In an era driven by connectivity, the risks of distracted driving have surged, leaving victims to grapple with the devastating aftermath. A driver's attention can waver from the road with catastrophic consequences.
If you or a loved one fell victim to a distracted driving accident, you understand the complex web of emotions and challenges that ensue.
At DJC Law, our San Antonio distracted driving accident lawyers offer guidance, support, and insight into your rights as a victim. We can explain the legal intricacies of the process and seek just compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Us
Choosing DJC Law is a decision rooted in experience, integrity, and proven results. With a legacy spanning 25 years, our firm stands as a pillar of unwavering commitment to justice.
Our team of dedicated attorneys collectively brings over 80 years of combined experience to the table, ensuring we handle every facet of your case with the utmost care.
Having secured over $50 million in injury compensation for our clients, our track record is a testament to our relentless advocacy. What sets us apart is our legal prowess and our values – our founder's veteran status underscores our commitment to serving with honor and dedication.
When you choose DJC Law, you're not just choosing legal representation, you're choosing a trusted ally who will tirelessly fight for your rights, offering you the strength and support needed to navigate the complex aftermath of a distracted driving accident.
Some of our recent successes on behalf of personal injury clients include:
- $1.3 million for a young motorist involved in a head-on collision who sustained neck and head injuries
- $934,000 for a rideshare driver on his way to pick up a client when an individual ran a red light and hit them. They received $276,460.60 after attorney fees, medical liens, and expenses.
- $760,000 for a woman rear-ended by a delivery van, suffering severe injuries to her neck and back. Our qualified personal injury attorneys settled for almost the entire remaining policy limits available. We also negotiated the medical liens down so that she received $391,461.82 after attorney fees, medical liens, and case costs.
- $685,000 for a client involved in a trucking collision who suffered neck, back, and head injuries. His net recovery was $164,451.47 after attorney fees, medical liens, and expenses
- $525,000 for the family of a drunk driving accident victim. The family received $401,767.14 after attorney fees, medical liens, and costs.
Our San Antonio office is conveniently located Northwest of Muriel Forbes Elementary School and Northwest of Hot Wells Middle School at:
2374 East Southcross Boulevard
Suite 2342
San Antonio, TX 78223
We also have office locations in North and South Austin and San Marcos.
What Is My Distracted Driving Case Worth?
A multifaceted evaluation of various factors determines the value of a distracted driving case. From the severity of injuries to the impact on your life, each element contributes to the overall value of your case.
Significant considerations include medical expenses, including treatment and ongoing care. You can recover compensation for lost income due to missed work and potential future earnings. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the toll on your quality of life affect your case's value. The extent of negligence by the distracted driver and their insurance coverage also play a role.
Consult our seasoned San Antonio distracted driving accident attorneys to accurately assess your case's worth. We know how to analyze these factors, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll caused by distracted driving.
Where Do Distracted Driving Accidents Occur in San Antonio?
Anywhere drivers are, distracted driving accidents can occur.
In San Antonio, they commonly occur on:
- Interstate 35
- IH 35 and Walzem Road
- Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue
- Highway 151 and Loop 410
- IH 10 and Loop 1604
- Loop 1604 and Highway 281
- Bandera Road and Loop 1604
- Rigsby Avenue and Loop 410
- Loop 410 and Old Seguin Road
- Alamo Ranch Parkway and Westwood Loop
- State Highway 151 and West Military Drive
Distracted Driving Claims
Types of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving involves driving a motor vehicle while being mentally, visually, or physically engaged in something else. It takes the driver's attention away from the road.
While they might seem innocent, texting, eating, reading, attending to children or pets in the vehicle, talking to someone on the phone or in the car, or watching videos can result in severe accidents.
Some forms of distracted driving are more prevalent among Texas drivers than others, such as:
Using a Smartphone
Everyone has a smartphone these days. We all lead busy lives and benefit from multitasking whenever we can. It's so tempting to text or use a smartphone while behind the wheel. However, drivers must resist this temptation as distracted driving far too often results in severe injuries and even fatalities in San Antonio.
Under Texas laws, drivers can't make phone calls, send or receive text messages, navigate the web, or use similar handheld devices while driving. Not only is distracted driving involving manual entry on cell phones against the law, it's a primary offense. Law enforcement officers can stop any driver they believe is texting or otherwise manually using their phone.
Taking advantage of different technologies, such as hands-free options and voice commands for smartphones, can reduce distracted driving accidents. Even still, they don't entirely eliminate the distraction of the phone.
GPS Systems
Whether venturing to a recreational spot in the state or finding the newest restaurant in town, Texans like to explore. Many turn to navigational systems to make exploring less of a hassle.
There's no doubt that GPS systems can make navigation while driving easier. The downfall is that they can also remove a driver's attention from the road. Market Watch report found that programming a GPS device is the most distracting thing a driver can do while driving. Sending or receiving text messages and making calls came in second.
In addition, a AAA study determined that drivers programming GPS systems with voice commands and touch screens were distracted for about 40 seconds, compared to 30 seconds for talk-to-text.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that if they are absolutely necessary, visual/manual car tasks should take a driver's eyes off the road for 12 seconds or less.
Talking to Passengers
According to the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH), conversations with others inside your vehicle are typically just as distracting as talking on a cell phone behind the wheel.
No matter which impairments a driver experiences, they result in more accidents.
Keeping conversations to a minimum can reduce the risks of crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Talking can distract you mentally and visually, keeping motorists from focusing on the road and keeping others safe. If drivers really need to converse with a passenger, they should find a safe place to pull over first.
Negligence and Distracted Driving
Most traffic collisions arise from driver negligence. Whether a driver texted, programmed their GPS, or talked to their spouse in the car when a crash occurred, their negligence likely contributed to the accident. Sometimes, their negligence is 100 percent to blame.
Negligence is the failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable individual should have exercised under the same circumstances. Driver negligence creates or increases the risk of harm to others. Distracted driving is a prime example of driver negligence.
Common Injuries Caused by Distracted Drivers
Distracted drivers can cause injuries ranging from extremely minor to life-threatening or even fatal. Many factors will determine what injuries victims suffer, such as the speed of the vehicles at the time of the accident and vehicle size.
Common injuries caused by distracted drivers include:
- Whiplash: Sudden jerking of the head and neck due to a collision, often resulting in neck pain and stiffness.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the limbs, ribs, and collarbone, due to the crash's impact.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord causing paralysis or loss of sensation and motor control in various body parts.
- Soft tissue injuries: Strains, sprains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in cognitive impairments and altered behavior.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys due to the force of the collision.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass and sharp objects within the vehicle can cause cuts, bruises, and deep wounds.
- Burns: Contact with hot surfaces, engine fluids, or fires resulting from the collision can cause burn injuries.
- Facial injuries: Impact with the steering wheel, airbag, or debris can lead to facial fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries.
- Psychological trauma: Emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety due to the traumatic experience of the accident.
Always seek medical attention immediately after an accident caused by a distracted driver, as injuries might otherwise worsen with time. Consulting a skilled San Antonio distracted driving attorney can navigate the legal process to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Fighting an insurance company after a distracted driving car accident can prove challenging. First, establishing that a distracted driver caused the accident requires substantial evidence, often involving phone records or eyewitness accounts. Insurance companies might downplay the distraction's role, seeking to minimize liability.
Additionally, the complex nature of distracted driving cases involves evaluating not only physical injuries but also the mental and emotional impact on your life. Insurance adjusters might devalue your claim and offer low initial settlements.
Navigating these complexities and insurance company tactics with the representation of a San Antonio distracted driving lawyer. They understand the nuances of such cases, can gather evidence effectively, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf to secure the rightful compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident?
In addition to seeking medical care immediately and hiring an experienced attorney to handle your distracted driving accident claim:
- Stick to your medical treatment plan. You've likely already seen a doctor, an essential step after any injury. However, you must continue following your treatment plan and doctor's advice regarding treatment and your activity. Not doing so can harm your injury claim.
- Save receipts. If you paid for medical care, prescriptions, lost or damaged property, and other things you have needed due to the accident, keep your receipts so your attorney can pursue compensation for those amounts.
- Request copies of the accident report. Reach out to the law enforcement agency that responded to your distracted driving accident to obtain a copy of the office police report. Give the report to your attorney to support your claim.
Did by a Distracted Driver? Contact an Experienced San Antonio Distracted Driving Attorney from DJC Law Today
Distracted driving can lead to devastating injuries for innocent parties. Such injuries can become debilitating and result in insurmountable medical expenses. The good news is you have legal recourse to recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
Obtaining compensation from distracted drivers and their insurers is challenging. At DJC Law, we offer free case consultations to injured victims. To schedule yours, contact us today at (210) 220-2222 or online.