Encino Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Californians Injured by Negligent Distracted Drivers

In our fast-paced, high-tech world, it is easy to lose track of the fact that driving a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility. In fact, it is one of the most serious responsibilities that most people will ever undertake. The ability to drive requires a great deal of skill, maturity, and attention to detail. Unfortunately, some drivers do not seem to realize this and make dangerous decisions that put the lives of others at risk.

At Rice & Bloomfield, we believe that drivers who engage in distracted driving should be held accountable for the harm that they cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that was caused by a driver who was distracted, we encourage you to get in touch with our team. Our team of personal injury attorneys is ready to provide you with the legal guidance and support that you need.

In many cases, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and we are prepared to fight for you. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact us online or by phone at (818) 600-7966.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured daily in accidents in which at least one driver was distracted. An additional 391,000 people were injured in these accidents.

These numbers are staggering but they do not even begin to tell the whole story. Many accidents that involve distracted driving go unreported. Many others are reported as "accidents" when, in fact, they were caused by distracted driving.

The following are some of the most common forms of distracted driving:

• Talking on the phone
• Texting
• Using a GPS system
• Using a cell phone for non-driving-related tasks
• Eating or drinking
• Reading a book or a newspaper
• Adjusting the stereo or other components in the car

In many cases, distracted drivers are engaging in multiple forms of distracted driving at the same time. For example, a driver might be talking on the phone, texting, and eating a hamburger at the same time.

Some drivers are so distracted that they do not even realize that they are driving. A driver might fall asleep at the wheel or be suffering from a medical condition that causes them to lose focus on the road.

How Do We Prove That the Driver Was Distracted?

The most difficult part of a distracted driving accident case is proving that the driver was actually distracted at the time of the accident. In many cases, this is not difficult because the driver will admit to being distracted. However, if the driver will not admit to being distracted you may need other ways to prove that the driver was distracted.

Cell phone records can be used to establish that the driver was on the phone at the time of the accident. Cell phone records can be obtained from the cell phone company. If the driver was using their own cell phone, they may be required to turn over their cell phone to the insurance company.

If the driver was using someone else's cell phone, the records may need to be obtained from the person who owns the phone or from the person who was on the other end of the call. This may require a subpoena.

Eyewitness testimony can also be used to establish that the driver was distracted. In many cases, other drivers will notice that the driver on the road is distracted. They may notice that the driver is talking on the phone, texting, or engaging in some other form of distracted driving.

Eyewitnesses should be interviewed as soon as possible after the accident. Their memory of the accident will be freshest at this time.

Photographic evidence can also be used to prove that the driver was distracted. For example, photos of the driver's cell phone could be used to show that they were texting at the time of the accident. Photos of the driver's car could show that they were eating or drinking while driving.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that was caused by a driver who was distracted, you need a trusted advocate on your side. At Rice & Bloomfield, we are prepared to fight for you. We know how to build a strong case and we know how to win. We are prepared to fight for you and we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call (818) 600-7966 or fill out an online contact form to get in contact with one of our skilled attorneys.