Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving in California — Your Legal Options

Distracted driving is now one of the most common—and dangerous—causes of car accidents in California. From texting and driving to using GPS or eating behind the wheel, distracted drivers put everyone at risk. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. The most frequent forms include:

• Texting or talking on a phone
• Using apps or GPS navigation
• Eating, drinking, or grooming
• Adjusting the radio or entertainment system
• Talking to passengers or attending to children

California has strict laws banning texting and handheld phone use while driving, yet these crashes continue to rise.

Why Distracted Driving Accidents Are So Serious

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, distracted driving causes thousands of crashes every year. These accidents often result in:

• Rear-end collisions
• Side-impact or T-bone crashes at intersections
• Pedestrian or cyclist injuries
• Multi-vehicle pileups

Victims may suffer anything from whiplash to catastrophic injuries like spinal damage or traumatic brain injury.

Proving Distracted Driving in California

Proving that a driver was distracted isn’t always easy, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help by:

• Obtaining cell phone records
• Securing video surveillance or dashcam footage
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Reviewing police reports
• Analyzing vehicle event data

Expert legal help ensures that vital evidence is preserved and presented convincingly to insurance companies or in court.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of distracted driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence

Why Choose Michael Madadi and BD&J, PC?

With years of experience handling car accident cases, Michael Madadi and his team know how to fight for maximum compensation. The firm offers:

• Thorough investigation of your accident
• Aggressive negotiations with insurance companies
• Access to accident reconstruction experts
• No fees unless you win

Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Accident

Seek medical attention and document your injuries.

Call the police and request a crash report.

Gather evidence—photos, witness names, and driver details.

Don’t discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurer until you speak to a lawyer.

Contact a trusted personal injury attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages minus your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a distracted driving claim?
Generally, two years from the date of the accident.

If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in California, contact Michael Madadi at BD&J, PC for a free case review and let an experienced team protect your rights.