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How Distracted Driving Can Affect Your Car Accident Case

Posted by Inna Gorin | Jan 23, 2018

Driving on busy Los Angeles County roads and highways requires focus and your full attention.

Distracted driving typically impacts all drivers from time to time and often carries harsh consequences. Just about anything can distract a driver. It's not uncommon for people to multitask while driving.

Distracted Driving in Los Angeles Car Accident Case

This includes texting, eating behind the steering wheel, dealing with kids in the backseat, among other activities.

Anything that takes your attention off the road in front of you is considered a distraction. You don't need statistics to know that driving while distracted in Los Angeles County is dangerous.

However, the direct impact that distracted driving can have on your car accident case is not always clear. Suppose it's a fact the other driver was driving distracted leading up to your car accident. In that case, it's typically a primary factor in your favor in pursuing a claim for your injuries.

On the other side, if it's a fact you were driving distracted, it could reduce or even eliminate your ability to obtain compensation.

In a courtroom, an individual is usually negligent and liable if a jury reviews the facts and circumstances and finds their conduct was negligent or unreasonable. These actions were the cause of your injuries.

When distracted driving is a factor that causes a car accident, it can impact your personal injury case. For example, it's illegal to use a handheld phone in California while driving.

Any driver violating this law could be found negligent if a car accident occurs. Driving while distracted can be extremely dangerous and result in serious auto accidents.

The accident's severity can range from minor vehicle damage to a totaled car and catastrophic injuries or possibly even death.  

When most hear about distracted driving, they immediately think about texting as the only source. However, this is simply not the truth. There is a long list of common distractions, such as talking to passengers, putting on makeup, grooming, adjusting the radio, checking GPS, and observing an event outside the vehicle.

Hit By A Distracted Driver?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has gathered statistics that distracted drivers are responsible for many car accidents.

They list cell phone usage as responsible for thousands of car accident injuries in the United States every year. Suppose you have sustained an injury in a car accident due to the negligence of another party. In that case, you might be entitled to recover financial compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim.

At Injury Justice Law Firm LLP, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping car accident victims obtain the money they will need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages after an auto accident caused by a y distracted or negligent driving. Let's take a closer look at the most common forms of distracted driving.

Texting and Driving in California

Texting while driving in Los Angeles County is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. When someone is texting, it diverts the driver's mind, eyes, and hands away from the road.

Therefore, texting while driving is prohibited in California.  However, many drivers will still attempt to text while behind the wheel because it's not permitted. If you've been injured by a driver who was texting or distracted, you should call our Los Angeles injury lawyers as soon as possible.

Our attorneys can use our experience and skills to assist you in obtaining the money you are entitled to.

Driving Under the Influence in California

Any use of mind-altering substances such as alcohol, drugs, or even legal prescription medication is a form of distracted driving.

These substances can make it difficult for a driver to focus their attention on the road. In California, drunk driving laws are severe, including criminal charges, hefty fines, and driver's license suspension.

Additionally, car insurance companies could classify a driver with a DUI as a high-risk driver and charge much higher rates.

Unfortunately, DUI accidents causing injury are common in Los Angeles County. If you have sustained injuries in an auto accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you have the legal right to hold the driver responsible for your damages and other losses.

Seeking Damages for Your Injuries by a Distracted Driver

If you were in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, don't be surprised when the other party's insurance company attempts to settle your claim as soon as possible.

It's a common tactic. However, it's critical to understand they don't have your best interests at the top of the priority list.  Their top priority is protecting their profits.

Once you accept this fact, it is much easier to make the right decisions moving forward. After you were injured in a car accident, you should discuss the facts and circumstances with a Los Angeles car accident injury lawyer at our law firm.

Don't accept an insurance settlement without talking it to our attorneys first. In some cases, the insurance company might even attempt to claim you were partially at fault for the car accident.

Don't be fooled or intimidated into accepting an unfair settlement. With our law firm on your side, you can feel comfortable knowing your rights will be protected throughout the insurance claims process. Suppose they are not willing to offer a fair settlement that represents the full extent of your injuries and damages. In that case, our injury lawyers will take the case to trial if necessary.

Some statistics show that car accident victims can recover as much as three times more money by retaining an attorney.

Again, it's important to note the insurance company will frequently do whatever they can to settle your claim quickly before you even have the chance to hire legal counsel. Why? They know from experience that it will be much more difficult to persuade you to accept an unfair settlement with an attorney on your side.

Call an Injury Attorney for Help

People frequently drive while distracted in Los Angeles County without consequences. This lack of any awareness is what makes it so dangerous. It just takes a split second of distraction to create a lifetime of pain and suffering. If you have sustained an injury due to another driver's negligence, you have the right to receive compensation.

Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for accidents victims. We accept car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won't pay us any legal fees unless we can secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your case.

Your first step to recovery is to contact our law firm to review the specific details of your car accident. Call our law office at 310-734-7974 for a free evaluation with our legal team.

About the Author

Inna Gorin

Inna Gorin, the founding Partner of Injury Justice Law Firm modeled the Firm after her ideals and principles of what skilled, aggressive and tenacious representation of individual clients should embody. Ms. Gorin's mission is to level the playing field, and provide her clients with the same level...

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