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Experienced and Trusted Distracted Driving Accidents Law Firm

Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyers in San Diego

Legal Advocates for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents in San Diego

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a San Diego distracted driving accident, you need a personal injury lawyer who combines experience, proven results, and a commitment to your case. At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we’ve successfully served over 2,500 satisfied clients, and we have a 99.7% success rate. Our approach is aggressive yet honest and ethical, with our top priority being that your case gets the personalized attention it deserves.

Call us now at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in any activity that takes their focus away from the task of operating a vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident. Distracted driving can lead to accidents by impairing a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle effectively and safely.

There are three main types of distractions associated with driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. Distracted driving often involves a combination of these types, increasing the risk of accidents. Here’s how each type of distraction can contribute to collisions.

  • Visual distractions: Visual distractions involve taking your eyes off the road while driving. This can include activities such as reading a text message, looking at a GPS device, or checking the dashboard controls. The impact of distracted driving can be severe, as it can hinder a driver’s ability to notice changes in traffic conditions, signals, or obstacles on the road.
  • Manual distractions: When driving a vehicle, taking your hands off the wheel can have serious consequences. For instance, you may take your hands off the wheel to send a text message, adjust the radio, or even reach for an item in the car. However, doing so can result in a loss of control over the vehicle, which can lead to delayed reaction times when sudden events occur and an inability to steer or brake promptly. Therefore, it is important to keep both hands on the wheel at all times when driving to ensure safe and responsible handling of the vehicle.
  • Cognitive distractions: When you take your mind off driving, you engage in activities such as having deep conversations, daydreaming, or being preoccupied with personal issues. This can result in impaired decision-making, slower reaction times, and reduced ability to process information quickly.

Legal Matters Associated with Distracted Driving

In California, distracted driving is considered a traffic offense rather than a criminal offense in most cases. Penalties for violating distracted driving laws can include fines, and repeat offenses may lead to increased penalties.

Criminal proceedings for distracted driving can have a significant impact on a civil lawsuit for damages arising from the same incident. Criminal proceedings may involve the driver admitting guilt or fault for the distracted driving offense. In a civil lawsuit, such admissions can be used as evidence of liability and may strengthen the injured party’s case for damages.

If distracted driving leads to criminal charges and the driver is convicted, it can have a direct impact on the civil case. A criminal conviction may serve as strong evidence of negligence or recklessness in the civil lawsuit.

Additionally, distracted driving violations are reportable to insurance companies, which may result in increased insurance premiums.

Liability for San Diego Distracted Driving Injuries

Distracted driving laws are enacted to promote safety on the roads. When a driver violates these laws, such as by texting or using a handheld device while driving, it is considered negligent behavior. Negligence is a key concept in personal injury law, and if a distracted driver’s actions contribute to an accident, it can establish their liability for resulting damages.

In some cases, parties other than the distracted driver may also be liable for resulting injuries. For example, when a passenger’s actions contributed to the driver’s negligence, they may be held liable for some of the injured party’s damages. For example, if the distracted driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes, their employer may be held liable under the legal principle of “vicarious liability” or “respondeat superior.” This principle holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment.

Your San Diego distracted driving car accident lawyer can investigate your accident and establish who is liable for your injuries. Then, your attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, such as medical bills, property damage, and missed time from work, so that you receive the rightful amount of compensation you deserve.

Winning Cases Across San Diego for Victims of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents, and drivers today are more distracted than ever. Drivers who take their eyes off the road to text or email frequently cause devastating, even fatal, injuries.

The following are some of the injuries that distracted driving accident victims may suffer:

When you work with Eugene Bruno & Associates, you will be supported by a team of lawyers and other legal professionals who have access to the best experts, including crash investigators and accident reconstruction experts. We understand that you’re going through a tough time because of someone else’s negligence. We are compassionate, and our attorneys will act aggressively to hold the responsible party accountable. We can determine the cause of the accident, develop a video reconstruction of the crash, and work to ensure that the distracted driver is held responsible for their negligence.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a distracted driver, working with a San Diego auto accident attorney at Eugene Bruno & Associates can help you get the justice you deserve. Our San Diego firm has over 40 years of combined legal experience. We have helped thousands of clients and recovered tens of millions in settlements and verdicts. If you are serious about protecting your rights, our attorneys are ready to evaluate your case for free right away.

Call us now at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule your free consultation.

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