Every year, thousands of Californians are injured or killed in crashes caused by distracted driving. Nearly three-quarters of drivers in California name distracted driving as their biggest concern on our roads.
Distracted driving accidents are tragic because they are entirely preventable. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries because of a distracted driver, know that you have legal options available to get compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
The Modesto distracted driving accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers have been fighting for the rights of injured people in Northern California since 1981, and we know how to get results for our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted away from the road due to engaging in other activities. It’s one of the leading causes of car accidents, as it reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions or avoid hazards.
Common Examples of Distracted Driving:
- Texting While Driving: Sending or reading text messages is particularly dangerous because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. It’s one of the most hazardous forms of distracted driving.
- Eating, Drinking, or Grooming: Performing everyday tasks like eating a snack, drinking coffee, or adjusting makeup while driving may seem harmless, but they take attention away from the road.
- Using GPS or In-Car Technology: Adjusting a navigation system, changing the radio, or interacting with touchscreens in the vehicle can cause drivers to look away from the road and lose focus.
- Talking to Passengers or Being Distracted by Children: Engaging in conversations or attending to children in the back seat can distract drivers from making safe driving decisions.
Even a momentary lapse in focus can have a severe impact on reaction time and decision-making, potentially leading to dangerous collisions. Distracted driving isn’t just a personal risk—it’s a threat to everyone on the road.
Injuries Resulting From Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents often result in serious injuries, affecting victims physically and financially. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A head injury from a collision can cause lasting brain damage, affecting memory, cognition, and motor skills.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of impact can lead to broken bones in the arms, legs, or ribs.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Severe accidents may cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact can cause strain on the neck, leading to whiplash and chronic pain.
These injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, and they may have long-term consequences for victims’ quality of life.
Compensation for Victims of Distracted Driving
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation to help cover the financial and emotional toll:
- Medical Expenses (Past and Future): This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can claim compensation for lost wages and any future loss of earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Distracted driving accidents often cause significant physical pain and emotional trauma, and you may be compensated for these non-economic damages.
- Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Securing compensation can involve negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and ensure you get the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Proving Liability in Distracted Driving Accidents
Establishing that the other driver was distracted is key to building a strong case in a distracted driving accident. There are several ways to prove liability:
- Phone Records and Digital Evidence: Accessing the at-fault driver’s phone records can show whether they were texting, browsing, or using an app at the time of the crash.
- Witness Testimony: Bystanders or passengers who witnessed the driver’s behavior can provide valuable testimony, confirming distractions such as phone use or eating while driving.
- Traffic Camera Footage: In some cases, nearby traffic or surveillance cameras may capture the driver’s actions in the moments leading up to the accident.
- Police Reports and Accident Reconstruction: Law enforcement’s assessment of the crash scene, combined with accident reconstruction specialists, can further demonstrate that the driver’s distractions contributed to the collision.
Working with a skilled attorney to gather and present this evidence is crucial. A legal team with experience in distracted driving cases can ensure that the necessary proof is obtained and used effectively to strengthen your claim.
Why Choose Berg Injury Lawyers?
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we have over 40 years of experience handling vehicle accident cases in Modesto. Our deep understanding of local and state laws, combined with our strong track record of securing favorable settlements and verdicts, makes us a trusted choice for injury victims.
When you work with us, you get more than legal representation—you receive personalized guidance every step of the way. We believe in putting clients first, offering compassionate, hands-on support, and we’re committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact Our Modesto Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we’re ready to take on the insurance companies and handle every aspect of your case.
Contact our Modesto distracted driving accident lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
