Were you hurt as a result of another driver’s decision to operate a vehicle while distracted? This type of driving behavior is a major concern when you consider the combination of urban density, coastal tourism, and the volume of commuters in California.
Together, these factors create a traffic environment where collisions are all too common. But just because car crashes are not rare doesn’t mean you should have to deal with the aftermath of one on your own. Instead, reach out to a Long Beach car accident lawyer for help.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have decades of experience recovering millions of dollars in compensation. With us as your Long Beach distracted driving accident lawyers, you can trust that someone is advocating for you every step of the way.
The Prevalence of Distracted Driving in Long Beach
Distracted driving involves any type of activity that diverts your attention away from the road while you’re driving. This can take the form of texting behind the wheel, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting in-car entertainment or navigation systems, and interacting with passengers.
A number of systemic issues heighten the risks associated with distracted driving. The following factors often contribute to this increased vulnerability of people on the road:
- Limited access to safe transportation infrastructure
- Underinvestment in street design
- Lower awareness of distracted driving laws
When reviewing the details of your case, your Long Beach personal injury lawyer can look more closely at the circumstances leading up to the collision that left you injured. From there, your attorney can pinpoint what caused the crash and pursue accountability.
Legal Framework Governing Distracted Driving in California
California law prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. As a result, drivers are required to use hands-free devices to make a call or use a navigation app while behind the wheel. Violating this law can result in fines as well as points on your record.
More specifically, a first offense could result in you having to pay a fine. Meanwhile, subsequent violations within 36 months of a first offense can leave you facing additional penalties, including points on your driving record. For drivers under the age of 18, the laws are even more stringent.
Those who have yet to turn 18 years old are prohibited from using a phone while driving, no matter the reason, including hands-free use. This standard aims to reduce the risk of accidents among inexperienced drivers who may be more prone to distractions behind the wheel.
Distracted Driving Prevention Efforts in Long Beach
In an effort to recognize the dangers that distracted driving poses, local Long Beach laws are designed to combat this issue. Funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, there’s a program in Long Beach known as GreenlightLB.
This program focuses on educational and behavioral strategies to reduce the rate of distracted driving-related collisions. Here are examples of what these activities include:
- Teen and young adult traffic safety education via workshops and on social media
- Partnerships with community leaders to promote safe driving behaviors
- Collection of local data to inform traffic safety initiatives
- Peer-to-peer programs to empower youth in advocating for traffic safety
Legal Considerations in Distracted Driving Cases
In California, victims of distracted driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and damages they have sustained as a result of the crash. The compensation is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other related costs.
To establish liability in a distracted driving case, your lawyer must prove that the at-fault driver engaged in a distracting activity at the time of the incident. Evidence such as phone records, witness testimonies, and camera footage can be instrumental in proving negligence.
Additionally, California follows a comparative fault rule. This means that if the victim is partially responsible for the crash, their compensation may be reduced by their degree of fault. As an example, if you are 20% at fault as the victim, your compensation would be reduced to 80%.
The Role of Insurance in Distracted Driving Accidents
Insurance companies play a significant role in the aftermath of distracted driving incidents. For starters, the state of California requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover damages in the event of hurting others in an accident.
However, these minimums might not be sufficient to cover all of the expenses you incurred from such a serious accident. As a result, you might need to pursue other avenues for compensation, such as the following, if you are the victim of a distracted driving collision:
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage: If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, this coverage can help compensate for damages.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): This coverage helps cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault.
- Health insurance: In some cases, health insurance may cover medical costs that are not paid for by auto insurance companies.
Insurance claims can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to manage your pain and recover from the emotional distress that a collision can cause. That’s why it’s essential to reach out to Long Beach distracted driving accident attorneys who can handle them on your behalf.
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Reach Out to Our Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in Long Beach for Legal Guidance and Advice
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Long Beach, and it poses a real danger to public safety. While there are programs out there that strive to raise awareness and shift behaviors through education, the reality is that these accidents still happen.
Unfortunately, when they occur, distracted driving collisions often turn people’s lives upside down in ways that take them a long time to recover from, if ever. While we can’t go back in time and undo the damage that was done, we’re here to help you move forward after a distracted driving crash.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in one of these accidents, know that you are not alone—Omega Law Group is here. Our Long Beach distracted driving accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and take that first step toward recovery. The sooner you call, the sooner we can assist you.
