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Los Angeles Texting and Driving Accident Lawyers
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions on the road, leading to severe accidents and life-changing injuries. In Los Angeles, where traffic congestion is a daily reality, distracted driving only increases the risks for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
At LA Accident & Injury Lawyer, we understand the devastating consequences of these accidents. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve after a crash caused by a distracted driver.
The Dangers of Texting and Driving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has some of the busiest roadways in the country, making distracted driving especially hazardous. Texting behind the wheel takes a driver’s hands off the steering wheel, their eyes off the road, and their focus away from driving.
Studies have shown that sending or reading a text takes an average of five seconds—enough time for a car traveling at 55 mph to cover the length of a football field. During that time, a driver may fail to react to sudden stops, pedestrians crossing the street, or other vehicles changing lanes.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, distracted driving was responsible for over 18,000 crashes statewide in a recent year. Many of these accidents resulted in severe injuries and fatalities, with a significant number occurring in Los Angeles County.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drivers under 30 are most likely to text and drive, putting themselves and others at increased risk.
California Laws on Texting and Driving
California has strict laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5, it is illegal for drivers to hold or use a cellphone for texting, emailing, or using social media while operating a vehicle.
Drivers can only use their phones in hands-free mode, such as through voice commands or dashboard-mounted systems. Violators face fines and potential points on their driving record, which may increase insurance premiums.
The laws are even stricter for younger drivers. California bans all drivers under 18 from using any electronic device while driving, even in hands-free mode. Despite these regulations, many drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior, leading to serious accidents.
When a texting driver causes a crash, they can be held legally accountable for the harm they cause.
How Liability is Determined in a Texting and Driving Accident
In personal injury cases, establishing liability is crucial to securing compensation. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if multiple parties are at fault, compensation is adjusted based on each party’s responsibility.
To prove that a texting driver was negligent, our attorneys gather key evidence, including:
Cell phone records that indicate texting activity at the time of the crash
Surveillance footage or dashcam recordings showing the driver’s distraction
Eyewitness testimonies from other drivers or pedestrians
Police accident reports that note signs of distracted driving
Accident reconstruction analysis that demonstrates the driver’s inattention
Once liability is established, the at-fault driver and their insurance company may be required to compensate the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Common Injuries in Texting and Driving Accidents
Texting and driving accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to delayed reaction times and high-impact collisions. Victims may suffer:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) leading to cognitive impairment
Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis or chronic pain
Broken bones and fractures requiring surgery and rehabilitation
Internal injuries affecting organs and requiring emergency treatment
Whiplash and soft tissue damage leading to long-term discomfort
Many victims experience not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial hardship. Medical bills, lost income, and ongoing rehabilitation can create significant burdens for accident survivors and their families.
Our legal team fights to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation for their suffering.
Injured?
We’re Here to Help.
We are dedicated to speaking up for the rights of the injured.
Victims of texting and driving accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and medications
Lost wages from missed work due to injury recovery
Future loss of earning capacity for permanent disabilities
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and reduced quality of life
Property damage costs for repairing or replacing a vehicle
If a loved one was killed in a texting and driving accident, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.
What to Do After a Texting and Driving Accident
Taking the proper steps after an accident can strengthen a personal injury claim. If you are involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver, follow these steps:
Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, medical evaluations document the extent of harm suffered.
Call Law Enforcement – A police report can serve as critical evidence in proving liability.
Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
Obtain Witness Statements – Contact information and statements from eyewitnesses can support your claim.
Consult a Lawyer – An experienced accident attorney in Los Angeles can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.
Why Choose LA Accident & Injury Lawyer
Our firm has a strong track record of helping victims of distracted driving accidents secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We offer:
Experienced Legal Representation – Our team handles car accident claims, ensuring clients receive top-tier legal support.
No Upfront Fees – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if we win their case.
Comprehensive Case Investigation – We gather all necessary evidence to build a compelling case against the at-fault driver.
Aggressive Negotiation – We handle all communications with insurance companies to prevent lowball settlement offers.
Trial-Ready Attorneys – If necessary, we are prepared to take cases to court to fight for maximum compensation.
Tips to Avoid Being Involved in a Texting and Driving Accident
Keeping your focus on the road is essential to prevent accidents caused by distracted driving. One of the most effective ways to avoid a texting and driving accident is to put your phone out of reach while driving. Placing it in the glove compartment, a bag, or the back seat can remove the temptation to check messages or notifications.
Using hands-free technology can help reduce distractions, but it is still important to limit phone use altogether. Voice commands and Bluetooth features allow drivers to stay connected without holding a phone, but even hands-free conversations can divert attention from driving. The safest approach is to pull over to a safe location if a call or text cannot wait.
Designating a passenger to handle navigation, texts, or calls can keep drivers focused. If driving alone, setting up navigation and music before the trip can eliminate the need to adjust devices while on the road. Many modern smartphones have driving modes that silence notifications and send automatic responses, helping drivers stay focused.
Encouraging responsible driving habits among family and friends can also make a difference. Parents should lead by example, emphasizing the dangers of distracted driving and ensuring young drivers understand the risks. Drivers can protect themselves and others on the road by staying vigilant and avoiding distractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the driver who hit me was texting?
You should seek medical attention, report the accident to law enforcement, gather any available evidence, and contact a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. A lawyer can help investigate the case and hold the negligent driver accountable.
How can I prove the other driver was texting at the time of the accident?
Cell phone records, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports can all be used as evidence to prove distracted driving. Our legal team will work to obtain and analyze these records to strengthen your case.
What compensation can I recover after a texting and driving accident?
Victims may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. If the accident resulted in a fatality, families may pursue wrongful death compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
California law allows victims to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. If a government entity is involved, the deadline may be shorter. It is essential to consult with an accident attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for my texting and driving accident claim?
Having a lawyer significantly increases your chances of obtaining full compensation. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and an experienced attorney can negotiate effectively on your behalf.
Contact Our Los Angeles Texting and Driving Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a texting and driving accident, you deserve justice. At LA Accident & Injury Lawyer, we hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation our clients need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
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Our personal injury attorneys are committed to successfully resolving your case, protecting your rights.
We are dedicated to speaking up for the rights of the injured. We treat every case as if it were going to trial (even though many cases settle before trial). We strive to hold individuals and businesses accountable for their negligent and wrongful conduct.
