4 years for texting while driving

Posted on 19. May, 2010 by in Uncategorized

Texting got it’s start innocently enough in December 1992, when Neil Papworth, a 22-year-old test engineer sent the first text to a mobile phone with the words “Merry Christmas”. Texting has seen an explosion the last few years. Adopted early on by teens and young adults, texting is now growing the fastest among users over 55. The majority (76%) of adults ages 55-64 who are texting are sending messages to their children. According to 2007 Census Bureau data, 57 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds have children ages 18-24. As a Georgia personal injury lawyer who specializes in texting accidents we are starting to see a significant rise in the number of texting related accidents. A 19-year-old Lilburn man was hospitalized after crashing his Acura into a telephone pole while text messaging a friend. Fortunately no one else was hurt.

Unfortunately texting drivers hurt not only themselves, but others.


COSTA MESA, Calif. (KABC) – A Costa Man was sentenced to four years in prison Friday in a case that involved texting while driving. Kuehl shook and cried uncontrollably as he held up a photo of the woman he killed, 32-year-old Martha Ovalle. “There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think of the consequences,” said Kuehl at his sentencing. Kuehl was found guiltiy in January of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with the August 28, 2008 accident. The incident happened at the intersection of Westcliff Drive and Buckingham Lane in Newport Beach. Kuehl was in an SUV, driving west on Westcliff ,when he hit and killed Ovalle as she walked in a crosswalk. Ovalle, a nanny, was on her way to work.

Approximate location of the accident is shown below:

“Mr. Kuehl basically hadn’t looked up and wasn’t paying attention at all for over five seconds,” said Deputy District Attorney Jason Baez. “He had nearly the length of a football field to observe and there was no braking or slowing in any way.”

The prosecutor wanted Kuehl to serve seven years, but the judge sentanced him to 4 years. As part of the sentence, Kuehl’s driver’s license will be revoked for three years. Kuehl says he never plans to drive again.

If you or someone you know is injured in a texting accident and you have questions regarding your rights call our office.

At Link & Smith, P.C. our goal is to provide exceptional legal services. We strive to achieve the highest standard of legal ability and ethics for the protection of our clients through team work, extensive resources, and 40+ years experience. We believe that serious injuries deserve superior results. For a FREE no-obligation consultation regarding your legal concerns, contact us today or call us toll-free at 888-315-8840.

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