Car Accident Lawyer in Long Beach, California

Were you in an accident caused by distracted driving?

It has long since been known that if a driver gets behind the wheel while intoxicated that they will be endangering those around them. It, however, has not always been as clear as to what the dangers of a distracted driver. In fact, in recent studies, it has been determined that drivers who are not paying attention to the road are just as much, if not a larger, problem to drivers on the road than those who are drunk. According to facts released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these drivers are actually four times as likely to get into an auto accident than a driver who was paying attention to the road in front of them.

Distraction has been split up by the U.S. Department of Transportation into three separate categories. A driver can be visually distracted by looking at something else, they can be manually distracted by removing their hands from the wheel and completing another task and, finally, they can be cognitively distracted by focusing mentally on another thing entirely. While all of these are dangerous, one of the most dangerous is that of cognitive distraction as it removes the driver completely from the task at hand.

Cognitive Distraction - Understanding the Danger

In an effort to explain the risks of a driver who is cognitively distracted, the National Safety Council recently released a paper aptly titled "Understanding the Distracted Brain." Within this paper, the NCS described that even drivers who look as if they are paying attention to the road could be a danger to those around them. For example, in many states (such as California), legislation has effectively banned drivers from picking up and using handheld devices to send text messages. This, however, has not stopped them from using hands-free devices to carry on their conversations.

This is seen as perfectly safe - after all, law abiding citizens use Bluetooth devices all the time! Unfortunately, even these seemingly safety conscious drivers can be just as dangerous. The NCS explains that these drivers may very well be looking at the road in front of them, but they are not seeing it at all. In fact, they very well may be missing details and factors of up to 50% of the changing circumstances around them - something that could cost an innocent bystander a serious injury or even their life.

While distracted driving is commonly attributed to the usage of cell phones, the truth is that there are many different things that could effectively be the cause of the distraction. For example, a driver who is attempting to find their way could be a hazard, no matter whether they are trying to make sense of a map or if they are adjusting their GPS system. Similarly, a driver who was eating a meal, drinking a soda, switching the radios station, changing the song on their iPod or even adjusting their mirrors could be distracted. Something as simple as carrying on a conversation with a passenger could be enough to cause a serious and life-altering car accident.

Why hire a Long Beach car accident attorney from our firm?

If you have been involved in a car accident, one of the most important steps to take is to find legal representation from an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer that you can trust. Car accident claims are complex and it is not advisable that you try to handle them on your own. Although it might be tempting to think that you can take on an insurance company without the help of a legal representative, the truth is that at the end of the day, these are businesses who are not there to look out for your best interests. They are primarily considered with their profits and the best way for them to have a good quarter is for them to avoid paying out big settlements and verdicts.

At the Pacific Attorney Group, we have proven time and time again that we have the mettle to handle even the most complex of cases. With over three decades of combined legal experience, we have proven that we can help our clients obtain full financial compensation regardless of the cause of their car accident. If you have been injured in an accident during which the driver was distracted, it is in your best interests to consult with an attorney from our firm.

Do not hesitate to contact a Long Beach car accident lawyer from our firm if you have been injured in an accident that involved a distracted driver.