As you go through the aftermath of a distracted driving accident in Pomona, you’re likely facing an overwhelming array of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. With the challenges of California’s traffic laws and insurance regulations, it’s important to have a seasoned Pomona distracted driving accident lawyer.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Pomona car accident lawyer can help you untangle the chaos and fight for the compensation you need.
Common Types of Distracted Driving Accidents
You’re likely familiar with the dangers of distracted driving, but you may not know that certain behaviors are more common than others. Our Pomona personal injury lawyer can help you understand the following causes:
Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is a pervasive and hazardous form of distracted driving, claiming thousands of lives annually. This alarming trend has led to severe legal consequences for those caught texting behind the wheel.
In California, for instance, texting while driving can result in a fine of up to $100 for the first offense, increasing to $250 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, if you’re involved in an accident while texting, you may face more severe penalties, including criminal charges and civil liability.
Eating Behind the Wheel
Eating behind the wheel is another common form of distracted driving that can have devastating consequences. When you eat while driving, you’re not only taking your hands off the wheel but also diverting your attention from the road.
Your eating habits, such as snacking or consuming messy meal choices, can lead to accidents. You might reach for a dropped item, spill a drink, or struggle to handle utensils, all while maneuvering through traffic.
These distractions can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, resulting in crashes, injuries, or even fatalities.
Gazing at the GPS
While driving through unfamiliar territories, many drivers rely heavily on their GPS to guide them to their destination. However, constantly gazing at the GPS screen can be a significant distraction, leading to accidents.
You might think that a glance at the GPS won’t harm, but it’s a navigation hazard that can have devastating consequences. Some common GPS distractions include:
- Fiddling with GPS settings while driving
- Entering destinations or searching for alternative routes while behind the wheel
- Glancing at the GPS screen for extended periods to get a sense of direction
- Following GPS instructions that are incorrect or outdated
Proving Liability in a Pomona Distracted Driving Case
Proving liability in a distracted driving case requires a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence to establish the negligent actions of the at-fault driver. You’ll need to demonstrate that the driver’s distracted behavior met the liability standards for negligence, which involves showing that they breached their duty of care and caused your injuries.
This involves evidence collection, such as police reports, witness statements, and phone records that reveal the driver’s phone usage at the time of the accident.
Additionally, you may need to obtain expert testimony to reconstruct the accident and establish a direct link between the driver’s distraction and the crash.
Damages You Can Recover in a Distracted Driving Claim
You may be eligible to recover a range of damages in a distracted driving claim. Our Pomona distracted driving accident lawyer can help you recover:
Medical Expenses
The financial burden of medical expenses can be overwhelming after a distracted driving accident. You may be left with a stack of medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.
Fortunately, as a victim of a distracted driving accident, you may be eligible for medical expenses coverage. This type of compensation can help alleviate the financial strain of your medical care.
In a distracted driving claim, you can seek compensation for these medical expenses through insurance claims.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond medical expenses, a distracted driving accident can also leave you with significant emotional and physical distress. This emotional toll can manifest as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect your daily life and relationships.
You may experience chronic pain, sleep disturbances, or fatigue, further exacerbating your emotional distress. A pain assessment can help quantify the extent of your suffering, allowing you to recover damages for your pain and suffering.
In a distracted driving claim, you can seek compensation for these non-economic damages, which can be substantial. An experienced attorney can help you through the process of pursuing compensation for your emotional and physical distress.
How a Pomona Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Distracted driving accidents often leave victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next steps. A Pomona distracted driving accident lawyer can provide invaluable legal representation and guidance during this difficult time.
With our experience, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle the legal process. Here’s how a distracted driving accident lawyer can help:
- Investigate the accident to gather evidence and build a strong case for accident compensation
- Handle communication with insurance companies and other parties involved
- Negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses
- Represent you in court if a trial becomes necessary
Taking Action After a Distracted Driving Accident in Pomona
If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident in Pomona, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and interests. You’ll want to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being by seeking medical attention and reporting the incident to the authorities.
Next, it’s important to document the accident scene, including taking photos of the damage and collecting witness statements. You should also notify your insurance company and keep a record of all correspondence.
Considering seeking legal representation can help you handle the claims process and increase the chances that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Contact Our Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Pomona
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in Pomona, you’ll need to act quickly to protect your rights. At Omega Law Group, our team can help you. Remember to gather evidence, document your injuries, and avoid communicating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Contact us for a free consultation.