According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), more than 3,000 people died nationwide in 2017 because of distracted driving. Distracted driving has become a bigger problem is the development of smartphones. Mobile devices offer a lot of features that can be distracting while traveling. Because the amount of distracted driving is increasing, you have a significant chance of being in a collision caused by a distracted driver every time you go out on the road.
Being hit by a distracted driver can have a major impact on your life. Having unexpected injuries, medical costs, and damage to your car can leave you with financial burdens that could take years to pay off. You can do something about this by filing a lawsuit against the distracted driver who hit you. Under California civil law, you have a right to collect compensation for any expenses related to your accident that the distracted driver caused.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident with a distracted driver, ask an Oakland distracted driving accident lawyer what your legal options are. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation on your case.
Defining Distracted Driving Accidents
It is difficult not to become distracted behind the wheel, especially given the new technologies found in cars today. There are many things that can grab your attention and keep you distracted just long enough to cause an accident. Distracted driving occurs when anything takes your attention off of driving. This can include:
- Cell phones: Phones are among the most distracting pieces of technology found in cars today. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends that new drivers place their phones in a place that is completely out of reach while driving so that they are not easily distracted.
- Conversations: Trying to hold a conversation while driving can be distracting. Your mind can fully focus on only one task at a time, and driving often takes a backseat to talking with other people in the car or on the phone.
- Random thoughts: Not being able to keep your mind on the road because of random thoughts and things that are bothering you also causes distracted driving. While you are behind the wheel, put other thoughts aside, and stay focused on driving.
- Radio: The radio can provide a lot of entertainment while driving, but it can also be distracting. Changing stations or adjusting the volume takes your focus off of the road, raising the chances of getting into an accident.
- Passengers: Driving with others in the car can be distracting, especially if you have kids. Trying to keep unruly children under control is a major contributing factor to the chances of being in an accident.
Regardless of the reason, the other driver was responsible for making sure that they did not get distracted. They are responsible for the damage caused by the accident, which means that you can file a lawsuit to claim compensation for your expenses.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Oakland, call (844) 730-0233
Understanding Your Rights
As the victim in the accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit to claim compensation from the person who caused your accident. Civil law is clear that you can hold the other driver responsible so that you do not have to continues to suffer financial problems because of their actions. Any expenses related to the accident can be claimed. This includes property damage, medical costs, or lost wages, among other expenses. As long as your lawyer can show evidence that your expense occurred because of the accident, you may be able to claim compensation for it.
The financial burden of managing your recovery can be expensive, especially when your injuries prevent you from an immediate return to work. You should not have to face long-term financial problems because of the actions of someone else. Collecting compensation from the lawsuit may let you pay off all of those financial obligations and move on with your life.
Oakland Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Determining Liability
Liability is at the heart of every civil lawsuit. The driver who is found liable for the accident will be held responsible for paying compensation. In your case, the other driver is responsible for paying you compensation. However, the specifics of your case may show that there is another entity that may also be liable.
Liability extends to companies that own and operate vehicles. If the distracted driver who caused your accident was working for one of these companies at the time of the accident, the company may also be liable. Your lawyer will file a lawsuit against the appropriate entities. If the company is liable, its insurance policy can help pay for the compensation.
Most civil cases settle out of court thanks to negotiated settlement agreements. Companies that can be held liable for accidents may be more likely to offer you a settlement agreement. This keeps the case out of court where it would become a matter of public record and make the company look bad. Your lawyer can assess the settlement agreement to make sure that it meets your needs and renegotiate if needed.
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Distracted driving causes many accidents every year, but you do not have to suffer the financial burdens of the accident for long. Once you win your case, you can collect compensation to cover your expenses and move on with your life. For most accident victims, this is the outcome they are hoping for.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your expenses. With the help of an Oakland distracted driving accident lawyer, you may be able to file a lawsuit and claim compensation. Call the office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation about your case.
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