Over the years, drivers have had more and more opportunities to become distracted while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. As such, Los Angeles sees more distracted driving accidents than it should.
If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident in the past two years, you may have the means to file a civil case. You will need to do so within the two years awarded to you by California’s Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. You will not have to explore your legal options on your own, though. When you work with Ben Crump Law, PLLC a Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer can assess your case and help you determine what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
A Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer can help you work through the complexities of a distracted driving case. Together, you can establish negligence, if applicable, and come to a settlement either in the courtroom or outside of it. Call to speak to a member of our team today at (844) 730-0233.
Distracted Driving in Los Angeles: What to Expect
Distracted driving in California constitutes any behavior that takes your eyes off of the road, hands away from the wheel, or your mind off of the traffic in front of you. Given that each of those encompasses a broad expanse of behavior, it is not always easy to determine whether or not an accident can be classified as an instance of distracted driving or negligence. Some examples of distracted driving include:
- Switching radio stations
- Looking away from the road to talk with a passenger
- Applying makeup
- Rearranging your car
- Eating or drinking
That said, most drivers associated the term “distracted driving” with cellphone use behind the wheel. While cellphone use does not encompass the full scope of distracted driving, it does relay a series of behaviors that California and Los Angeles have responded to with specific laws.
California state law, for example, prohibits drivers from using cell phones or other hand-held electronic devices while on the road. You are, however, allowed to use hands-free devices. This means that drivers are legally able to put their phones on speakerphone or to use voice commands, should need be.
Any driver under the age of eighteen, however, may not use a cell phone while at the wheel under any circumstances. Should a driver be charged with improper cell phone use behind the wheel, you will have the evidence you need to establish a distracted driving claim in civil court, as the driver in question will be “negligent per se.”
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (844) 730-0233
A Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Los Angeles Is Here for You
Different people walk away from distracted driving accidents needing different kinds of care. While you recover, the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can go to work for you. We can start to ease your burden by:
Breaking Down Liability and Your Legal Responsibilities
When you come away from a distracted driving accident, the state of California will determine your fault and liability in percentages. According to California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) Section 405, the responsibility for an accident will be divided between all parties involved. This means that you may still be liable for damages, even if you are deemed to have been on the receiving end of the accident.
When you first discuss establishing your distracted driving case with a Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer, our team will break down your role in the accident and help you understand what damages you may be liable for. If your case involves multiple parties or a specific type of crash, we can better outline what happened and how our team can best represent you.
Establishing the Facts Surrounding Your Case
With your liability established, our team can take a closer look at the details surrounding your case. This can include:
- Assessing any medical expenses related to the accident
- Looking over insurance claims issued by both you and the other parties involved in the accident
- Reading through police reports and eyewitness testimony
- Analyzing video and audio footage from the accident
In taking action, we can draw together a picture of your case and determine what damages you may be able to claim in court.
Determining Your Potential Awards
Distracted driving accidents can have a significant impact on your quality of life, not to mention the resources you have available to you on a daily basis. When determining what awards you may be eligible for, we can consider:
- Medical expenses incurred by the accident
- Future procedures you or related parties may need to re-establish your original quality of life
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Lost wages and opportunity to work
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
California has auto insurance requirements that drivers have to follow. You could file a claim for the damages above with the responsible party’s insurance company.
Working with Your Needs In Mind
Our team knows that you will need to recover after getting into an accident. When you work with us, we aim to ease your burdens instead of compounding them. As such, our team works on contingency. While your case is active, you will not be charged for the services you receive through our office. You will only get a bill if you receive compensation for your losses. Even then, that bill will not come until your case has concluded and you have your compensation available to you.
Los Angeles Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
California Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
Victims of car accidents in Los Angeles, CA have two years to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver in their accident.
Statute of limitations California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 sets the amount of time someone has after the date of their injury to file a claim for compensation in court. If you wait too long to reach out to a law firm for help building your case, you might not be able to seek an award at all.
Reach out to Ben Crump Law, PLLC today. We can help you make sure you file your lawsuit in time.
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Work with a Los Angeles Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving may be a complex topic to broach, but our team can go to bat for you. While you recover from your accident, the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can explore the complexities of your case and determine what compensation you may be entitled to receive. Call to discuss your case with a member of our team today at (844) 730-0233. The call is free and there is no obligation.
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