Rare 1948 Jaguar XK120 Hit in Distracted Driving Accident Pre-Mille Miglia

A distracted 23-year-old woman came crashing head-on into a 1948 Jaguar. Later on, she admitted that she was looking at her phone while driving her Opel Insignia when she drifted into an XK120 driven by Giuseppe Cerbone and co-driver Nicolo Bottini Bongrani. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.

The right front end of the Opel smashed into the right front end of the Jag, nearly obliterating the front half of it even though both cars sustained serious damage.

This crash left the estimated at over $100,000, the car’s value has likely taken a major hit. Being as a sharp reminder of the risks of distracted driving—especially when history is on the line.

Distracted Driving

Using hand-held phones or other gadgets while driving is not just dangerous—it’s Against The Law in California. These devices are a leading cause of accidents because they create multiple distractions that affect a driver’s ability to stay focused and in control. Specifically, they lead to three types of distractions that compromise safety:

• Manual (hand off the wheel),
• Cognitive (mind off driving), and
• Visual (eyes off the road).

Driving while using a hands-free device is even more dangerous. According to one study, these gadgets are so distracting that driving while using a hands-free device is as hazardous as driving drunk.

Device distraction is only a small part of the problem. Other distracting behaviors, such as eating or drinking while driving, are far more common.
Generally, Car Accident Injury Lawyers California can use the ordinary negligence doctrine or the negligence per se rule to obtain compensation for victims.

In most cases, ordinary negligence is a lack of reasonable care. This duty requires motorists to drive defensively and avoid accidents if possible. Distracted drivers simply cannot meet that requirement.

Negligence per se is a violation of a safety law. If emergency responders issue a citation, such as a distracted driving citation, and that conduct substantially caused damages, the tortfeasor (negligent driver) could be responsible for those damages as a matter of law.

Car Crash: Dos and Don’ts

Important to note that after a car accident, it’s advisable not to say too much, as confusion and disorientation due to head injuries or other factors are common. Victims may not be in the best state to converse with others, as even in non-injury car crashes, head injuries can cause confusion and disorientation. So, it’s best to wait until a medical professional or legal counsel can assess the situation before giving any statements.

Most people must report accidents to their insurance companies. The telephone adjuster doesn’t need details. Simply report the accident and state that your Car Accident Injury Lawyers will provide more information later.

Limit interaction with emergency responders. Answer questions yes or no if possible. If you aren’t 100 percent sure, say you’re not sure. If the question is a “what happened” narrative question, don’t give more than a five or six-word response.

Do not interact with the other driver or the other driver’s insurance company. Explaining what happened is like grabbing a shovel and digging a hole. An apology can be construed as an admission of liability. And, highly-trained insurance company telephone adjusters subtly extract damaging information from victims who, as mentioned above, aren’t thinking clearly.

Consult Our Personal Injury Attorney Today!

Drive carefully behind the wheel and speak carefully after an accident. Get the Comprehensive Support You Deserve. With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters. Get a free consultation today!

Credit: Photo by Midjourney