Distracted driving has become the leading cause of accidents in Burbank due to cell phones and in-car technology. Whether people are checking their text messages, eating, or listening to a podcast, these distractions have resulted in a serious spike in severe accidents.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our Burbank car accident lawyers have a deep understanding of the technology that powers these distracting device. We have the know-how and experience to uncover the true cause of the accident, even when drivers deny that they were distracted by their devices.
Typical Causes of Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,100 people died in distracted driving crashes in the U.S. in 2019. This is a national disaster.
- Texting while driving: In California, this is illegal unless it's done hands-free. CVC 23123.5. Drivers who text are not only breaking the law but also putting themselves and others in danger. This can lead to severe injuries and costs, including medical bills and lost income, as well as pain and suffering.
- Using in-car technology: Simple tasks like changing the radio or looking at directions might seem fast, but they take attention away from the road. Even a quick glance at these devices can cause serious accidents.
- Passenger distractions: Passengers can be a big distraction for drivers, even if they are just chatting or checking on kids in the backseat.
- Eating and drinking distractions: Eating and drinking while driving can be dangerous. If someone gets into an accident while eating or drinking, it can be used as evidence that they were not being careful. CVC 23103.
Types of Distracted Driving Accidents
There are many different types of accidents that happen because of distracted driving, which is sometimes compared to being equivalent to being under the influence of alcohol.
- Rear-End Collision: This is common when drivers are texting or looking at their phones.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as "T-bone" accidents, these occur when one vehicle hits the side of another. This can happen if a driver runs a red light because they were distracted.
- Pedestrian Accident: A distracted driver may not notice pedestrians crossing the street, which can lead to serious injuries for those individuals.
- Single-vehicle accidents can happen for a few reasons, like mistakes made by the driver, bad weather, or problems with the vehicle.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, a Burbank distracted driving accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can be your advocate. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process.
Here's How a Burbank Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You
- Investigation: Our experienced car accident lawyers can gather evidence from the accident scene, which may include photos, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports. We know how to obtain the necessary information from law enforcement because we deal with them every week. We know how to get this information quickly.
- Medical Care: We can put you together with the top medical professionals in Burbank. When you are done treating, we gather the medical records.
- Insurance Claims: We help you with the claims process against the responsible driver’s insurance, making sure that all paperwork is completed accurately. We prepare a demand letter and send it to the insurance company.
- Negotiation: Our experienced litigators will negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf to make sure you receive a fair settlement for your harms and losses. We have a stellar track record of results.
- Court Representation: If the insurance company doesn't offer a reasonable settlement, we can file a personal injury lawsuit. If the case goes to court, our lawyer will represent you, presenting your case to a judge and a jury to secure compensation for your losses.
Common Injuries from Distracted Driving
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious results of distracted driving accidents. These occur due to blunt force trauma, causing significant physical pain and medical costs.
- Soft tissue injuries are common motor vehicle crashes, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries typically present as sprains, strains, or whiplash. Soft tissue injuries can substantially impair a person's mobility and quality of life.
- Whiplash and neck injuries: These are the most kinds of injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. This can lead to chronic pain and difficulty moving. Insurance companies undervalue these claims, making it important to hire an experienced auto accident lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a Burbank car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by shock and injuries, making it tough to know what to do next. Understanding the steps to take can impact your accident claim. Here are some FAQs to help you through the process.
What to do immediately after an accident?
- Move to a safe location and then check yourself for injuries. Call 911 and make a police report
- Gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, you have a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Call a skilled car accident lawyer to make sure your claim is filed on time. Don't wait, before it's too late.
What compensation can I expect?
Compensation in a car accident personal injury claim can be comprehensive. It may cover medical expenses, including current and future treatment, like diagnostic tests and therapies. You may also file for lost wages, considering both immediate income loss and potential future earnings impacted by your injuries.
Pain and suffering, along with a loss of enjoyment of life, can be significant after an accident, and compensation for these elements may also be pursued. If the behavior of the fault driver is deemed especially reckless, you might be entitled to punitive damages beyond the standard compensation.
The settlement process should reflect not only these aspects but also any out-of-pocket costs you’ve incurred. Compensation should also account for inconvenience and emotional distress experienced due to the accident. An experienced Burbank accident attorney can help negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your ordeal.
Understanding your rights and the compensatory scope can better equip you to handle the challenges of an accident claim and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
What If I am Party to Blame for the Accident?
In California, even if a driver is only partly responsible for an accident, they can still get money to help with their injuries. This is thanks to something called the comparative fault rule. Personal injury lawyers are very important in these situations. They help prove who is at fault and work to get fair money for those who have been hurt. The legal process can be tricky, and a skilled lawyer knows how to navigate this process to show that someone was negligent, or careless, in their driving.
Hire Us with No Upfront Fees
Because we work on a contingency basis, you don't pay us a dime until we win. We will work hard for you and will fight for compensation for your case.
For a free case evaluation, call us at 626-793-8607 as soon as possible.
