California Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
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California Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Supporting Clients In Every Phase
There are many causes of car accidents, but distracted driving has become one of the most common. Drivers have always faced the temptation to take their eyes off the road. Now that technology is present in vehicles, it is more important for drivers to stay focused on the traffic ahead.
Our car accident lawyers handle cases involving distracted driving accidents. When these crashes cause injuries or losses, legal claims may be available. Learn more about how our legal professionals can review your situation and assess potential options for protecting your rights under the law.
Distracted Driving Statistics
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. With smartphones and other technology becoming part of daily life, more drivers face distractions on the road. These distractions put everyone at risk, from drivers and passengers to pedestrians and cyclists.
The National Safety Council grouped distractions into three categories:
- Visual — Taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual — Taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive — Taking your mind off driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 lives were lost to distracted driving in 2023.
Staying focused while driving saves lives. Avoiding phone use, keeping both hands on the wheel, and staying mentally alert are small steps that can prevent serious accidents. If an accident does happen, California distracted driving accident lawyers can review the situation and explain what legal options may be available.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Types Of Distractions You May Encounter Behind The Wheel
Though most of the attention is on texting and driving, this is not the only distraction you may face when you get behind the wheel. It is important to be aware of all potential distractions both in and outside the vehicle. This way, you will be prepared to avoid them and resist the temptation to take your eyes off the road. What follows are some of the most common distractions of which drivers should be aware.
Electronic Distractions
Texting, phone calls, emails, apps, notifications, and many other features can take a driver’s attention away from the road. All drivers have a legal obligation not to be distracted by their phones. One way to reduce temptation is to place the phone out of reach while driving.
Most smartphones also have a “do not disturb while driving” feature. This setting can automatically respond to texts with a message that a driver cannot respond to right away. This text can even be sent to callers. Other settings and apps are also available to limit a phone’s functionality during driving.
Laptops, tablets, and smartwatches can also take attention away from driving. In addition, many vehicles come equipped with built-in technology such as navigation programs, entertainment systems, and interactive screens. These can be useful tools, but they can also become dangerous distractions.
Drivers should take time to understand their vehicle’s built-in systems, disable unnecessary features, and adjust settings that reduce distraction. Staying attentive behind the wheel helps protect not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others who share the road.
Passenger Distractions
It is easy to overlook how distracting passengers can be. Even a simple conversation takes attention away from the road. Passengers may also distract a driver by playing loud music, talking on their phones, laughing loudly, or engaging in other activities that draw focus away from driving.
Drivers have a responsibility to manage distractions in their vehicles. If a passenger causes a distraction and an accident occurs, the driver is the one held accountable. To reduce risks, drivers can ask passengers to lower their voices, turn down the music, or pause conversations when focus is needed.
Teen drivers are especially at risk of accidents when riding with friends. Parents should monitor their teens’ driving habits and encourage them to set boundaries with passengers so they can stay attentive behind the wheel.
Traffic Distractions
Often, a traffic accident causes secondary accidents because drivers are watching the crash scene instead of paying attention to the traffic ahead of them. This “rubbernecking” is highly dangerous. Drivers have a legal responsibility to pay attention to their surroundings. At a crash scene, extra caution is important because multiple hazards may be present.
Vehicles may be stopped in the roadway, debris could be blocking a lane, or a victim might be moving to safety across traffic. Drivers must be prepared to react to these hazards and avoid secondary accidents at any crash scene.
Unnecessary Tasks
For as long as cars have been on the road, drivers have attempted to multitask while driving. This behavior is dangerous and puts others at risk. Many drivers can be seen eating, drinking, applying makeup, shaving, or even brushing their teeth when they should be watching traffic.
These activities are unnecessary while operating a motor vehicle. When drivers become distracted, they increase the risk of accidents that may cause injuries or property damage. Some distractions may feel unavoidable, such as caring for a child or a pet in the car, but even these situations must not take a driver’s focus away from the road.
Why Distracted Driving Is More Dangerous For Teen Drivers
Distractions are more dangerous for younger drivers than for those with more experience. While no one should drive distracted, experienced drivers are often better able to respond to changing traffic conditions. Research reviewing an AAA report found that 94% of teen drivers recognized the risks of texting while driving, yet 35% admitted they still engaged in the behavior. The same report noted that cell phone use was a distraction for 21% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Texting and driving are not the only serious distractions for teen drivers. Families may consider setting clear driving rules, such as limits on the number or age of passengers in the vehicle. Teens are encouraged to avoid texting while driving and to use “do not disturb while driving” features to reduce the temptation to check their phones.
It can also help to make sure seatbelts are fastened whenever the vehicle is moving and to maintain open conversations about safe driving habits and the importance of focusing on the road.
California Injury Lawyers For Distracted Driving Accidents
If you sustain an injury in a distracted driving collision, you may speak with our motor vehicle accident attorneys to discuss your case and learn more about potential legal options. We can review your situation, explain potential legal options, and help you understand how to protect your rights.
Call our California distracted driving accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free initial consultation. We provide legal support to clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Jose, San Diego, Fresno, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, and all the rest of the Golden State.
