Glendale Distracted Driving Lawyers

Injured by a Distracted Motorist in Glendale, CA?

At Hartounian, APLC, we understand how serious distracted driving accidents can be, especially in a bustling city like Glendale, CA. With its busy streets, heavy traffic, and numerous distractions, drivers in Glendale face increased risks of accidents caused by inattention. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted driver in Glendale, our experienced legal team is here to help. We fight for victims' rights and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

Injured by a distracted driver in Glendale? Don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (818) 463-1917 for a free consultation with an experienced distracted driving lawyer.

What is a Distracted Driving Accident?

A distracted driving accident occurs when a driver diverts their attention from the road, leading to a collision. Distractions can be visual, manual, or cognitive, and they significantly increase the risk of accidents. In a fast-paced city like Glendale, where traffic congestion is common, even a momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences.

Victims of distracted driving accidents may suffer from severe injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. If a distracted driver has harmed you, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Common Distractions on the Road

Distracted driving takes many forms. Some of the most common distractions that lead to accidents include:

• Cellphone Use: Texting, calling, or browsing on a smartphone takes a driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. Even hands-free devices can cause cognitive distractions that impair driving ability.
• Passengers: Conversations with passengers can divert attention from the road. Dealing with children or pets in the car can also contribute to distracted driving.
• Adjusting Radio or Climate Controls: Changing the radio station or adjusting the air conditioning requires a driver to take their eyes off the road. Modern infotainment systems with touchscreen controls can be particularly distracting.
• Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving requires hand-eye coordination, reducing a driver's focus. Spills or dropped items can cause sudden, dangerous distractions.
• Grooming: Applying makeup, brushing hair, or shaving while driving is highly dangerous and diverts focus from the road. Many accidents occur when drivers engage in personal grooming behind the wheel.
• Daydreaming or Cognitive Distractions: Mental distractions, such as being lost in thought, can be just as dangerous as physical distractions. Stress, fatigue, or strong emotions can impact a driver's ability to react promptly to road conditions.

Texting While Driving Laws in California

California has strict laws against texting while driving to prevent distracted driving accidents. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5, it is illegal for drivers to:

• Hold and use a cellphone while operating a vehicle.
• Read, write, or send text messages while driving.
• Use any handheld device unless it is mounted and operated hands-free.

Violators of these laws face fines, and repeat offenders may receive harsher penalties. These laws are in place to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from the dangers of distracted driving.

Liability in a Distracted Driving Accident

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, proving liability is essential for securing compensation. Key elements in a distracted driving claim include:

1. Duty of Care: Every driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely.
2. Breach of Duty: When a driver engages in distracting activities, they violate this duty.
3. Causation: The distracted behavior must have directly led to the accident.
4. Damages: The victim must have suffered injuries or losses as a result of the accident.

A skilled Glendale distracted driving accident lawyer at Hartounian, APLC, can help gather evidence, such as phone records, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to prove negligence and hold the at-fault driver accountable.

The Dangers of Texting and Driving in Glendale

Texting while driving is one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents in Glendale. It involves a combination of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, all of which can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and safely. Here's why texting while driving is so dangerous:

• Increased Reaction Time: When a driver texts, they take their eyes off the road, which delays their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. Studies show that texting drivers take an average of 5 seconds to respond, which at highway speeds can be the length of a football field.
• Longer Stopping Distance: Texting drivers are less likely to notice traffic signals or obstacles ahead. This increases their stopping distance, making it harder to avoid collisions, especially in busy traffic areas like Glendale.
• Higher Accident Risk: Texting drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who aren’t distracted. In a bustling city like Glendale, with heavy traffic and numerous intersections, the risk of accidents rises significantly when drivers engage in texting while driving.

Distracted Driving and Pedestrian Safety in Glendale

Pedestrian safety is a major concern in Glendale, where busy streets are frequently crowded with people walking, biking, or waiting at crosswalks. Distracted driving, especially texting while driving, poses significant risks to pedestrians:

• Increased Likelihood of Pedestrian Accidents: Drivers who are distracted may not notice pedestrians crossing the street or waiting at a crosswalk. This can lead to accidents that result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
• Failure to Yield: Distracted drivers may fail to stop at red lights or yield at crosswalks, putting pedestrians at immediate risk. With Glendale’s busy downtown areas and popular pedestrian zones, the chances of a distracted driver failing to notice pedestrians are high.
• Slower Reaction Time: Pedestrians rely on drivers to be alert when crossing the street. A distracted driver may not have the time to stop or avoid a pedestrian, especially in unexpected situations, such as children crossing or pedestrians suddenly stepping off the curb.

How Distracted Driving Affects Insurance Claims

When it comes to insurance claims, distracted driving complicates the process. Here's how:

• Determining Fault: In cases involving distracted driving, establishing fault can be more complex. Insurance companies may investigate the driver’s cellphone records or other evidence to confirm if texting or another distraction was involved. This can delay claims and sometimes lead to disputes over liability.
• Insurance Adjusters: Victims may face challenges when dealing with insurance adjusters. Adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny claims based on the details of the accident. If texting while driving was involved, they may attempt to downplay the severity of the distracted behavior.
• Impact on Compensation: Distracted driving can lead to more severe accidents, which can result in higher medical costs and property damage. Insurance claims involving distracted driving may require more extensive evidence and negotiation to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their injuries.

In summary, texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving are dangerous not only for the driver but also for pedestrians, motorcycles and others on the road. If you've been involved in a distracted driving accident, it’s crucial to work with a legal team who can navigate the complexities of insurance claims and fight for your rights. 

If you’ve been hurt in a distracted driving accident, we’re here to help. Contact us now at (818) 463-1917 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.