Distracted Driver Accident Attorneys

Distracted Driver Accidents in Los Angeles

Hundreds of accidents occur every year in Los Angeles because of driver distractions. Drivers often pay more attention to their cell phones, radios, children, pets, environmental attractions or passengers than they do the road. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You may also be able to collect punitive damages. Such damages may discourage that driver from such negligence again. 

Statistics indicate that accidents caused by distracted drivers have now surpassed the number of accidents caused by drunk driving. Distracted drivers are rapidly becoming the leading cause of automobile accidents in California. Involvement in an automobile accident causes the victim more than just physical suffering: lost wages from time taken off of work, lost employment opportunities, and overwhelming medical expenses are obstacles most automobile accident victims face. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, call our attorneys. Our entire team of legal professionals, support staff and investigators will work hard to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Whether a distracted driver was operating a car, a commercial truck, school bus, tour van or train, the vehicle operator must make their attention on safety a priority. If they have failed in this regard, we have the resources to investigate and litigate on your behalf no matter who is responsible for your suffering.  

Types Of Driver Distractions on Los Angeles Roadways

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are three types of driver distractions that result from numerous kinds of activities. The three types of distractions are:

• Visual: when a driver takes their eyes off the road and focuses on another activity or object. Examples might include texting, reading a map, looking at a billboard or people on the side of the road. Many accidents lead to more accidents because drivers watch the roadside rather than the road in front of them. 
• Cognitive: when a driver’s mind wanders from the task of driving and focuses on other thoughts. Examples include something as simple as daydreaming, or any other activity that requires some form of mental concentration, such as reading, texting or even talking on a cell phone.
• Manual: when a driver takes one or both hands off of the wheel while driving in order to use them for another activity. Examples include texting, eating, adjusting controls or stereo settings, changing a radio channel, or using a smart phone application. Drivers also may use their hands to deal with an unruly child or a bothersome pet. Many accidents occur when a driver reaches onto the vehicle floor to recover something that has fallen. 

The NHTSA has reported that 16% of all fatal automobile crashes and 21% of all automobile crashes causing injury are the result of distracted driving. These numbers account for national research but, since Los Angeles is so traffic heavy, the area experiences a higher percentage of car accidents than almost any other city in the nation. Many of these accidents are the direct result of distracted driving.  

Examples of activities which cause distracted driving include (but are not limited to) the following:

• cell phone use
• texting
• applying makeup, combing or brushing hair, shaving or other personal grooming
• reading
• inputting GPS information
• adjusting an MP3 player, CD player or the radio
• distraction from pets in the car
• distraction from children in the car
• distraction from passengers
• watching a DVD on a portable electronic device
• eating or drinking
• changing clothes
• staring out the window at police or EMS activity

California Distracted Driving Laws

Under current California law, all drivers are prohibited from using cell phones and wireless devices to text or engage in any written communication while driving. Adult drivers over 18 are permitted to talk on cell phones, text, and email while driving as long as a hands-free device is used. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, whether a hands-free device is used or not. School bus drivers and transit bus drivers are also forbidden from using cell phones in any manner while driving. A driver can receive a fine of $145 to $1,000 for any “wanton” disregard of a person’s safety. Cell phone violations can result in a $20 fine for a first offense and $50 for the next offense, plus court costs. For public transit system workers and those entrusted with the safety of passengers, especially children, criminal penalties can be much more severe. Despite the threat of penalties, countless drivers continue to disobey the law and put others in harm's way.

We know how to get justice and compensation for you. Contact our California Accident Attorneys today for a free case evaluation.

If you were injured in an automobile accident or lost a loved one due to an accident caused by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. Distracted driving is often suspected in automobile accidents, but can be very difficult to prove. Our experienced California accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation and aggressively pursue those responsible for your injuries. We have the resources to find the truth and the experience to help you get compensation. Call us for a free case evaluation.