Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Bakersfield

Distracted driving continues to be a major threat to road safety, contributing to countless automobile accidents. Everyday activities like eating, drinking, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio, can take a driver’s focus off the road and lead to devastating crashes. However, the rise of mobile devices has made the problem even worse. Today, distracted driving—particularly texting while driving—is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, posing an even greater risk than drowsy or impaired driving.

One key advantage in cases involving texting while driving car accidents in Bakersfield is the clear trail of evidence left behind. Unlike other forms of distraction, texting creates digital records that can be used to establish fault. If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, our skilled attorneys can subpoena phone records to prove the at-fault driver was texting at the time of the accident. This critical evidence can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of securing a favorable settlement.

State Law About Texting and Driving

California Vehicle Code § 23123.5 strictly prohibits texting while driving. This law makes it illegal for drivers to use handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle, unless specific exceptions apply. Violating this law can result in fines, points on a driver’s record, and higher insurance premiums.

While the criminal penalties for texting while driving may be relatively minor, this law plays a critical role in establishing liability in an accident. Any violation of traffic laws, including this one, is considered negligence. So, when a driver breaks this law, it strengthens the case for assigning blame. Even if they aren’t the sole cause of the crash, their violation often ensures they will be held financially responsible for the damage.

If you were injured in a Bakersfield crash caused by texting while driving, our experienced lawyers can help you understand how this law impacts your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Texting Contributes to Serious Accidents

Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of driver distraction:

Visual – Taking your eyes off the road
Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel
Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving

Sending or reading a text takes about five seconds. At 55 mph, a vehicle can travel more than 50 yards in that time—essentially the length of a football field. That split second of distraction increases the risk of:

Head-on and sideswipe collisions from drifting into other lanes
Rear-end crashes due to delayed reaction time
Running stop signs or red lights, leading to T-bone accidents
Failing to yield, increasing pedestrian and cyclist injuries

Because texting while driving is entirely preventable, it is often one of the strongest forms of negligence in a Bakersfield accident case.

Proving Liability in a Texting While Driving Crash

Establishing that a Bakersfield driver was texting at the time of a crash can be challenging, but digital records often provide key evidence. As part of the investigation, we can:

Subpoena phone records to confirm the driver was texting
Review surveillance footage for signs of distraction
Obtain witness statements from those who saw the driver using their phone
Analyze police reports for indications of distraction-related mistakes

By gathering this evidence, we strengthen your claim and improve the chances of securing a fair settlement.

Injuries in Texting While Driving Car Accidents

Injuries resulting from distracted driving accidents are often severe due to delayed reaction times and the high-speed impact involved. Common injuries in these types of crashes include whiplash and spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations and burns.

Bakersfield victims of texting-related accidents may face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. It is crucial to seek full compensation to cover these costs and support the recovery process.

Call a Bakersfield Lawyer Today After a Texting While Driving Car Crash

In California, fault directly affects the amount of compensation you can recover. If you were injured in a texting while driving car accident in Bakersfield, our legal team is ready to help.