Santa Barbara Distracted Driving Lawyer

Helping victims recover damages when inattentive motorists cause collisions

Drivers are supposed to keep their eyes and minds on the road. Unfortunately, too many people engage in distracting activities behind the wheel, diverting their attention from traffic with sometimes tragic consequences. At Patterson Law in Santa Barbara, we represent victims of distracted driving accidents from Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area. We have seen first-hand the toll that such accidents can take and we are dedicated to recovering the maximum amount of compensation possible for those injured. Drawing on 35 years of trial experience, we build strong cases based on solid evidence with a view to delivering optimal results.

Types of distracted driving in California

With its scenic beauty and diverse climate, California is a great place to relax and unwind. Unfortunately, a laid-back attitude can lead to lax behavior behind the wheel. These types of activities can take the driver’s attention from the road:

• Cellphone use
• Eating and drinking
• Personal grooming, such as shaving or applying makeup
• Fidgeting with a stereo or GPS device
• Reaching for objects
• Carrying on boisterous conversations with passengers
• Rubbernecking (craning one’s head to see something off the road)

Distracted driving raises the chance of causing an auto accident. In fact, studies have shown that nearly 80 percent of motorists who got into accidents admitted to engaging in some form of distractive behavior.

California cellphone driving law

By far the most dangerous distraction for a driver is hand-held cellphone use, whether it involves talking, texting or reading emails. Therefore, California law imposes these major restrictions:

• Drivers are not permitted to use hand-held mobile phones for calling or texting while driving on a public road.
• Drivers over the age of 18 may use hands-free cell phone systems for texting or calling.
• Drivers under the age of 18 may not even use phones a hands-free system.

A violation of the cellphone law, while subjecting the driver to fines and penalties, can also serve as evidence of distracted driving in a negligent lawsuit brought by an accident victim.

Injuries from distracted driving accidents

Distractions often prevent drivers from braking or swerving in time to avoid collisions, so collisions are often swift and direct, producing such severe injuries as:

• Broken bones and displaced fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including those resulting in paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Crush injuries, internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Severe lacerations
• Amputations
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Severe burns

An accident victim may be entitled to compensation not only for economic losses, such as the costs of medical treatment, but also to damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of quality of life.

How an attorney can help you win compensation for your losses

If you or a family member has been seriously hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, we will work to recover the maximum amount possible in damages. We thoroughly investigate accidents, using certified experts in accident reconstruction. We interview witnesses, as well as defendants, to get their testimony on record before their memories fade. We consult medical experts to understand the full extent of victims’ injuries and their prognosis for recovery. By basing our damage claim on strong evidence, we can often negotiate a settlement that is reasonable and fair. However, when justice requires taking your case to trial, you can rely on our courtroom skills and our willingness to fight for the results you deserve.

Contact an experienced distract driving accident attorney in Santa Barbara

Patterson Law in Santa Barbara represents victims of distracted driving accidents from Los Angeles and San Francisco. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, so initial consultations are free, and you pay nothing until you recover compensation through a settlement or verdict. Call us at 888-479-4589 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.