San Diego Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver? While it may not seem like it’s necessary, speaking with an experienced distracted driving attorney can help solve upfront problems like obtaining a rental car, as well as to navigate the insurance claim process and consider legal action against those responsible for the crash.

At Levinson Law Group, our San Diego distracted driving accident lawyer team focuses solely on motor vehicle crash cases. Firm Founder Gordon Levinson uses his experience working for the country’s largest insurers to ensure clients get a fair shake from these companies. We are seasoned car accident attorneys who combined decades of experience and a strong track record of results for the people and families that we represent.

Driver Distraction Kills: Distracted Driving Car Accident Statistics

Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk by diverting a driver’s attention from what’s going on in front and around the vehicle. Driver distraction is the cause of more than 3,100 deaths across the country every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Cell phones and other electronic devices are the most common form or distraction for drivers in California. Whether it is making a call, texting, taking a photo, sending an email or using an app, fiddling with a phone behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster that regularly results in accidents.

Some of the other most common distracted driving cases that our San Diego distracted driving accident lawyer team sees involve:

• Turning on/off the radio
• Eating or drinking
• Reading, writing
• Bending down to pick something up off of the floor
• Reaching for the glove compartment
• Applying makeup
• Fixing hair
• Cleaning windshield or dashboard

Studies have shown that distractions behind the wheel can cause impairments similar to those resulting from intoxication. Texting while driving slowed reaction times by 35% in one study, for example.

California’s Texting and Driving Law

California law generally bans drivers from using a cell phone behind the wheel, whether it is to make a call, send text or other activity. It covers not only car drivers, but also truckers, school bus operators and other commercial vehicle drivers.

The law comes with some important exceptions. Drivers are permitted to use cell phones to contact emergency services.

Drivers in California are also allowed to use phones while driving if they are using hands-free or voice-operated systems. Phones must be mounted in a place that doesn’t require the driver to look away from the road and doesn’t block his or her view of the road. For hands-free systems, the system must be able to be activated or deactivated with a single swipe or tap.

The hand-free or voice-operated exception does not apply to drivers under the age of 18. These drivers are only allowed to use cell phones behind the wheel to contact emergency services.

Drivers who violate the state’s distracted driving law face fines and possible points on their driver’s licenses. If they are involved in an accident, they are likely to be found legally liable for the crash.

Teen Drivers and Distracted Driving – A Deadly Mix

Although drivers of all ages often get distracted behind the wheel, teenagers and new drivers pose a particular threat. That is because they are generally inexperienced and may need more time to react to traffic around them.

Distraction plays a role in nearly 60% of teen driver accidents across the country, according to the American Automobile Association. Crashes involving teens are especially common in the summer: The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day typically see the most deaths in teen-driving car crashes nationwide. More than 7,000 people die in these accidents across the country each summer, a rate of seven per day.

There are a number of steps that teen drivers – and their parents – can take to cut down on the risk of accidents. That includes limiting the number of passengers to avoid distraction, staying off the road during nighttime hours (visibility is poor and intoxicated drivers more frequent) and putting down the cell phone while driving.

Liability for Distracted Driving Collisions

A distracted driver who causes an accident is likely to be considered negligent and responsible for any injuries and vehicle damage that happens as a result.

Car accident liability is often handled by insurance companies. However, some of these companies fight tooth and nail to try to limit or even avoid payouts. The good news is that you do not need to go it alone: An experienced San Diego distracted driving accident lawyer at our firm can help you ensure that you get the full insurance proceeds available.

We can also help you pursue personal liability against the driver. In cases involving commercial trucks, buses, vans and other vehicles, the drivers’ employer is also likely to be legally responsible for the crash.

How We Help People and Families Injured in Car Accidents

At Levinson Law Group, we focus our legal practice specifically on representing people and families injured in motor vehicle accidents.

Our firm is committed to helping San Diego fight back against texting, distracted, drunk, impaired and reckless drivers who cause serious and even life-changing harm on our roads.

We are tireless advocates who represent clients through the entire legal process, from investigating an accident to determine who is at fault to pursuing insurance claims and negotiating with insurers to fighting for clients in court, when needed

Put our experience, insight and track record of success to work on your side. We accept cases on a contingent fee, which means that if there is no recovery in your case you pay no fee.

Speak With a San Diego Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our distracted driving attorneys can help you understand your rights and options and take action to get compensation.

Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego and Carlsbad. We are pleased to represent clients throughout the area, including in Encinitas, Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos and Escondido. Contact us online or call 760-827-1700 to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego distracted driving accident lawyer at our firm.