Although we are all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, many people still engage in behaviors that lead to accidents. When people hear the term, "distracted driving," they immediately think of texting and driving. However, the term encompasses any behavior that takes a driver's attention away from the road.

What Is Distracted Driving?

The opportunities for distractions that can cause accidents are virtually endless. Most commonly, distracted driving accidents involve the following behaviors:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers examples as to why distracted driving is so dangerous. On average, sending or reading just one text means that the driver's eyes are off the road for roughly 5 seconds. At a speed of 55 mph, that would be the equivalent of driving across a football field with your eyes closed.

Although distracted driving has not received as much attention in the media as drunk driving, its effects may be equally devastating. Victims of distracted drivers may suffer a variety of serious injuries, including internal injuries, broken bones and fractures, coma, paralysis, brain and spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death.

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim.

California Distracted Driving Accident Statistics

Like many states, California has several laws that ban the use of a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel. Drivers under 18 years of age are also not permitted to use hands-free cellphones while driving. Another law bans texting while driving.

Although California has some of the country's strictest laws against distracted driving, there were over 178,000 cell phone use convictions and more than 31,000 convictions for texting while driving. Even with the large numbers of convictions, some Californians refuse to obey the laws.

The other concern is that some distractions, such as fixing one's hair and eating are not illegal under California law unless they cause the driver to take dangerous actions such as leaving a lane or swerving. However, it only takes a few seconds for a distraction to result in an accident that leads to serious injuries or fatalities, and it often occurs when the distracted driver least expects it.

Victims of Distracted Drivers Have Options

Distracted drivers are negligent drivers. They have engaged in careless behaviors that have caused another person serious harm in the process. It is clear from the data that distracted drivers are purposely engaging in activities other than driving that could and have lead to accidents.

As a result, victims of distracted drivers have options. You can file a personal injury claim in order to win financial compensation for the damages caused by your accident, including medical costs, loss of time from work, and pain and suffering. You should not have to bear the costs of another driver's carelessness.

However, proving negligence in a distracted driving lawsuit will require the experience of a seasoned distracted driving attorney. The courts require significant evidence to demonstrate the inattention that lead to the crash, including police reports, cell phone records, photographs of the accident scene, statements from the driver and witnesses, surveillance video.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a distracted driver, you should protect your rights to compensation and hire a distracted driving attorney right away. There may be a time limit that applies your claim, which means that you should act quickly.

Contact Bridgewater Law Group for Assistance Today

We have seen the devastation that negligent, distracted drivers cause which is why we encourage all victims to pursue legal claims for their injuries. Victims of distracted drivers deserve financial compensation.

At Bridgewater Law Group, we understand that the damages may extend far beyond your medical bills or lost wages and we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting justice for you. We are committed to achieving the maximum potential recovery for your injuries, down to the very last penny.

Our firm does not charge a fee for our services unless we are able to obtain a financial recover in your case. If you would like to have a Los Angeles distracted driving attorney review your case, call us today at (626) 733-4100 to request a free consultation and to speak with an Experienced Los Angeles Accident Attorney.