California’s No Touch Law prohibits motorists from physically holding a cell phone or other electronic communication devices while operating a vehicle. The law is intended to protect motorists from distracted driving accidents.
If you are involved in a car accident in which the other motorist violated the No Touch Law in California, consider getting legal help from a trusted Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer.
Your attorney can pursue compensation on your behalf through an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
What Does the No Touch Law Mean for Drivers in California?
The No Touch Law makes it illegal to hold your phone in your hand while driving. This is the case if you want to use your phone to look at your GPS, play music, read or send emails or texts, or for any other purpose.
Comparatively, the No Touch Law does not restrict you from using voice commands to control your phone as you drive. In addition, the law does not keep you from securing your phone on a mount so you can use a single, quick tap or swipe to activate or end a function.
If a motorist breaks the No Touch Law and is responsible for your auto accident, you have the right to hold them accountable for the harm you have suffered.
At this point, meet with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. Then, your attorney can provide insights into how the No Touch Law in California applies to your case and what to do to get money from the liable party.
What Are the Penalties if You Violate the No Touch Law in California?
You are subject to a fine of $20 the first time you are convicted of violating California’s No Touch Law. If you are convicted of violating the No Touch Law two or more times, the fine for each subsequent conviction increases to $50.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will add one point to this record if you have two or more No Touch Law convictions within three years.
Over time, these points can lead to an increase in your car insurance premiums, mandatory traffic school, or a suspension of your driver’s license.
If you violate California’s No Touch Law and get into an accident, you can be liable for the incident and all associated losses. Alternatively, if a motorist breaks this law and crashes their car into yours, get a distracted driving accident attorney on your side. Your lawyer can help you obtain compensation from the liable party to cover your accident losses.
How to Prove Someone Violated the No Touch Law in California
Partner with a car accident attorney if you believe the other driver in your auto crash violated the No Touch Law in California. Choose a lawyer who has helped past clients achieve outstanding case results.
Your attorney will take various measures to determine if someone breached the No Touch Law, including:
- Looking at the traffic camera footage and photos of your accident
- Speaking with witnesses from the accident scene
- Reviewing a police report
Your attorney understands the dangers of distracted driving and why California established the No Touch Law in the first place.
If someone violated the No Touch Law, drove while distracted, and caused your car accident, your lawyer will work diligently to ensure you receive fair compensation from them.
What to Do if Someone Claims You Violated California’s No Touch Law
Do not take the blame for an auto accident if someone claims you had your cell phone in your hand at the time of the incident. Let an auto accident lawyer who has earned dozens of positive client testimonials serve as your legal representative and advocate.
Your attorney will examine the facts of your auto accident. They will investigate the accident and find out how the incident happened and who is liable. If the other driver has breached the No Touch Law and is liable for the accident, your lawyer will build your case against them.
California has a pure comparative negligence rule that can impact the outcome of an auto collision case in which any parties have violated the No Touch Law.
If you file an auto accident lawsuit and the court rules you are partly responsible for your car crash, what you receive in compensatory damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The Bottom Line on the No Touch Law
If a motorist has their phone in their hand, they are violating the No Touch Law. This driver is putting themselves and others at risk. On top of that, if they cause an accident, they can be held responsible for it.
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for auto accident victims and others.
We’re here to help you in the aftermath of an auto collision caused by a driver who has violated the No Touch Law of California. Contact us today to begin letting our family take care of your family.