Riverside Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a Crash With a Distracted Driver in Riverside? Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside distracted driving accident lawyer fights aggressively for justice and compensation for victims and their families. When tough times arise, you need an attorney who you can trust. We provide personalized advocacy to our clients. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash with a distracted driver, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Riverside law office for a free, no obligation consultation with a top-tier Riverside car accident attorney.

Distracted Driving is Dangerous Driving

Distracted driving is dangerous, plain and simple. Every time someone takes their eyes off the road to check a text, adjust the radio, or glance at social media, they put lives at risk. It only takes a split second of inattention to cause a crash that changes everything. Innocent people suffer life-altering injuries or lose their lives because someone else couldn’t wait to send a message. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 3,200 people were killed and tens of thousands more were seriously injured in distracted driving crashes in 2023 alone.

Common Types of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving comes in a wide range of different forms. Distractions may be visual, manual, and/or cognitive. Some of the most common examples of distracted driving in Riverside include:

• Texting While Driving: Texting is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all at once. When a driver reads or sends a text, their eyes leave the road for an average of five seconds, that is enough time to end up in a very bad crash.

• Talking on the Phone (Even Hands-Free): Many drivers assume that using a hands-free device is safe, but it still diverts mental focus away from driving. Cognitive distraction reduces reaction time and situational awareness. Whether holding a phone or not, talking while driving increases the risk of missing hazards and reacting too slowly to avoid a crash.

• Eating/Drinking Behind the Wheel: Grabbing a quick bite or sipping a drink may seem harmless, but it can take at least one hand off the wheel and attention away from traffic. Drivers might fumble with food wrappers or spill drinks, and that can cause wrecks.
• Adjusting GPS Devices: Many drivers in Riverside use GPS for directions. You should always put those directions in before you put the vehicle in drive. Adjusting a GPS device while driving can be especially dangerous because they often happen during busy traffic or unfamiliar routes.

• Getting into a Conversation With a Passenger: Interacting with passengers, especially in compelling, emotionally charged, or otherwise highly engaging conversation, can pull a driver’s attention away from the task at hand.

• Looking at Something Outside the Vehicle (Rubbernecking): Drivers in Riverside too often get distracted by accidents, roadside signs, scenery, or other issues. A behavior commonly known as rubbernecking. It pulls attention away from the road and increases the risk of rear-end collisions, drifting out of a lane, and other bad crashes.

• Grooming/Personal Hygiene: Applying makeup, combing hair, or even shaving while driving can very seriously impair your ability to react to road conditions. These actions usually require the use of mirrors and one or both hands, taking focus away from driving.

• Zoning Out: Mental distractions, things like thinking about work, relationships, or plans, can be just as dangerous as physical ones. When drivers zone out, they may not notice traffic changes, signals, obstacles, or other hazards.

California is a Fault-Based Motor Vehicle Accident State

Distracted driving is negligence. It is a very important notion in Riverside because California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. In effect, the driver who is at fault for a crash because of their negligence, which is defined as the failure to take due care, can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. A distracted driver in Riverside must be held accountable for causing an accident due to their misconduct. Victims of distracted driving accidents in California have the right to pursue compensation by filing a claim directly against the at-fault driver. Every crash that is suspected to be caused by a distracted driver should be thoroughly investigated.

Notably, California is a pure comparative fault state (California Civil Code § 1714). Each party to a collision in Riverside can be held liable for their proportionate share of the crash. In distracted driving cases, fault is divided between the parties based on their degree of responsibility for causing the crash. For example, if a distracted driver is 80 percent at fault for texting while driving, but you are also found 20 percent at fault for speeding, you can still recover 80 percent of your total damages. However, you will be liable for 20 percent of your damages.

Know the Statute of Limitations: Car Accident Injury Claims

Distracted driving accident injury claims are highly time-sensitive. Under California law, injured victims generally have two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If you fail to take legal action within this time frame, your claim may be permanently barred, even if you have a very strong case. Do not miss out on your chance to fight for justice. A proactive approach is a must: Consult with a Riverside distracted driving accident lawyer right away after a serious wreck.

Recovering the Maximum Compensation after a Crash

In California, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including their non-economic losses. Following a collision with a distracted driver, it is imperative that you secure the maximum available financial compensation. Unfortunately, the big insurance companies can make the claims process extremely challenging for victims and their families. They fight hard to pay out less. Our Riverside, CA distracted driving accident lawyer can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to get compensation for:

• Property damage, including vehicle repairs;
• Ambulance costs and other emergency medical care;
• Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
• Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
• Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
• Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
• Long-term disability;
• Loss of quality of life; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

Why Trust The JLF Firm for a Distracted Driving Accident Claim

Distracted driving accident claims are notoriously complex. Following a crash, it is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights, your options, and what comes next in the claims process. At The JLF Firm, we have the professional expertise you can rely on. With a proven record of case results, our team has recovered millions of dollars for victims and families. A proactive approach is a must.

When you reach out to us at our Riverside law office, you will have an opportunity to consult with a California auto accident attorney who can:

• Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your case.
• Investigate the crash, gathering evidence to prove distracted driving.
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy focused on delivering the best possible outcome.

Contact Our Riverside, CA Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside car accident lawyer has the skills and experience to handle all types of crashes, including distracted driving accidents. If you were hurt in a wreck with a distracted driver, we are here as a resource that you can trust. Give us a call now or contact our firm online for a free, no obligation initial consultation. We represent distracted driving accident victims in Riverside, Riverside County, and throughout all of Southern California.