Modesto Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Fighting For Distracted Driving Accident Victims in California

Distracted driving is something that most of us have been guilty of at some point in our lives. It’s so easy to quickly glance at our phones or change the radio station that most people probably don’t even give such actions a second thought.

Yet, these seemingly harmless actions are part of a massive problem. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver every single day in the U.S.

At the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis, we understand the serious harm a distracted driver can cause. A collision with a distracted driver can result in catastrophic injury or even death. If you or a family member has been hurt in a motor vehicle crash caused by a distracted driver, contact our Modesto distracted driving accident attorney as soon as possible.

The sooner we can get to work on your case, the easier it will be to collect evidence to support your claim—and get you on the path to recovery.

Call the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis at (209) 528-0404 or contact us online to schedule your free, no obligation consultation with our distracted driving accident lawyer in Modesto. 

Distracted Driving Statistics 

When asked, most people will admit to distracted driving, proving that they are aware of their behavior, if not the dangers it can cause.

Insurance website The Zebra conducted a survey in January 2020 showing that:

• 56.7% of respondents eat or drink while driving
• 39.9% have consumed alcohol while driving
• 28.6% admitted texting while driving is their most common distracted driving behavior
• 8.9% of respondents between 25 and 34 felt pressure to respond to a text message as soon as it arrived

Everyone knows that behaviors like texting while driving are dangerous, yet we all continue to do such things on a daily basis anyway because these actions have become second nature. This is what makes distracted driving so dangerous.

Common Examples of Distracted Driving

Common examples of distracted driving include:

• Texting and Use of Mobile Devices: One of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving is texting. It requires the driver's visual, manual, and cognitive attention, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. Using a mobile phone for calls, emails, or social media while driving is equally hazardous.
• Eating and Drinking: Consuming food and beverages while driving can cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, leading to potential accidents. Spilling hot drinks or dropping food can also cause sudden reactions that compromise vehicle control.
• Adjusting Controls and Devices: Common distractions include changing the radio station, adjusting climate controls, or programming a GPS system. Even briefly taking one's attention away from the road for these tasks can result in severe accidents.
• Personal Grooming: Activities like applying makeup, brushing hair, or shaving are dangerous when performed behind the wheel. Personal grooming requires visual and manual focus, reducing the driver’s ability to react to road conditions.
• Conversing with Passengers: Engaging in intense conversations or turning to talk to passengers in the back seat can divert a driver’s attention. While talking with passengers is not illegal, it can still be a significant distraction.
• External Distractions: Rubbernecking at roadside incidents, billboards, or other external events can lead to accidents. Drivers who focus on distractions outside their vehicle are less aware of traffic conditions and potential hazards.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Victims can recover costs associated with medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. This also encompasses future medical expenses for long-term or permanent injuries.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Injuries from a distracted driving accident can prevent victims from working, leading to lost income. Compensation can cover current lost wages and future earning capacity if the injuries impact the victim’s ability to work.
• Property Damage: Accidents often damage vehicles and other personal property significantly. Victims can claim compensation for repair or replacement costs of their property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional despair, and loss of enjoyment of life, can also be recovered. These damages acknowledge an accident's profound impact on a victim’s quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the distracted driver’s behavior was particularly egregious, punitive damages might be awarded. These are designed to punish the negligent party and prevent similar conduct in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: Injuries from a distracted driving accident can affect the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family members. Compensation for loss of consortium addresses the emotional and relational toll on loved ones.