Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys know the devastating impact distracted driving accidents can have on individuals and families. We believe in the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions and ensuring that victims receive full and fair compensation for their losses.
Our dedicated team of Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyers will be by your side every step of the way, offering compassionate guidance and aggressive representation.
Let our family take care of your family. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers can protect your rights and help secure the justice you deserve.
Distracted Driving Causes Accidents
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary task of safe driving. It can involve manual distractions (taking your hands off the wheel), visual distractions (taking your eyes off the road), or cognitive distractions (taking your mind off the task of driving).
Even a momentary lapse in focus can have devastating consequences, resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. If you’ve been in a crash that you suspect was caused by a driver who wasn’t paying attention to the road, reach out to our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers.
Types of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving encompasses a wide range of behaviors that divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Our experienced distracted driving lawyers in Los Angeles have handled a vast array of cases involving various types of distractions, including:
- Texting while driving accidents: Sending or reading text messages while operating a vehicle is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. It combines all three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive, significantly increasing the likelihood of causing an accident.
- Accidents caused by using a cell phone or other electronic devices: Beyond texting, using a cell phone for calls, browsing the internet, or engaging with other electronic devices can severely impair a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react to changing conditions.
- Accidents resulting from eating or drinking behind the wheel: Consuming food or beverages while driving can be a significant distraction, as it requires taking one or both hands off the wheel and diverting attention from the road.
- Accidents involving drivers distracted by passengers or pets: Interacting with passengers, especially young children or unrestrained pets, can be a major source of distraction and increase the risk of collisions.
- Accidents caused by adjusting the radio, GPS, or other vehicle controls: Fiddling with entertainment systems, navigation devices, or vehicle controls can take a driver’s eyes and attention off the road for critical seconds, leading to potentially devastating accidents.
Our lawyers meticulously investigate each incident, gathering evidence such as cell phone records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert analysis to build a strong case against the negligent driver.
No matter the specific distraction involved, our lawyers are committed to holding these drivers accountable for their actions and ensuring that victims receive the maximum compensation possible. We fight to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other losses.
Challenges in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim
Pursuing an auto accident claim can present several challenges that require the resources and tenacity of an experienced lawyer. Some of the key challenges in these cases include:
- Proving distraction: While some forms of distraction, such as texting or using a phone, may leave digital evidence, others can be more difficult to prove. Skilled lawyers will gather witness statements, analyze driving patterns, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident.
- Overcoming denial: Drivers who cause accidents due to distraction may deny or downplay their actions, making it challenging to establish liability. Lawyers must be prepared to counter these denials with compelling evidence and legal arguments.
- Combating insurance company tactics: Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize payouts, such as disputing the extent of injuries, questioning the credibility of witnesses, or offering lowball settlements. Experienced lawyers know how to navigate these tactics and fight for fair compensation.
- Determining accurate damages: Calculating the full extent of damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, can be complex. Lawyers work with experts to ensure all damages are properly accounted for and documented.
- Dealing with comparative negligence: In some cases, the victim may be partially responsible for the accident, which can reduce their compensation under comparative negligence laws. Lawyers must carefully analyze the facts and present a strong argument to minimize the victim’s perceived negligence.
- Meeting strict deadlines: Personal injury claims have strict statutes of limitations and other deadlines that must be met. Failure to file a claim or take certain actions within these time frames can jeopardize the case. Lawyers ensure all deadlines are met and legal procedures are followed.
- Handling complex legal procedures: These claims often involve intricate legal processes, such as filing complaints, conducting depositions, and understanding court procedures. Lawyers with experience in these cases can prevent costly errors and protect the victim’s rights at every step.
What Can a Los Angeles Distracted Driving Lawyer Do for My Claim?
If you’ve been hit by a distracted driver, an experienced lawyer can play a crucial role in protecting your rights and helping you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Here are some ways our attorneys can assist with your claim:
- Investigate the accident: A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence that proves the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident. This may involve obtaining video footage, witness statements, cell phone records, and other crucial evidence.
- Establish liability: With the evidence gathered, your lawyer can work to establish the other driver’s negligence and liability for the accident. Distracted driving often constitutes negligence, which is a key factor in determining fault.
- Handle communication with insurance companies: Insurance companies are primarily interested in minimizing their payouts, even in cases where their policyholder is clearly at fault. An experienced lawyer will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from unfair tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld.
- Determine the value of your claim: Your lawyer will carefully evaluate the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages to determine the full value of your claim. This ensures that you are not undercompensated for your losses.
- Build a strong case: Your car accident lawyer can build a compelling case that clearly demonstrates the other driver’s behavior and the resulting damages you have suffered. This may involve working with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists.
- Negotiate a fair settlement: Armed with a strong case, your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies or the at-fault party’s legal team to pursue a fair settlement that covers all your damages and losses.
- Represent you in court: If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court and present a persuasive argument to a judge or jury, advocating for the compensation you deserve.
- Protect your rights: Throughout the entire process, your lawyer will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or the other party’s legal team.
Having a Los Angeles distracted driving attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, providing you with the best chance of obtaining the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Damages in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim
When you’ve been involved in an accident, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Victims may be entitled to recover various types of damages to compensate for their losses and injuries. The damages that can be claimed include:
- Medical expenses (past and future): This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care required due to the injuries sustained in the accident. Future medical expenses can also be claimed if your injuries require long-term treatment or care.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working or limit your ability to earn the same income as before the accident, you can claim compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity. This includes both past and future lost earnings.
- Property damage: Compensation can be sought for the repair or replacement of your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the car accident.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain, discomfort, and emotional anguish caused by your injuries can be compensated through pain and suffering damages. This accounts for the significant impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
- Emotional distress: Accidents can cause severe emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional distress damages can help cover the cost of counseling or therapy needed to address these issues.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have prevented you from engaging in activities or hobbies that previously brought you joy and fulfillment, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability: In cases where the accident has resulted in disfigurement, scarring, or permanent disability, additional damages can be sought to account for the long-term impact on your life and future earning potential.
An experienced Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer can help evaluate the specific damages applicable to your case and fight to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for all your losses resulting from the other driver’s negligence. We will work to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate or litigate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Typical Injuries in Distracted Driving Claims
Distracted driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting and debilitating effects on the victim’s life. Here are some of the typical injuries that may arise:
Head and Brain Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Hemorrhages
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Herniated discs
- Paralysis (partial or complete)
- Loss of sensation or movement
Broken Bones and Fractures
- Arm, leg, or rib fractures
- Pelvic fractures
- Facial fractures
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Torn ligaments or tendons
Internal Injuries
- Organ damage (e.g., liver, spleen, kidneys)
- Internal bleeding
Burn Injuries
Caused by fires or explosions resulting from the accident
Psychological Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
These injuries can have a profound impact on the victim’s quality of life, resulting in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. In severe cases, victims may face permanent disabilities or disfigurement, making it crucial to seek compensation.
An experienced car accident attorney in Los Angeles can help evaluate the extent of your injuries, work with medical experts to understand the long-term implications, and pursue fair compensation for your losses. We will fight to ensure you receive the resources and support necessary to recover and rebuild your life after such a traumatic event.
Contact a Los Angeles Distracted Driving Accident Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, time is of the essence. Evidence can be lost, and crucial deadlines may be approaching.
By seeking legal assistance from our experienced Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyers, you can take the first step towards protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At Omega Law Group, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help. Our team will provide a confidential consultation, where we’ll discuss the details of your case and outline your legal options. Don’t hesitate–contact us today and let us be your advocate on the road to recovery.