Whether someone is texting at the intersection of the Pacific Coast Highway and MacArthur Boulevard or talking to friends while driving down Jamboree Road, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. When a crash occurs, our Newport Beach distracted driving accident lawyers are here to help.
The legal team at Sweet James has earned more than 600 five-star reviews across Google and Yelp. Our Newport Beach car accident lawyers will handle the entire legal process of recovering compensation on your behalf.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
What Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in Newport Beach Can Do For You
While you focus on getting the medical treatment that you need for your injuries, let our California car accident lawyers seek the fair compensation you deserve. We will handle every step of your case.
The legal team at Sweet James can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove the at-fault party (or parties).
- File all needed paperwork.
- Handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters.
- Represent your case in court, if necessary.
Our goal is that you feel supported and confident in the legal process.
Affording a Personal Injury Lawyer
Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this fee structure, you can expect:
- Not to pay any costs or fees until we win your case.
- To pay an agreed-upon percentage of your compensation when we recover it for you.
We will go over this fee structure with you during a free consultation.
Recovering Compensation After a Distracted Driving Accident in Newport Beach
Your Newport Beach distracted driving accident attorney from Sweet James will fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We understand how stressful medical bills and other financial pressures are, and we will advocate for compensation that will help you move forward with your life.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
Economic Losses
These may include:
- Past, present, and future expected medical expenses.
- Property damage.
- Lost wages.
- Diminished earning capacity.
- Home or vehicle modifications needed after an injury.
- In-home services, such as housekeeping or childcare, while you recover.
Non-Economic Losses
These may include:
- Emotional distress.
- Lost enjoyment of life.
- Permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Reduced quality of life.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one, compensation may be available for:
- A loss of financial support.
- A loss of companionship and emotional support.
- A loss of parental guidance.
- Medical expenses.
- The decedent’s pain and suffering.
- Funeral costs.
- Burial or cremation costs.
In California, you generally have two years to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, per California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
Proving Fault After a Distracted Driving Accident in Newport Beach
Recovering compensation will depend on being able to prove that someone else’s negligence led to your losses. In distracted driving accidents, proving fault can be difficult, as a driver may claim they weren’t distracted. Your Sweet James attorney will investigate and gather evidence to help prove that negligence occurred.
What Is Considered Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can include actions like:
- Talking on the phone or to passengers in the car.
- Texting.
- Using the GPS.
- Changing a radio station or adjusting the volume.
- Eating.
Basically anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or attention off of driving.
Evidence to Prove Distracted Driving
Helpful evidence can include:
- Video footage.
- Witness statements.
- The driver’s own admissions.
- Police reports.
- Phone records.
- GPS data.
- Expert witness testimony, such as from an accident reconstructionist.
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you were in an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Below are some steps that can help protect your safety and your legal claim for compensation.
In the immediate aftermath, you should:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. For example, go to an emergency room like Hoag Hospital or to Newport Center Urgent Care.
- Report the accident to the Newport Beach Police Department.
- If safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries you have.
- If possible, get contact information for any witnesses at the accident scene.
- Call a personal injury lawyer at Sweet James.
In the days and weeks following the accident, you should:
- Continue with medical treatment. Never stop or delay treatment, as this can impact your physical recovery and may be used against you by an insurance company.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Public social media posts can be used against you by insurers.
- If asked to give a recorded statement by an insurance adjuster, ask them to speak with your attorney instead.
- Keep track of medical bills and receipts for anything paid for out-of-pocket.
- Seek the help you need. Accidents can be emotional and traumatic, and it can help to seek counseling or therapy when you need it.
Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Newport Beach Today
When a distracted driver causes you harm, they should be held financially responsible for your losses. The team at Sweet James is here to do just that. We will seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other harm caused by the accident.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your story and address any concerns you may have. Then, we’ll explain your legal steps for recovering the compensation you deserve.
