Santa Ana Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
Were You a Victim of a Santa Ana Distracted Driver Accident?
When you get behind the wheel, your mind needs to be completely focused on the road. In a recent year, distracted driving caused 3,308 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) informs us that 140 Californians were killed in one year due to crashes involving distracted drivers. These alarming statistics highlight the deadly consequences of drivers taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds. And often, the victims are the ones left facing the consequences.
The reality is that the smallest distraction, whether it's looking over at a passenger or fiddling with the radio, could be more than enough to cause a serious collision.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver in Santa Ana, you should not be left holding the bill. That is where we at HN Injury Lawyers come in. We believe that accident victims deserve proper and fair compensation from the people at fault. We fight for your right to a settlement that covers all the costs of the accident and then some.
Tell us about your Santa Ana distracted driving accident case by calling (657) 333-5726. We'll advise you on the best way to move forward with your claim.
Common Distractions for Drivers
Driving requires a great deal of concentration, even on mostly empty roads and in parking lots. When a driver loses focus, there is always an increased chance of a collision. If the road suddenly turns, the speed limit changes, or traffic stops, the driver needs to pay attention to make an adjustment. A distracted driver won't even see the obstruction, let alone react in time.
However, not all distractions are obvious. A driver could be looking directly at the road but still not see. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three primary types of distraction that drivers fall victim to:
- Manual: When a driver is manually distracted, his or her hands are not on the wheel. This may involve texting, tuning the radio, or even eating. The steering wheel controls the direction of the vehicle. If a driver needs to swerve to avoid an object in the road, then being manually distracted is a surefire way for him to cause a collision.
- Visual: If a driver is looking anywhere other than the road, then he or she is visually distracted. Sight is the primary sense for drivers, allowing them to detect changes in traffic or potential dangers, so being visually distracted leaves them unable to respond to stopped traffic or a child crossing the street. Visual distractions can include reading texts, looking at a GPS, or turning around to talk to passengers.
- Cognitive: Cognitive distractions are especially dangerous because it doesn't look like the driver is distracted. A driver's eyes could be on the road, hands on the wheel, but he or she is still not focused. The brain has to be engaged in the task of driving to make safe and responsible decisions. Cognitive distractions could include a conversation with a passenger, listening to music, or daydreaming.
Types of Injuries Associated with Distracted Driver Accidents
There is never any excuse for a driver to become distracted. When someone gets behind the wheel of a car, they also take on the responsibility of keeping others on the road safe. Drivers have a duty of care toward others in their vicinity. Becoming distracted is a breach of that duty.
A distracted driver is unable to stop, slow down, or swerve when needed. This means that these drivers often cause high-impact collisions that lead to serious injuries. If you have been hit by a distracted driver, chances are that you are suffering from:
- Deep lacerations
- Broken bones
- Severe burns
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
The most dangerous thing about distracted drivers is the fact that they often do not have the response time to slow down before impact. Before they can hit the brakes, they need to know to slow down. A distracted driver is not capable of noticing obstructions in the road until it is too late.
A distracted driver is a dangerous driver, and if you have been victimized by one, then you are likely in need of justice.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Santa Ana Car Accident
After a vehicle crash occurs, check yourself for injuries and then look to see if any of your passengers require first aid. Dial 911 to report the accident. When law enforcement officials arrive, they will document the scene and create an official accident report, which will provide essential information when you file an insurance claim.
Once you contact authorities, documenting the accident is the next important step. Start by taking photographs of the scene, capturing the positions of the vehicles, skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, and broken or obscured traffic signs and signals.
You'll want to collect contact information from any witnesses and request insurance information from rivers involved in the collision. See your doctor immediately and report all of your symptoms. Some types of injuries can worsen, so you'll want to start getting the correct treatment immediately.
It's essential to meet with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as you can. During the initial consultation, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your case. This meeting is an opportunity for you to share all details about the accident, including how it occurred, the extent of your injuries, and any evidence you have gathered.
Choosing the right attorney is a major factor when it comes to obtaining a favorable outcome for your case. Look for a lawyer with extensive experience in personal injury law, particularly in cases involving distracted driving. Verify their credentials, including education, bar association memberships, and any special certifications. Client testimonials and case results can also provide valuable insights into their effectiveness and reliability.
The attorney will ask specific questions to understand the circumstances fully and identify potential legal issues. They will also explain the legal process, possible outcomes, and what you can expect as your case unfolds. This discussion often includes an overview of their fee structure, typically contingency-based, meaning you only pay if you win your case.
How Your Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Your Santa Ana distracted driving accident attorney will investigate your case by obtaining crucial evidence such as phone records, traffic camera footage, and dash cam recordings. Your lawyer will also collect police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, may be consulted to provide detailed analyses of the crash.
HN Injury Lawyers will engage with the insurance companies, presenting the evidence and making a compelling case for fair compensation. This requires skillful negotiation tactics to counter any lowball offers from insurers.
If a satisfactory settlement agreement cannot be reached, HN Injury Lawyers will prepare to take your case to court. This phase begins with filing a lawsuit and the discovery period, where both parties exchange information and evidence. Your attorney will prepare pretrial motions to address any legal issues that may arise, such as requesting the exclusion of certain evidence.
During the trial, both sides present their cases, including opening statements, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. Your attorney will meticulously present the gathered evidence to prove the other party's liability and the extent of your damages. After all evidence and arguments are presented, the judge or jury will deliberate and come to a verdict.
Getting Compensation in Santa Ana for Accidents Caused By Distracted Drivers
Getting the settlement you deserve is extremely important following a serious collision. You need extra funding to treat severe medical issues, which most families do not have. You could be left in a mountain of medical debt with seemingly no way out. But if you file a claim and receive compensation, you will not have to carry that financial burden all on your own.
Receiving compensation can help alleviate that medical debt and give you the means to live comfortably while you recover. When you file a claim, you can ask for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Property damage
- Therapy costs
- Lowered quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
That being said, you'll get the most out of your personal injury claim with an experienced attorney. You'll be going up against the distracted driver's insurance provider, and they never want to offer fair compensation: the more money they give you, the less they have in pure profit. That is why you need an experienced law firm to fight for your rights.
Call Our Santa Ana Attorneys About Your Distracted Driving Accident Case
It's never easy to recover from an accident caused by a distracted driver. There is a great deal of emotional, physical, and financial agony that you experience. However, HN Injury Lawyers is here to help. With decades of experience as Santa Ana car accident attorneys, our lawyers have the knowledge required to get the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations, so don't hesitate to speak with one of our Santa Ana distracted driving accident lawyers. Give our firm a call today at (657) 333-5726.
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