Distracted driving contributes to thousands of serious accidents each year in Los Angeles and across California. When a driver takes their attention off the road, whether texting, eating, adjusting a radio, or using a phone, they increase the risk of injury to others. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, Dordick Law Corporation may be able to help. Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys understand how devastating these collisions can be for victims and families. We thoroughly investigate, collect evidence of driver distraction, and seek compensation for your losses. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery in your case. Contact (310) 551-0949 today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Distracted Driving Case
After a distracted driving accident, you need an attorney familiar with both California traffic laws and the effects these incidents can have on victims. Dordick Law Corporation has handled numerous distracted driving claims throughout Los Angeles and nearby counties. Our experienced attorneys have obtained compensation for clients injured by negligent drivers.
We focus on building evidence-based cases that show how the at-fault driver’s distraction led to your injuries. We collect police reports, cell phone records, witness statements, and surveillance footage to establish liability. Our team works with accident reconstruction professionals and medical providers to document your injuries and losses in detail.
Distracted driving accidents often cause serious harm, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and long-term disabilities requiring medical treatment and ongoing care. We pursue compensation to cover medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Our contingency fee arrangement means you don’t pay upfront fees, and we only receive payment if compensation is recovered through settlement or verdict. This approach allows you to move forward with your case without immediate financial burden while knowing we are committed to your recovery.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention shifts away from safely operating the vehicle. Distractions are generally classified into three types:
- Manual distractions: removing hands from the steering wheel, such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls.
- Visual distractions: looking away from the road, including reading or viewing devices.
- Cognitive distractions: losing focus on driving due to conversations, daydreaming, or stress.
- Texting while driving combines all three forms of distraction. Studies show it greatly increases the likelihood of a crash compared with attentive driving, making it one of the most hazardous behaviors on the road. According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes your attention away from the road for about 5 seconds.
California’s Distracted Driving Laws
California Vehicle Code provisions prohibit certain uses of handheld wireless devices while operating a vehicle. These laws apply to most drivers and are enforced as primary offenses, meaning police can stop a driver solely for an observed violation. Understanding these California traffic regulations is critical for establishing negligence in your case.
Cell Phone and Texting Restrictions
Drivers 18 and older may use hands-free devices to make calls or listen to audio. However, all drivers are prohibited from texting, emailing, or using social media while driving. Drivers under 18 cannot use any wireless device while driving, including hands-free devices, except in emergencies.
A violation of California’s distracted driving laws can be used as evidence of negligence in a civil case arising from a crash. It does not automatically establish negligence in every situation, but it may significantly support arguments that the driver failed to use reasonable care. This can strengthen your case and may make it easier to recover compensation. Our Los Angeles personal injury team uses these violations strategically in settlement negotiations.
Violations carry base fines that increase with subsequent offenses, but added fees and assessments can raise the total amount. However, the real consequence for victims is the serious injuries these violations cause. When a distracted driver violates California law and causes an accident, they can be held liable for damages resulting from their negligence.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Accidents
A momentary lapse in attention dramatically reduces driving reaction time. Research shows texting can take a driver’s eyes off the road for several seconds at a time; at highway speeds, a vehicle can travel the length of a football field in that span without the driver looking at the road.
In those seconds, hazards can appear. A pedestrian may enter a crosswalk, or traffic ahead may stop suddenly. Distracted drivers often cannot respond quickly enough to avoid a collision, and that delay can cause significant harm. Pedestrian accidents caused by distracted drivers are particularly devastating.
Loss of focus also affects lane control and speed regulation, increasing the chance of high-impact collisions that cause severe injuries such as head trauma, spinal injuries, or fractures. These types of catastrophic injuries require aggressive legal representation.
Proving Liability in Distracted Driving Cases
To recover damages after a distracted driving accident, California law requires showing four elements:
- The driver owed a duty of care.
- The driver breached that duty.
- The breach caused the accident and injuries.
- You sustained measurable damages.
Understanding comparative negligence principles is essential when the at-fault driver claims you share responsibility.
Evidence We Gather to Prove Distraction
We gather detailed evidence to show distraction, including:
- Police reports documenting witness accounts or officer observations.
- Phone records indicating calls or texts near the time of the crash.
- Witness statements and video footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
- Accident scene photos and vehicle damage analysis.
- Reports from reconstruction specialists explaining how the crash occurred.
Driver admissions and electronic evidence can provide strong support for establishing liability. Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have extensive experience building these cases and have recovered millions in case results for injured clients.
Damages You Can Recover
California law allows injury victims to pursue both economic and non‑economic damages:
Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.
Non‑economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages may be available in cases involving extreme misconduct. While California does not generally cap personal injury damages, some claims, such as medical malpractice, may be subject to statutory limits. Your attorney can review which limits apply to your case. We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for distracted driving victims.
The Claims Process and Your Timeline
When you choose Dordick Law Corporation to represent you, we handle every stage of the claims process. We begin with a complimentary consultation to assess your case and outline your options. Then we investigate, compile evidence, and prepare a demand for the insurer describing your injuries and losses.
Most distracted driving claims resolve through settlement negotiations. If fair compensation isn’t offered, we may file a lawsuit and proceed to trial. The time required depends on case complexity; some resolve within months, while others can take a year or longer. Under California law, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, so timely action matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After a Distracted Driving Accident?
Report the accident to 911 and request medical help. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical evaluation promptly. Document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and obtain the police report. Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Contact Dordick Law Corporation promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Our Los Angeles office is available to discuss your case immediately.
How Much Is My Distracted Driving Case Worth?
Case value depends on several factors including injury severity, medical costs, lost income, long-term health impact, and liability evidence. We evaluate each situation individually and pursue compensation that reflects your documented damages.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Settlement is common in distracted driving cases, but if the insurance company does not make a fair offer, we can prepare your case for court. We explain your options carefully before recommending any resolution. Our trial-ready approach gives us leverage in negotiations.
How Long Does a Distracted Driving Case Take?
Some cases with clear liability and limited injuries may conclude within six to twelve months. More complex matters with disputed fault or serious injuries may take longer. We keep you updated at each stage, answering your questions and providing regular progress reports.
Do I Have to Pay Upfront Costs?
No. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, and we advance necessary case expenses. We collect fees only if compensation is obtained for you. This is standard for personal injury cases in California.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
California’s comparative negligence system allows recovery even if you were partially responsible. Your total compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible for a $100,000 loss, you could recover $80,000. We review the specifics of your case and explain how this rule applies.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you or someone you care about were injured in a distracted driving accident in Los Angeles, contact Dordick Law Corporation today. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin investigating and preserving critical evidence. Schedule your free consultation at (310) 551-0949 or via our online contact form. Our Los Angeles office is easily accessible to local clients. You pay no fees unless we obtain recovery for you.
Let Dordick Law Corporation help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under California law.
