If your car accident was caused by a driver who was texting, on their cell phone, eating, or doing anything else besides focusing on the road, you’re not alone. Distracted driving accidents are on the rise across California, and too many people are left to deal with the consequences. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help people in Pasadena hold distracted drivers accountable and seek compensation for the harm they’ve caused.
Working with a Pasadena car accident lawyer who understands the details of distracted driving claims can make a big difference. We know what to look for, from phone use to other types of distractions. If you're unsure what to do next, start with a Free Case Review. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and explain how you can move forward.
What Exactly Is Distracted Driving in California?
In California, distracted driving includes anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the road. This could mean texting, checking directions on your phone, reaching for food, or simply letting your thoughts drift. It’s more than just a bad habit it’s a serious safety risk that affects everyone on the road.
When a distracted driver causes a motor vehicle accident, it’s considered negligence under personal injury law. That means the fault party can be held responsible for the damage they caused. If you’ve been injured, a personal injury attorney can help you hold that driver accountable and push for fair compensation for your losses.
Most Common Forms of Distracted Driving
Distractions come in many forms. Some are obvious, others you might not even think of until it’s too late. They all lead to the same result: drivers not paying attention when it matters most.
Texting or Using a Smartphone
Texting pulls your eyes off the road and your mind off driving. It’s a major cause of distracted driving accidents. A driver who’s looking at their phone, even for just a few seconds, can cause serious harm before they even realize it.
Eating or Drinking While Driving
Grabbing a bite or sipping coffee may seem harmless, but it often means one hand off the wheel and focus off the road. That’s all it takes for a routine drive to turn into a crash.
Adjusting GPS, Music, or Dashboard Controls
Trying to find a song or entering an address into a GPS might not seem like much. But taking your eyes off traffic signals or your surroundings, even briefly, increases the risk of an accident.
Talking to Passengers or Daydreaming
It’s easy to get lost in conversation or your own thoughts while driving. But when your mind is elsewhere, you're slower to react. These cognitive distractions are just as dangerous as physical ones.
Grooming or Applying Makeup
Some drivers try to finish getting ready in the car. Shaving, fixing hair, or applying makeup might save a few minutes, but they also take attention off the road right when it's most needed.
Why Distracted Driving Is More Dangerous Than You Think
In 2023 alone, over 3,200 lives were lost in the U.S. because of distracted driving. In California, nearly 150 people died in similar crashes the year before. These aren’t just numbers. They’re proof that distracted driving isn't a small mistake it can lead to life-changing or even fatal outcomes.
If you've been hurt because of a distracted driver, you're likely dealing with more than just physical pain. Accident victims often face medical expenses, lost income, property damages, and emotional distress. Some suffer severe injuries like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
A personal injury lawyer who understands auto accidents and personal injury law can help you make an insurance claim, present evidence like expert witnesses, and deal with the insurance company or provider to push for maximum compensation. Legal representation can make all the difference when you're trying to recover financial losses and move forward.
Understanding California’s Distracted Driving Laws
In California, it’s illegal to use a handheld phone while driving. Under Vehicle Code §23123, drivers can’t make calls, text, or even hold a phone unless it’s mounted and used hands-free. This law exists because even a quick glance at a screen can lead to serious consequences on the road.
These violations carry fines, but more importantly, they can be used as evidence of fault in distracted driving cases. When a distracted driver’s negligence causes a crash, the law supports holding them responsible. This can impact your personal injury claim, especially when the goal is to recover financial compensation for medical costs, vehicle repair costs, and Loss of income.
How Do You Prove the Other Driver Was Distracted?
Proving distracted driving takes more than just saying it happened. It’s about showing clear, reliable evidence.
- Phone records: These can confirm if a driver was texting or making phone calls at the time of the crash.
- Witness statements: People nearby may have seen the driver using a mobile device or not watching the road.
- Dash cams or surveillance footage: These often capture distracted actions before an accident, especially in rear-end accidents or T-bone accidents.
- Accident scene details: Skid marks, traffic signs, and road layout can all help show whether the driver reacted or didn’t when they should have.
Experienced attorneys know how to collect and use this information. A distracted driving accident attorney in Pasadena understands how to work with expert witnesses and deal with insurance adjusters to support your case.
What Happens If You Were Also Distracted During the Accident?
Not every accident is black and white. Maybe you were changing the radio or sipping coffee when another driver hit you. In California, that doesn’t mean your case is over. The state uses a comparative fault system, which means your compensation can be reduced based on your share of the blame.
So if it’s determined that both drivers were distracted, the court or insurance companies will decide how much each party was at fault. A skilled legal advocate can help make sure that the blame isn't unfairly shifted, protecting your ability to seek a fair settlement for accident injuries or Loss of consortium.
Is Distracted Driving Covered by Insurance? Here’s What to Know
Understanding how insurance companies handle these accidents is key to knowing what you’re entitled to.
- Liability Coverage: If the other driver caused the crash due to distracted driving, their insurance policy should cover your losses, including personal property and hospital bills.
- Uninsured Motorist Claims: If they don’t have insurance or can’t be identified, your own policy might help through uninsured or underinsured coverage.
- Shared Fault Scenarios: If both drivers were partially responsible, the insurance adjusters will negotiate who pays what based on the legal process and shared responsibility laws.
Having experienced attorneys on your side can make a big difference. From dealing with insurance agents to making sure your accident injuries are fully accounted for, legal representation helps you stay focused on recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident?
After a distracted driving crash, most people want to know what they can actually recover. The short answer is: more than just your initial costs. A distracted driving lawyer will look at everything from hospital bills to how the accident changed your daily life.
This means compensation may include your accident expenses like medical records, physical therapy, and lost income from missing work. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury such as brain injury, crush injuries, or damage to internal organs those costs can last for years.
The claim can also cover the drop in your future earnings and even damage to your vehicle or personal property. Beyond that, non-economic damages like pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also considered. Every detail matters, from the type of injuries to the circumstances of the accident.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Pasadena?
California gives injury victims two years to file a personal injury claim. That clock usually starts ticking from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, the court can dismiss your case, no matter how strong it is.
There are some exceptions. If the injured person is a minor, the countdown might not begin until they turn 18. In some cases, the injury isn’t discovered right away this can extend the timeline too. A distracted driving accident lawyer with a deep understanding of the law can explain how these rules might apply to your specific accident case. Whether it’s a crash on the freeway, in parking lots, or involving commercial vehicles, acting quickly gives your accident lawyer the time to build a stronger case.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Distracted Driving Accident?
Hiring a distracted driving accident lawyer isn't just about paperwork. It's about giving yourself the best chance to recover what you’ve lost financially and personally. Most people aren’t sure how to deal with insurance companies or know what their case is really worth. That’s where having a legal team with a deep understanding of accident law can help.
- A lawyer can gather key evidence, like phone records or accident reports, to show distracted driving behavior
- They’ll deal with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to accept a low offer
- They’ll know what types of compensation apply to your case, from future earnings to accident-related expenses
- If your case goes to court, they’ll be ready with legal strategies backed by experience
When you're dealing with serious accident injuries or trying to recover from a crash, having a legal advocate in your corner makes things more manageable.
Talk to a Pasadena Distracted Driving Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt by a distracted driver in Pasadena, CA, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it can be to collect evidence, file paperwork, and build a strong case. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help injured parties take the next step. Our team has decades of combined experience handling distracted driving accident claims throughout Southern California.
Schedule your free consultation today. There are no attorney fees unless we win your case.
