Long Beach Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents in Long Beach

Every day many people are in motor vehicle accidents that were not their fault. They are suddenly run into by a negligent or distracted driver. A number of these collisions result in severe injuries. If this has happened to you, you need to talk with a dedicated Long Beach car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and your interests are fully represented.

How Many Accidents Are Caused By Distracted Drivers?

While drunk driving accidents get a great deal of media coverage, the greatest cause of vehicle collisions is driver distraction. Most experienced drivers have seen a driver talking on a cell phone make serious driving errors. Some negligent drivers insist on driving while texting, creating a serious hazard for innocent drivers who share the road. In the mornings and at lunchtime, some try to "multi-task" by eating and driving.

There is a long list, such as:

• Reading
• Fiddling with the radio or CD player, or other devices
• Putting on makeup
• Getting dressed
• Shaving
• Arguing with a passenger
• Being too fatigued to drive safely or actually falling asleep

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 8 people lose their lives every single day due to accidents involving distracted drivers.

What Should You Do If You See a Distracted Driver?

One of the best ways to avoid getting in an accident with a distracted driver is by practicing defensive driving. If you see another driver who appears to be driving while distracted, take the following steps:

• Keep your distance from the distracted driver as much as possible
• If you are unable to create distance between you and the distracted driver, be aware that they may brake, swerve, or accelerate suddenly
• If you believe their driving behavior is an immediate danger to others, pull over to the side of the road and report them to the police, or have one of your passengers call

As a driver, you should always be aware of your own behavior on the road as well. Avoid becoming part of the problem by putting your phone away while you drive and making sure the road has 100% of your attention at all times.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Distracted Driver Caused Your Accident?

If you find yourself in a car accident and suspect that a distracted driver caused the collision, it is crucial to take specific steps to protect your rights and gather the necessary evidence. Here are the actions you should consider:

1. Ensure Safety First: Immediately check yourself and your passengers for any injuries and call emergency services if needed. Move to a safe location if it is safe to do so and turn on hazard lights.
2. Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and make sure an official accident report is filed. Inform them of your suspicion that the other driver was distracted.
3. Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible at the scene, including the other driver's contact and insurance details, names, and contact information of any witnesses, and take photographs of the vehicles, scene, and any visible injuries.
4. Document Evidence of Distraction: Look for signs of distraction, such as the presence of a cell phone, food wrappers, or other items indicating the driver was not focusing on the road. Mention these observations to the police officer.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Keep detailed records of all medical visits and treatments.
6. Contact an Attorney: It's essential to consult with a Long Beach distracted driving accident lawyer who has experience dealing with distracted driving cases. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather further evidence, and pursue any compensation you are entitled to.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your rights are protected and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome for your claim against a distracted driver.

Holding Distracted Drivers Responsible

In accidents, law enforcement is trained to look for signs of drug or alcohol and to test for these, but may not look closely at "distracted driving" issues. A driver suffering from fatigue can be just as impaired as the drunk driver. A personal injury lawyer from our firm has the experience needed to address the legal issue of recovering fair compensation for damages after an injury accident caused by a distracted driver.

If you have been injured by a negligent driver, you need the services of a trusted legal team to help you make the decisions which are correct for you. You can be assured that our legal team will treat your case with the importance it deserves and will use every available legal tool to help to secure fair and full compensation for your injuries. Call McGee, Lerer & Associates to speak with a personal injury lawyer who will answer your questions and is prepared to take immediate action.