Experienced Los Angeles Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Los Angeles Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best distracted driving accident lawyers
Have You Been Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident in Los Angeles?
Goldberg & Loren are experienced distracted driving accident lawyers who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let the negligent actions of a distracted driver ruin your life. With our expertise and dedication, we will work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and get you the financial compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery. Let us be your advocates in this difficult time.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. These distractions can come in various forms, such as visual, cognitive, or manual distractions.
Individuals who engage in distracted driving not only put themselves at risk but also endanger the lives of others on the road. In the event of a distracted driving accident, the consequences can be devastating. Victims may suffer severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and substantial property damage.
Most Common Types of Driving Distractions
Electronic Devices
Texting, talking on the phone, checking social media, or even programming a GPS can all divert our attention away from the task of driving. Even hands-free devices can be a cognitive distraction, as they require mental focus on the conversation rather than the road.
In California, just under 30% of crashes are directly related to cell phone use while driving, according to the California Highway Patrol, especially with young people. [1]
Visual Distractions
These occur when we take our eyes off the road, even for just a split second. Activities like reading a map, adjusting the radio, or looking at something outside the car can all contribute to visual distractions. These distractions may seem harmless but can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Cognitive Distractions
Daydreaming, thinking about personal problems, or even engaging in deep conversations with passengers can all divert our attention from the task of driving. When our mind isn’t fully focused on the road, our reaction times and ability to anticipate potential hazards diminish, putting ourselves and others at risk.
Manual Distractions
This can include tasks like eating or drinking, adjusting controls on the dashboard, or reaching for objects in the car. These seemingly innocent actions can significantly impair our ability to control the vehicle and react quickly to sudden changes in traffic situations.
What To Do After A Distracted Driving Accident In Los Angeles
Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of how you feel after the accident, seek medical attention. Some injuries may not become apparent immediately, and getting a thorough medical evaluation is essential for your well-being and any future legal proceedings.
Contact the Authorities: Report the accident to the police and provide them with a detailed account of what happened. A police report will document the incident and serve as valuable evidence in your case.
Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible at the accident scene. Obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance information, gather witness statements, and take photographs of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and damage to your vehicle.
Contact an Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer: Seek legal representation from our experienced personal injury lawyers. They will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Document Your Damages: Keep detailed records of all medical bills, prescriptions, physical therapy sessions, and any other related expenses. Your lawyer will use this documentation to calculate a fair compensation amount.
Don’t Accept Early Settlement Offers: Insurance companies may try to settle your claim quickly and for less than you deserve. Consult with your lawyer before accepting any offers to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Focus on Your Recovery: While your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case, prioritize your recovery. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice, attend all necessary appointments, and engage in any recommended therapies.
Stay Off Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance adjusters often search social media profiles for any evidence they can use against you to diminish your claim.
Trust the Process: Recovering from a distracted driving accident takes time, both physically and emotionally. Trust in your lawyer’s expertise and the legal process. They will work diligently to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
Proving Driver was Distracted
- Police Reports: After the accident, report the incident to the authorities and obtain a police report. This report will provide an unbiased account of the accident and may include any observations made by the responding officer regarding distracted driving behaviors.
- Witness Statements: Gathering statements from witnesses who observed the accident can significantly strengthen your case. They may have observed the driver engaged in distracting activities, such as texting, talking on the phone, or engaging with electronic devices. Their testimony can provide evidence to support your claim.
- Cell Phone Records: If there is reason to believe that the driver was using their cell phone at the time of the accident, obtaining their cell phone records can help prove their distraction. These records can demonstrate if any calls or text messages were made or received during the relevant period, supporting the argument that the driver was not fully focused on the road.
- Accident Reconstruction: In some cases, accident reconstruction experts can be employed to analyze the accident scene and the dynamics of the collision. By examining factors such as skid marks, vehicle positioning, and impact points, they can help determine if the driver's distraction played a role in the accident.
- Video Surveillance: In today's modern world, many intersections and highways are equipped with video surveillance systems. If the accident occurred in an area with such surveillance, it is critical to obtain the footage as soon as possible. This footage can provide a clear visual record of the driver's behaviors leading up to the accident.
- Electronic Device Data: In addition to cell phone records, other electronic devices, such as GPS systems or infotainment systems, may contain valuable data that can help prove distraction. This data can show if the driver was actively engaged with the device, taking their attention away from the road.
- Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, can provide professional opinions regarding the driver's distraction. Their knowledge and experience can strengthen your case and present compelling evidence to the court.
California Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
In the state of California, the Statute of Limitations for car accidents is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you fail to take legal action within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
There are certain exceptions to the general two-year rule. For example, if the car accident resulted in a wrongful death, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the individual’s death, rather than the date of the accident.
Los Angeles Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
During these overwhelming times, you need expert legal representation to fight for your rights and help you navigate the complex legal process. Goldberg & Loren is the law firm you can trust to handle your distracted driving accident case in Los Angeles.
Goldberg & Loren’s experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding distracted driving in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
They will fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable for their dangerous behavior and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical care, lost wages, and even punitive damages if warranted.
We offer a free initial consultation, where you can discuss the details of your case and learn about your rights and options.
Contact the Goldberg & Loren Law office today to schedule your consultation today.
Source:
[1] F. (2023, April 18). CHP cracks down on drivers during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. FOX 11 Los Angeles. https://www.foxla.com/news/chp-cracks-down-on-drivers-during-distracted-driving-awareness-month
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
11755 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 401-3220
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident due to distracted driving in Los Angeles, our team can provide expert assistance in pursuing the compensation you rightfully deserve. Reach out to us for a consultation to evaluate the strength of your case and discuss the legal avenues available to you.
George Goldberg
Senior Partner
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