San Bernadino Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting Against Perpetrators of Distracted Driving Crashes

With the high traffic rates in California, the state saw a rising number of distracted driving accidents after cell phones became a commodity, and even more after texting grew to popularity. Drivers can allow themselves to become distracted by other things, as well. Perhaps they are eating while driving, adjusting the stereo, applying makeup, or even talking with a passenger.

If a person causes an accident because they allowed themselves to be distracted while driving, they are liable for any damages and injuries that result. Victims of these accidents can suffer catastrophic injuries that result in long-term impairment, debilitation, or even wrongful death. This is why you should hire a San Bernardino distracted driving accident lawyer immediately after being injured by a distracted driver. An attorney will be able to assist you in filing a personal injury claim and fighting the insurance companies for a fair payout.

On This Page

• What is Considered Distracted Driving?
• How to Avoid Distracted Driving
• Why You Need a Lawyer

At Vetchtein Law, we are available 24/7 for all your legal needs. Call (888) 963-9999 or contact us online any time to discuss your case of you’ve been injured by a distracted driver.

What is Considered Distracted Driving?

To counteract the number of car accidents, injuries, and deaths caused by the rise of texting and driving, the State of California passed a law in 2008 banning handheld cellphone usage while driving and another law in 2009 banning texting while driving. Even still, hundreds of injuries and deaths are caused every year by individuals who break these laws and drive while distracted.

Examples of distracted driving include:

• Talking on a cell phone or texting
• Grooming
• Eating and drinking
• Daydreaming
• Trying to grab something out of reach
• Changing the radio station
• Inputting an address on your GPS
• Talking with other passengers in the car
• Recording or watching videos
• Looking at something outside the vehicle, like the view, a billboard, or an accident

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sending or reading a text while driving at 55 mph is like driving across an entire football field with your eyes closed. Unfortunately, stats such as this do little to deter motorists from distractions, which results in roughly eight Americans losing their lives every day due to a distracted driver.

Types of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving encompasses more than just texting or talking on the phone while behind the wheel. Understanding the different types of distractions can help you recognize potential dangers on the road:

• Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at a GPS, reading a map, or checking your makeup.
• Manual distractions: Removing your hands from the steering wheel, like eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio.
• Cognitive distractions: Mentally focusing on something other than driving, such as daydreaming, having intense conversations, or being overly fatigued.
• Electronic distractions: Using electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops while driving.

It is important to be aware of these distractions and take steps to avoid them to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

How to Avoid Distracted Driving

Here are some tips to help you safely avoid distractions while behind the wheel:

• Use a mount for your cell phone: Never hold it in your hand while driving. If you must use your phone (as a navigation system, for instance) turn on voice commands so you can follow directions without having to look at it. Silence your phone so you aren’t interrupted by calls and texts— or tempted to answer.
• Take care of everything before you leave: Never get behind the wheel before you’ve taken care of everything that needs to be done before arriving at your destination. For example, finish eating, putting on makeup, and programming your GPS before starting your car. Alternatively, you can plan to arrive at your destination early to get everything done on time.
• Pull over: If you must do something while commuting that cannot wait, find a safe place to park your car and pull over. This way you can take care of any emergency calls or pick up that thing that fell on the floor without worrying about causing a crash.
• Lead by example: If you have children, never let yourself text and drive or fall victim to other distractions in front of them. Anything they see you doing will be internalized as acceptable, potentially putting them in danger when they learn how to drive.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), handheld cell phone use ranks highest among drivers between the ages of 16 to 24. If you know any drivers in this age group, now might be the time to have a discussion about the dangers of distracted driving.

The Consequences of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior that can have severe consequences for both the driver and innocent victims on the road. It is important to understand the potential outcomes of distracted driving accidents and why it is crucial to seek legal representation if you have been involved in one.

Some of the consequences of distracted driving accidents include:

• Physical injuries: Distracted driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on your health and well-being.
• Emotional trauma: Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, causing emotional distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can take a toll on your mental health and overall quality of life.
• Financial burden: The costs associated with a distracted driving accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, property damage, and lost wages can quickly add up, leaving you in a financial crisis.
• Legal complications: Dealing with insurance companies, filing claims, and navigating the legal system can be complex and time-consuming. Having an experienced San Bernardino distracted driving accident lawyer on your side can help you navigate this process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Vetchtein Law, our team of dedicated attorneys has extensive experience in handling distracted driving accident cases. We are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice and compensation.

Why You Need a San Bernardino Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Attempting to file a claim without legal counsel or representation will significantly reduce your chances of a successful recovery. Only an attorney will be able to estimate how much your claim is truly worth and fight skillfully for fair compensation.

Vetchtein Law has represented numerous victims of distracted driving and can help you recover your damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Our firm has an outstanding support system and will not stop fighting until the best outcome has been won for your case. Just take a look at our case results to see what we’ve been able to accomplish for clients just like you.

Get started on your case by filling out the firm's online evaluation form or by calling (888) 963-9999 today to contact an attorney.