Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Fullerton
While there are many hazards on the road, few are as dangerous as a distracted driver. Motorists who look away from the road or focus on other tasks when they should be driving are far more likely to cause an accident.
Distracted driving car accidents in Fullerton can lead to devastating, life-altering injuries. If a motor vehicle crash has caused you harm, now is the time to consider your legal options. Reach out to our dedicated injury attorneys to learn more about your options.
Types of Driver Distractions
In Fullerton, car crashes caused by careless driving come in many forms. Our firm could help you pursue legal action against motorists who caused an accident due to physical, visual, or mental distractions.
Physical Distractions
A physical distraction is anything that causes a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. Even a brief action, such as adjusting the radio, eating, or reaching for an item in the back seat, can delay reaction times. When a driver has limited control of the steering wheel, the chances of the car drifting into another lane or the driver failing to respond to sudden traffic changes increase dramatically.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions can cause a motorist to look away from the road momentarily. For example, checking a phone, looking at a GPS, or watching streaming videos can draw the driver’s attention away from what is directly ahead of the vehicle. Since traffic conditions can shift in seconds, these lapses create dangerous blind spots in awareness. A driver might miss a red light, a pedestrian crossing, or a vehicle braking unexpectedly.
Mental Distractions
Cognitive distractions, such as thinking about something stressful, daydreaming, or engaging in a heated conversation, can cause the mind to wander. Even if a driver’s eyes remain on the road, mental preoccupation leads to slower decision-making and a reduced ability to anticipate hazards.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Car Crash Lawsuits?
You have the right to file a lawsuit if a distracted motorist caused an accident in Fullerton that led to you sustaining injuries. That said, the statute of limitations means that you must file the lawsuit within a certain time period. In general, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit or settle your claim. If you wait too long, you could miss your chance to recover the compensation you deserve.
The consequences of missing this deadline are serious. Unless a limited exception applies, the court will have no choice but to dismiss your case with prejudice. A dismissal with prejudice not only ends your lawsuit but bars you from ever bringing the case before the courts again. In other words, you could lose your chance to claim compensation even when the facts are in your favor.
Our attorneys could work with you to initiate the legal process within the deadline. We could also advise you on whether exceptions apply that might give you more time to move forward with your injury claim.
Talk to an Attorney in Fullerton About Your Accident Involving an Inattentive Driver
There is no easy way to face the aftermath of distracted driving car accidents in Fullerton. This is especially true if you or a loved one sustained serious injuries in the crash. The important thing to remember is that you have the right to seek guidance from a dedicated attorney.
Our firm is willing to work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve. We could negotiate a settlement out of court or advocate on your behalf before a judge. Reach out to discuss your case during a free initial consultation.