving
Texting is considered so deadly because it involves all three distractions at once. You must look at your phone to read the message (visual), think about what to reply (cognitive) and use your hands to type (manual).
All of those actions can be done in a few seconds. But consider this: taking five seconds to check a text while driving at 90 km/h is enough time to travel the length of a football field blindfolded, according to the CAA.
Common Accidents Caused by Texting and Driving
Rear-end accidents are commonly associated with texting drivers, who tend to pick up their phone to send a message as they slow down at a traffic signal. Despite the public belief that it’s wrong, one-third of Canadians have admitted to texting at a red light, according to the CAA.
But texting and driving can result in all types of crashes, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Side-impact collisions
- Accidents at intersections
- Rollovers
Anyone who is involved in a distracted driving accident in B.C. should reach out to an experienced lawyer to learn their legal rights. The ICBC lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP can assist you with the claims process and demand maximum compensation on your behalf.
British Columbia Texting While Driving Laws
Part 3.1 of the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the use of mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle.
If you have a car that offers a hands-free option or you can mount the phone on the vehicle and use a voice-directed text, it’s OK to use a cell phone while driving. Otherwise, you need to pull over and park legally before sending a text message.
The law does not apply to police, EMTs or firefighters. Exceptions are also provided for drivers calling or sending messages to first responders.
Proving Liability for Texting While Driving
Every legal claim requires proof to win. In cases involving distracted driving, lawyers can subpoena the negligent driver’s phone records to prove that he or she was using the phone when the crash occurred.
Wireless records are only one form of evidence that can be used to show the driver’s distraction. Video footage or photos from the accident scene may also be able to prove that the driver was distracted and responsible for the crash.
Witnesses can also be especially helpful in these cases. Multiple people claiming that one motorist was distracted can counter a driver who denies liability for a crash. Police reports and citations can also establish distracted driving.
When you work with Warnett Hallen LLP, our skilled texting and driving lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation and gather all of the evidence necessary to build a strong claim for compensation.
Texting While Driving Statistics in Vancouver, BC
ICBC data on distracted driving in British Columbia shows that:
- You are five times more likely to crash if you are using your handheld phone while driving.
- 95 percent of B.C. drivers believe that talking or texting has increased the number of crashes in the province.
- Approximately 1 out of 3 British Columbia motorists acknowledge using their cell phones at least some of the time while driving.
- An average of 77 people die in distraction-related crashes in B.C. each year.
How Can Our Text While Driving Accident Lawyer in Vancouver, BC
If you or a loved one were hurt in a distracted driving car accident in Vancouver, BC, getting full and fair compensation for your injuries can be challenging. For years, the ICBC lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP have been helping clients obtain the money they need — and deserve — to get back on their feet again.
It all starts with a free consultation. Call or contact us today, and we’ll schedule a time to discuss your case. We’ll listen to your story, analyze the facts and explain your legal options. Then you can make an informed decision about your next steps.
The distracted driving lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP will treat you with respect, professionalism and the utmost dignity.
Contact us now to get started.
*Since May 1, 2021, British Columbia operates under a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. Under this system, compensation for injuries and losses is handled through your own insurance provider (typically ICBC) regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Please note that the information on this page may not apply to your accident if it occurred after May 1, 2021. This disclaimer does not constitute legal advice.
