Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Rialto

Distracted driving is a primary cause of car accidents. Engaging in distracted driving, such as using a cell phone, eating, or other activities that divert a driver’s hands, eyes, or focus from the road, significantly increases the risk of an automobile crash.

If you were injured in this type of incident, an experienced attorney  in distracted driving car accidents in Rialto could negotiate for fair compensation with the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters aim to pay out as little as possible, but a skilled car accident attorney from CD Law could fight to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your losses.

How Does Proving Liability Work in Distracted Driving Auto Accidents?

Liability for a car crash in Rialto caused by inattentive driving is determined by proving the at-fault driver was negligent. To hold a distracted driver liable for damages, an injured person must prove the following four elements of negligence:

• Duty of care: Every driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care to avoid harming others
• Breach of duty: The distracted driver failed in their duty of care
• Causation: The injured motorist must prove a direct link showing the driver’s breach of duty caused the accident and the resulting injuries
• Damages: The injured person must have suffered actual harm due to the accident, such as physical injuries

The law prohibits several forms of distracted driving. If these prohibited actions cause an accident, they provide strong evidence of the driver’s negligence. For example, California’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding or physically interacting with their phones for any reason while driving. The driver must have their phone mounted, and they can only use it for a single tap or swipe. A violation of the state’s strict hands-free law creates a legal presumption of negligence, which can strengthen the injured person’s case.

The law also prohibits texting, scrolling through social media, and other forms of handheld electronic device usage. Many other behaviors, including eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers, can also be considered negligent if they cause an accident that injures someone.

While the primary at-fault party in these cases is the individual who was driving while distracted, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer could also be held vicariously liable.

Evidence Used in a Distracted Driving Crash

Proving the other driver was driving while distracted can be challenging, but it is critical to secure compensation in a Rialto automobile accident claim. Key evidence in these cases can include:

• Cell phone records: Your attorney could subpoena the other driver’s records to show calls, texts, or data usage at the time of the crash
• Police reports: The responding officer may have observed distracted behavior or noted contributing factors in the official report
• Eyewitness testimony: Statements from passengers or other witnesses can confirm if the at-fault driver was driving while distracted
• Surveillance video: Traffic cameras, dashcams, or security footage from nearby businesses can help prove how the accident occurred
• Expert testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene to show the at-fault driver failed to brake or react appropriately

Recoverable compensation may include both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Compensation can also cover property damage, permanent disability, and emotional distress.

Contact a Rialto Attorney After a Distracted Driving Automobile Crash

Victims of distracted driving car accidents in Rialto often suffer painful injuries and significant financial losses. Whether you received treatment at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center or another hospital, a skilled attorney could fight tirelessly to help you recover fair compensation for your medical bills and other monetary damages. Call CD Law today to discuss your legal options during a free initial consultation.