San Diego Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Whether it is a text message, phone call, the latest infotainment system, or a bad song on the radio, nothing should be more important than your safety on the road. 

However, many drivers make poor choices to engage in visual, cognitive, or manual distractions behind the wheel. We say “choices” because it is always a choice to take your eyes and attention off the road!

A single choice can completely change lives, causing injuries and losses due to negligence. Fortunately, if you are the victim of negligent choices, the San Diego distracted driving accident attorneys at Jassim Law are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. 

At Jassim Law, we know that behind every case is a victim who deserves justice. We know that practically every “accident” is preventable. We have over 20 years of experience helping countless distracted driving victims hold liable parties accountable and striving to keep our communities safer. With our attorneys by your side, you can rest assured we will connect you to the care you need, handle all aspects of your claim, and fight for you every step of the way. 

Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Whether it’s a severe injury or lingering pain, the physical and emotional impact of a motor vehicle accident can make even the simplest tasks a challenge. Everyday activities like getting out of bed, driving to work, or playing with your kids can feel overwhelming and exhausting. The trauma from the accident might leave you feeling isolated and frustrated as you struggle to get back to normal.

Injuries from motor vehicle accidents can range from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents include:

Cervical Spine Injuries

Cervical spine injuries occur when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. This injury is common in rear-end collisions and can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck. In severe cases, a cervical spine injury may result in chronic pain and long-term disability.

Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a blow to the head or a sudden jolt that causes the brain to move within the skull. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and memory problems. While many concussions are mild, repeated concussions can lead to serious long-term effects.

Broken Bones

Fractures or broken bones are common in severe accidents due to the high-impact forces involved. Broken bones can range from simple hairline fractures to complex compound fractures that require surgical intervention. Commonly fractured areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.

Back and Spinal Injuries

Injuries to the back and spine can vary from muscle strains and herniated discs to more severe spinal cord injuries. Such injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and, in extreme cases, paralysis. Proper medical evaluation and treatment are essential to manage these potentially life-altering conditions.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are often less visible but can be extremely serious. They may involve damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys and can lead to internal bleeding. Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat these injuries effectively.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and tears are common examples. These injuries can cause significant pain and swelling and often require physical therapy for full recovery.

Cuts and Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations from broken glass or metal parts can range from minor to severe. While they may not always be life-threatening, they can result in significant bleeding, infection, and scarring, affecting both appearance and function.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Accidents can also have psychological effects, such as PTSD. Individuals may experience anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress long after the physical injuries have healed. Addressing mental health is as important as treating physical injuries in the recovery process.

How the San Diego Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys at Jassim Law Can Help Your Claim 

At Jassim Law, we leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for distracted driving accident victims. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll this type of incident can have on you and your family. As such, from initial consultation to resolution, we stand by your side. Armed with two decades of experience and the financial resources, we will initiate a meticulous investigation to obtain evidence of negligence to build a strong claim, leaving no doubt about the impact of the accident on your life.

With a decisive mission to hold responsible parties accountable and obtain the compensation you deserve, our legal team will help you with the following aspects of your claim: 

• Thoroughly investigate every detail of your case immediately.
• Collecting and preserving vital evidence and witness statements.
• Working with field experts to obtain compelling testimony on the facts of your case.
• Reconstructing how the accidents occurred to prove negligence. 
• Obtaining evidence, surveillance footage, images, and eyewitness statements.
• Obtaining and organizing medical records.
• Determining one or many parties that contributed to the accident.
• Connect you with the best medical care.
• Advocating for your legal rights and interests inside and outside of court.
• Supporting you through every step of the legal process.
• Helping with vehicle repair or replacement without delay.
• Determining if the negligent party was on the job at the time of the accident.
• Negotiating with all relevant parties on your behalf.
• Answering legal questions.
• Keeping you updated on the status of your case.

When healing from a distracted driving accident, dealing with the legal process should be the last thing on your plate. The dedicated legal team at Jassim Law provides you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.  

Proving Negligence in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim 

California has several distracted driving laws to encourage attentive and responsible driving behaviors, including the following: 

• A handheld cellphone ban for all motorists.
• A handheld and hands-free cellphone ban for bus drivers.
• A handheld and hands-free cellphone ban for motorists under 18.
• A texting and driving ban for all motorists.

The San Diego distracted driving accident lawyers at Jassim Law will investigate your distracted driving accident to uncover evidence of negligence, which may include the following: 

• A police report which may indicate whether the liable driver was distracted or distraction was suspected.
• A texting while driving or other citation was issued by law enforcement.
• A copy of cell phone records to prove the liable driver was using their cell phone prior to the accident. 
• Surveillance, traffic, or dash cam footage that may show the liable driver was distracted at the time of the accident. 
• Eyewitness statements that may have observed distracted driving behavior. 
• Expert eyewitness testimony who can identify probable causes of the accident.
• Event Data (black box) recorders

If the liable driver failed to uphold a reasonable duty of care, your San Diego distracted driving accident lawyer will fight for the full extent of the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

Recoverable Compensation in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim 

The legal team at Jassim Law provides the personal attention your distracted driving claim deserves. We know the lasting financial burdens an accident can have on a victim. Expenses add up quickly, which is why we take into consideration your immediate and long-term needs. 

We help you recover economic and non-economic damages, including but not limited to the following: 

• Non-Economic harms (Pain and suffering)
  •  Loss of enjoyment of life
  •  Physical Impairment
  •  Mental suffering
  •  Pain Anxiety/Grief
  • Inconvenience
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
• Cost of prescription medication
• Lost wages or income (past and for the future)
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of Consortium
• Wrongful death damages
• Punitive damages

Our compassionate legal team is dedicated to helping our clients receive the best medical care regardless of health insurance. We understand you are injured, so we come to you. We also offer video, Zoom, or telephone consultations.

What Are the Distracted Driving Laws in California?

All California drivers hold a duty of care to themselves and those they share the roads with to practice safe driving when they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. 

The bottom line is that all users of the roadways, streets and highways have a duty to keep a proper lookout and see what is there to be seen! Everyone using the roadways are required to not only see what is to be seen, but to control the movements of their vehicles, so as to avoid hazards and collisions!

Despite distracted driving being dangerous, it is also against the laws in the state of California to drive while distracted. If you have been harmed in a distracted driving accident in San Diego, it is important you work with our trusted legal team who will help you understand the various distracted driving laws that may affect your claim.  

While California is amongst many other states with various distracted driving laws implemented to cut down on the number of accidents caused by this form of driver negligence, California is known to have stricter laws than most other states. Under California law, distracted driving is considered to be any action by the driver that causes them to divert their attention instead of focusing on the road. These actions may include any of the following:

• Visual: Any time a driver takes their eyes off the road to check their phone, look back at a passenger, or stare at something out the window, they are driving distracted and may cause an accident.
• Manual: This can include a driver releasing their hand from the steering wheel or taking their foot off of the gas pedal or brake.
• Auditory: If a driver is listening to sounds that take their attention away from the task of driving safely, they are considered to be driving distractedly.

Under California regulation AB47, California distracted driving laws prohibit any of the following actions by drivers while operating their vehicles:

• The use of a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle
• Holding and operating a cell phone or other electronic device
• The use of any communication device for any California driver below 18
• The use of cell phones by bus drivers while operating the vehicle

In addition to cell phone use while driving, California Vehicle CV 23103 also states that drivers should not eat or drink while operating a motor vehicle. Other prohibited activities that fall under the umbrella of the state’s distracted driving laws include reading, putting on makeup, adjusting the radio, talking to other passengers, retrieving objects from a purse or back seats, watching a video, or smoking while operating one’s vehicle. If you have been harmed in a motor vehicle accident caused by distracted driving, it is imperative you work with one of our experienced lawyers who has knowledge of the various laws in place in California that may help your claim as you pursue justice.

Speak With the Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers at Jassim Law 

If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, the lawyers at Jassim Law are here for you. Not only do we fight to recover necessary compensation for victims, but we also strive to make our communities safer places to live.

Principal attorney Pajman Jassim received numerous accolades, including San Diego Metro Magazine’s Best Attorneys in 2015. Additionally, he was rated “10.0” on Avvo.com and highlighted as a “Top Employment Attorney” and “Top Contributor in Personal Injury.” You can read his reviews at Avvo.com.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced San Diego distracted driving accident lawyers, call our office at (619) 932-4464 or complete a contact form today.