Skip to Content
Top
Distracted Driver

Santa Monica Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

What Are Distracted Driving Accidents?

Distracted driving has become a worldwide concern that plagues most cities no matter where one lives. What is distracted driving and how does it contribute to the overall risk of traffic collisions? Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes the driver's eyes, hands, or mind off the task of driving an automobile.

If you were injured in a car accident, a Santa Monica personal injury attorney can help you pursue ample compensation. All forms of distraction have the potential to endanger the driver, the passengers, any pedestrians or others sharing the road.

Types of Distracted Driving

People can become distracted by unsuspecting sources. Talking to passengers, handling children, reading directions, or adjusting the vehicle's climate controls can all put the driver and others around them in danger of being involved in a vehicle collision.

Tragically, distracted driving is responsible for approximately 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes according to a study released by the NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Institute. What's more, the distraction typically occurred in just three seconds before the vehicle crash!

In the United States, the most common forms of driver distraction include the following:

  • Texting while driving
  • Reading texts
  • Using a cellular phone (dialing, accepting calls etc.)
  • Adjusting the radio, CD player, DVD player or MP3 player
  • Grooming
  • Eating and drinking
  • Applying make up
  • Reading, including maps
  • Watching a video
  • Using a tablet while driving
  • Using a navigation system
  • Attending to children in the rear
  • Talking to passengers
  • Having a pet roaming inside the vehicle

Texting and Driving

Due to the fact that text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive distraction from the driver, it remains the most hazardous forms of driver distraction. In fact, text messaging is reported by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) to increase the risk of a traffic collision by 23 times as compared to driving when not distracted.

VTTI reports that sending or receiving a text takes the driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blind at 55 mph. Furthermore, using a cell phone while driving, whether hand-held, or hands-free has shown to delay a driver's reaction by as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08%. (University of Utah)

Studies have also shown that driver performance is not improved and the level of distraction is increased for those drivers who are heavily engaged in a conversation on a cellular phone. Contrary to popular belief, the use of a hands free device does not lower the distraction levels.

How a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Can Help

Have you or someone you love been injured in a distracted driver car accident? If so, an attorney from McGee, Lerer & Associates would like to help. Together, we have more than 40' collective experience in representing car accident victims in their personal injury claims.

Today, we focus a great deal of our practice in pursuing damages for car accident victims, many of which were injured by a driver who was texting while driving. We want to help you to obtain the compensation you deserve so you can have access to the highest quality medical care and the money you need to live more comfortably.

Contact a Santa Monica car accident lawyer from McGee, Lerer & Associates to schedule your initial consultation. 

Related Reading

Why Choose McGee, Lerer & Associates?

What Makes Us Different
  • Four Convenient Locations
    We have 4 offices in Southern California - Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, & Long Beach.
  • 24/7 Availability
    We're available before and after normal business hours to meet with you and start your case.
  • No Fees Unless We Win
    Until and unless we succeed in providing your compensation, we don't charge you a dime. Learn more here.
  • Personalized Attention
    We take the time to understand each aspect of your case in order to tailor your solution.

Contact Us Today

100% Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Our Previous Clients Tell Their Stories

Learn What It's Like to Work With Our Firm

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "This law firm is very professional"

    After my car accident, I didn't know what to do. I tried to fix the problem myself, and my insurance ignored me. After speaking with Catherine and her working group Maria and Nick, I have actually been able to achieve what my insurance said would not be po

    "They make you feel like you are their only customer"

    They were always available to answer my messages and questions. I am very grateful to them. I recommend them.

    "They sit and talk to you before making any moves or decisions. I would highly recommend them!"

    Very professional. Made my case go smoothly and made me feel comfortable during it. They kept me updated constantly whenever anything new came about. They sit and talk to you before making any moves or decisions. I would highly recommend them! Thank you gu

    - J.L.
    "they are the ones you want in your corner in any automobile accident."

    I had Catherine represent me and my grandmother 10 years ago in a car accident. I couldn't tell you how professional and quickly she handled our case. Catherines strong determination against the issuance companies got us to get the medical rehabilitation w

    - A.G.
    "I was referred to them by my brother who had them handle his case as well, I wouldn’t go to any other lawyer"

    I was in a motorcycle accident back in May and Catherine and Joanna have been able to help me through the entire process, I was referred to them by my brother who had them handle his case as well, I wouldn’t go to any other lawyer

    - R.J.
    "We could not have asked for a better outcome!"

    I am writing this review on behalf of my son. We can’t recommend the McGee-Lerer team strongly enough. I found them online ...

    - Brent, Google Review
    "They have restored my faith in lawyers!"

    Don't hesitate to hire these guys. I had heard nothing but horror stories about accident attorneys before hiring them. But I ...

    - Omana, Google Review
    "They wanted to know what was important to me, what were my concerns and questions. I liked that."

    My dentist and my friend's dad both recommended this firm. So glad they did. I was very happy with how they handled my case. ...

    - Darya, Google Review