A distracted driving accident in San Diego can cause major injuries and damage. If you are the victim of a distracted driving accident in San Diego, you should contact a San Diego car accident lawyer to review your case and to see if you are eligible to receive compensation for your physical, financial and emotional suffering.
The cause of a distracted driving accident in San Diego is when a driver looks away from the road, has his or her mind somewhere else, or his or her hands are off of the wheel. Many types of distractions on and off the road can cause a distracted driving accident in San Diego.
Common Types of Distracted Driving in an Accident in San Diego
Distracted driving could be the result of:
- cell phone usage, such as talking, texting, or searching the Web;
- reaching for something in the car, such as the radio or a fallen object;
- looking at something outside of the car, such as an accident, billboard or scenery;
- reading the newspaper, a book or work documents; and
- putting makeup on.
These common types of distractions that can result in a distracted driving accident in San Diego can make the driver inattentive, reduce his or her reaction time for unexpected stops or other occurrences on the road, and cause the driver lose control of the car.
In the event that you are the victim of a distracted driving accident in San Diego, you can suffer serious injuries that could be life-threatening. A San Diego car accident lawyer is familiar with the types of occurrences that can cause a distracted driving accident in San Diego. Your lawyer will interview witnesses and investigate the circumstances of your accident and help pinpoint the type of driving distraction that ultimately caused your accident and injuries.
You and your family should not be liable for the physical, financial and emotional costs of your distracted driving accident in San Diego that was the result of another driver’s negligence. After you have been involved in a distracted driving accident in San Diego and are seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately, then contact a San Diego car accident lawyer for a fair and accurate evaluation of your case. You deserve to get your life back on track, and your San Diego car accident lawyer is passionate about helping you pursue the compensation you need.
Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in San Diego
When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a distracted driving accident in San Diego know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The San Diego car accident lawyer at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 1-619-531-2022 or toll free at 1-888-59-HELP-NOW.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
Most car accidents are caused by a driver’s negligence. Driving requires your full attention to be safe, responsible and aware and avoid a crash in San Diego. If you do become involved in an accident, a San Diego car accident lawyer can help.
Distractions are incredibly common and come in three different forms: visual, cognitive and manual. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 80% of crashes take place because of a form of driver distraction.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the top 5 distracted drivers typically fit into one of the following categories:
- The cell phone user – The amount of drivers using a cell phone while operating a vehicle has increased within the last few years. Even with a hands-free cell phone system in place, studies have reported that drivers are too engaged in the conversation to give full attention to the road.
- The crash diet – Eating while driving doesn’t simply involve chewing and driving, as it may seem. There are many other distractions, such as opening packages, reaching for food items, possible spills and consequent clean-ups, etc.
- The parent – When driving with children or pets, it is important to make sure they are not going to distract you while driving. Make sure that all pets are secure, and do not allow your pet to sit in the front seat with you. Make sure your children know and understand that you must concentrate to drive (some recommend that you give them a book, game or toy to occupy their time along the drive).
- The multi-tasker – Do not attempt to read, groom yourself, smoke, make phone calls, use a laptop or write notes while behind the wheel.
- The young driver – The reported leading cause of death for drivers aged 15-20 is car crashes, making up almost 1/3 of deaths for this age group. If you have a teen driver, make sure he or she is aware of how serious driving is and that he or she will designate the appropriate care and attention to the road. Help your teen develop strategies to keep passengers and fellow teenagers well behaved and under control.
Your San Diego car accident lawyer can work with you to investigate whether the other driver was acting negligently at the time of the crash.
Help After a San Diego Car Accident
When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a San Diego car accident know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The car accident lawyers at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 619-531-2022 or toll free at 888-59-HELP-NOW.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
When choosing a new car you should consider which model will help keep you the safest in a car accident in San Diego. Even if your car is highly rated for safety you may still need a San Diego auto accident attorney in the event you’re the victim of a serious accident.
Safety ratings help you decide which vehicle is best to for you and your family.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Picks for 2011 Cars
Every year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reviews the test data of numerous car models to determine the safest consumer picks. This year, 66 vehicles met their standards. Their standards were raised last year to include roof strength as a major parameter of safety.
Among the top 66 safest vehicles are several models made by:
- Hyundai/Kia;
- Volkswagen/Audi;
- General Motors; and
- Ford/Lincoln.
Each company had more than 10 of their 2011 models make the grade. Subaru was also ranked one of the best leading manufacturer’s in automobiles by having at least one of its vehicles win in each category.
The complete list can be found on the IIHS website with extensive details on the individual ratings of each model tested.
How Safety Ratings Protect You in a Car Accident in San Diego
Performance in high-speed crash simulations, both front-end and side impact, as well as rollovers earns a car a ranking of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Testing for the effectiveness of a car’s seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries during rear impacts is also ranked.
To qualify for the IIHS’s Top Safety Picks list, a vehicle must register a “good” rating on all of these tests. The 2011 model year has produced many more approved vehicles than years past, giving drivers more choice when it comes to choosing a safety-approved vehicle.
Even if you drive a vehicle that’s high-ranking in safety tests these precautions cannot account for negligent drivers. All vehicle models are susceptible to being involved in a serious car accident when other factors interfere with your driving safety.
There is still a risk of serious accidents while on California roads no matter what safety features a vehicle offers. If you find yourself or a loved one suffered serious injuries from a car accident in San Diego – no matter if you were the driver, passenger, or a pedestrian – a San Diego auto accident attorney can help.
Help After a Car Accident in San Diego
When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a car accident in San Diego know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. A San Diego auto accident attorney at the law offices of Keith J. Stone is here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim.
We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 619-531-2022 or toll free at 888-59-HELP-NOW.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
Many times teenagers are contributing factors in a crash in San Diego, California, and they’re usually the one’s getting blamed for it. Although a teenager may not be the one who caused the accident, there are some valuable notions that should be taken into consideration, especially when you’re meeting with a San Diego car accident lawyer about filing a claim for your accident that involved a teen.
Factors That Put Teens at High Risk for a Crash in San Diego, California
The reason for a teenager causing an accident may not always be due to reckless driving – sometimes it’s just because the teen is new to the road.
- Inexperience: Even though teenagers are tested and take a driver’s course before they can obtain licenses, the road, what can happen on the road and enabling them to drive without supervision are all still very new to them.
- Time: Paired with inexperience, most likely, a new teenage driver probably isn’t familiar with night driving. Driving at night requires skill, experience and focus. Compared to daytime driving, you may not be able to see a mile’s length ahead of you, which makes it hard to see unexpected objects such as a parked car on the side of the road or an animal.
- Friends: Teens are notorious for packing their buddies in their cars to go for a ride, especially with a brand-new license in hand. Teenagers like to goof off, but the car isn’t a place for goofing off. A driver’s focus needs to be on the road for awareness of other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.
- Type of Vehicle: In the event of a crash in San Diego, a teenager riding in a small vehicle may sustain fatal injuries because smaller vehicles have fewer safety features and a weaker exterior that could cause the vehicle to crush a car on impact; however, a bigger car, such as a pickup truck or SUV is just as dangerous because of its bigger structure. The exterior and foundation of a bigger vehicle may protect a teenager upon impact, but a larger vehicle is harder to handle.
Teenagers should practice road safety and follow the laws of the road because there are other people who share the road. If you’re seriously injured in a crash in San Diego, California, that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should contact a San Diego car accident lawyer to discuss filing a claim.
Help After a Crash in San Diego, California
When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a crash in San Diego, California, know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Your San Diego car accident lawyer at the law offices of Keith J. Stone is here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 1-619-531-2022 or toll free at 888-59-HELP-NOW.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
California seat belt laws could play a role in the outcome of your California personal injury claim. If you were injured in an accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer in San Diego, CA to discuss your case.
Being properly restrained could mean the difference between life and death and because no one can predict an auto accident, no chances should be taken.
California Seat Belt Laws
Under California seat belt laws, the driver and passengers must wear a seat belt or appropriate type of restraining system. These laws are in place in order to reduce the number of severe injuries and deaths that occur on the roads. This means that you can’t transport people in your vehicle if you don’t have enough seat belts. It also means that 2 people can’t share a seat belt.
Drivers must also be aware of the appropriate types of infant car seats and booster car seats that are recommended for certain heights and weights. Those who no longer fit in an infant seat or booster seat are required to wear a seat belt that straps across them.
In most cases children under the age of 1, who weigh less than 20 pounds or use a rear-facing child passenger restraint system, shouldn’t be placed in the front seat of a vehicle that has airbags.
How Seat Belt Laws May Affect Your California Personal Injury Claim
The state of California follows comparative negligence when it comes to determining fault for your California personal injury claim. This means that a percentage of responsibility for the accident is assigned to the parties involved. So even if you are 99% at fault, you can still recover damages; however, you will only be entitled to 1% of those damages.
Failure to wear a seat belt in California could mean that your settlement will be diminished. Violating traffic laws will put some of the fault on you. So even if the other person was the direct cause of the accident, your failure to fasten the seat belt (or other passengers in your vehicle), could mean that you won’t recover as much as you could have.
If you have questions concerning your accident and determining who was negligent, then your next step should be to speak with a personal injury lawyer in San Diego, CA. A lawyer can assist you with every step of your claim, from the initial filing until you reach a final settlement.
Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in San Diego, CA
When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a California car accident, know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The personal injury lawyers at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 1-619-531-2022 or toll free at 1-888-59-HELP-NOW.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
The holiday season brings with it joy and family, as long as dangerous roads and drivers. Between Thanksgiving and the end of New Year’s weekend are the DUI high points for the year.
Holiday and travel are a dangerous combination. Starting with the night before Thanksgiving, which is considered the busiest bar night of the year. Thanksgiving weekend is also the most traveled holiday period of the year, with almost 90% traveling by car. Federal traffic safety data shows that the daily death toll from drunk driving during the holiday season is significantly more than the rest of the year.
According to the NHSTSA, between 2001-2005 an average of 36 fatalities occurred per day in the U.S as a result of crashes involving an alcohol impaired driver. The number increases to 45 per day during the Christmas period and escalates even higher to 54 per day over New Years!
Another report shows that between 1998 and 2008 there was an average of 572 deaths annually on U.S highways during Thanksgiving holiday. 36% of those deaths were alcohol related, which makes an average of 51 per day. The national safety commission blames speeding and tired and/or sleepy drivers, as well as those who have in taken alcohol, for the high number of deaths.
Make sure to not drink and drive! Take a taxi.
If you are hit or injured by a drunk driver this holiday season make sure to call our offices for legal advice or representation. No good can come out of an accident, especially one that involves substance abuse! We will make the legal aspects easier so you are able to continue with your life as normally as you can. Remember to be safe and remind others to do the same!
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
Any day that you take to the road, you run the risk of being involved in a car accident in San Diego. This can leave you facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills and questions about who will pay for them. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, then you should contact a San Diego car accident attorney.
Common Types of Car Accidents
While any kind of accident in San Diego can happen, some types are more common. One common type is a rear-end collision. It could be nothing more than a fender-bender; however, even a mild-impact accident can lead to neck and back injuries.
In most situations the person who was hit from behind will not be found liable. It is expected that when a driver is following another vehicle, he or she should be at a safe enough distance that a sudden stop wouldn’t lead to a collision. There can be exceptions to this, however, which is why consulting with an attorney is a good idea.
Another common type of car accident involves making a left turn. The one making the left turn is usually found liable in a crash because he or she is supposed to yield to oncoming traffic. But as with any accident, there could be exceptions.
U-turns can also lead to accidents, especially when the driver is not aware of oncoming traffic while making it. Side-impact accidents can happen during merges or if someone runs a stop sign or red light and hits the side of a vehicle.
Head-on collisions can be the most devastating type of accident to be involved in, especially when at least one of the vehicles is traveling at a high rate of speed. Injuries can be catastrophic or deadly.
A rollover is another common type of accident that tends to occur with larger vehicles, such as SUVs. A high-impact crash may lead to a rollover.
No matter in what type of accident in San Diego you have been injured, when it was the result of someone else’s careless or reckless actions, then you could be entitled to compensation.
Compensation can address your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you have suffered. A San Diego car accident attorney will evaluate the details of your case carefully to determine what your rights are and the legal options you may have available.
Contacting a San Diego Car Accident Attorney
When the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The car accident attorneys at the law offices of Keith J. Stone are here to provide all of the information you need about California injury law so you can make informed choices about your personal injury claim. We even offer a FREE auto accident guide for Southern California residents. If you’re looking for personalized care and attention at this vulnerable time, contact our offices today – 1-619-531-2022 or toll free at 1-888-59-HELP-NOW.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
The Fourth of July holiday is associated with BBQs, picnics, fireworks, friends, and family. Sadly, it is also a day of the year that is linked to hundreds of car accident fatalities. In fact, it has been described as one of the deadliest holidays of the year because of drunk-driving accidents.
Make sure your family is safe.
Protect Your Family on July 4th
Even though July 4th may be a dangerous time to be on the road, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holiday. There are some things you can do to protect yourself while traveling the streets and highways of San Diego. Below are some important safety tips:
- Limit your driving during the evening hours. According to a safety campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the chances of getting into a wreck with a drunk driver are significantly higher during the hours of 6:00 PM to 5:59 AM. In 2010, there were nearly five times more fatal drunk-driving accidents during those hours than the daytime.
- Wear your seat belt. Not only is it California law, but wearing a seat belt is also instrumental in keeping you safe in the event of a car crash. It only takes seconds to buckle up, yet it is a decision that can make the difference between life and death when you are involved in a collision.
- Designate a driver. If you are going to have some cocktails on the Fourth of July, make sure that you have someone who can drive you home. It is critical to designate the driver ahead of time. Worst-case scenario is to call a cab. The taxi fare is worth the money.
- Teach your teen driver about safety. Young people are often the ones who don’t adhere to warnings regarding driving safety. If you have a teenager, explain the importance of driving cautiously and avoiding alcohol. On July 4, 2010, nearly half of young drivers killed in car accidents were drunk.
Above all else, use common sense and follow your instincts so you can avoid dangers this July 4th.
About the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone
Our law firm is based in San Diego. We represent people who have been hurt in motor vehicle accidents across Southern California and beyond. If you or a family member has been injured, contact San Diego car accident attorney Keith Stone at (619) 531-2022 or 888-59-HELP-NOW. Also, be sure to order a free copy of our informative guide, What To Do In An Auto Accident.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
There are many reasons why you should never delay medical treatment after a San Diego auto accident, with the most important involving your health. The minutes, hours, and days following a crash are not the time to try to “tough it out” and be brave. If you are in a serious accident, get medical treatment. It is that simple.
If you need additional incentives to seek medical treatment, keep reading.
Two Major Reasons to Get Treated Immediately after a San Diego Car Accident
Not many people create a plan ahead of time regarding what they will do in the event of a car accident. Instead, they take it one step at a time. Sadly, mistakes are sometimes made along the way that can impact their health and ability to file an insurance claim. Make sure you don’t make these same errors. Below are two important reasons to get treated by a physician right after a car wreck.
- You may be underestimating the extent of your injuries. How do you know the difference between a minor headache and a brain injury? It is not the time to guess what is causing your pain. Brain injuries can be deadly and need to be treated immediately. And that is just one example. Keep in mind that there are other serious injuries that may present themselves as minor symptoms.
- A delay in treatment doesn’t look good to the insurance company. Your number-one priority is your health and should be the biggest reason to get medical care. However, there is another reason to go to the doctor, which can affect your pocketbook. If you decide to pursue an injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, a delay in medical care looks questionable. The insurance company will wonder why you waited and may become doubtful regarding the severity of your injuries.
Get Help with Your Case
Many car accident claims can be successfully resolved. However, it is a different issue when significant injuries are involved. If you have been hurt in a car wreck caused by another driver, contact experienced San Diego car accident lawyer Keith Stone today at (619) 531-2022 or 888-59-HELP-NOW. Also, be sure to order a free copy of our informative guide, What to Do in an Auto Accident.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
There is very little doubt that still remains regarding the dangers of texting and driving. It is one of the most dangerous types of driver distractions—so dangerous, in fact, that the state of California has imposed a law to make the practice illegal. Yet, that hasn’t stopped drivers from participating in the hazardous behavior.
How Dangerous is Texting and Driving?
The federal government created a website dedicated to public awareness regarding distracted driving. This website, Distraction.gov, has some alarming facts and figures about texting and driving. According to the site, texting and driving is at the top of dangerous behind-the-wheel activities because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction, all at the same time. Distraction.gov puts texting and driving in perspective by explaining that “sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded. It’s extraordinarily dangerous.”
What Does the Law Have to Say?
In 2009, it became illegal in California to write, send, or read a text message on a wireless device while operating a motor vehicle. Anyone in violation of this law, known as the Wireless Communications Device Law, could be issued a citation and fined. However, you have to remember that the consequences of texting and driving can be greater than a simple traffic ticket—it can cause a serious car accident. Each year, distracted-driving accidents claim countless lives around the country.
Can You Hold a Distracted Driver Liable?
If you were harmed in a distracted-driving accident, you may be able to hold the other driver liable for his or her actions. A negligent driver could be responsible for your damages, such as medical bills, lost income, and more. It is important to talk with an experienced San Diego auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
To learn more about your rights and options following a car accident, contact car accident lawyer Keith Stone today at (619) 531-2022 or 888-59-HELP-NOW. You will be able to get answers to your questions and help with determining the next steps.
While you are on our website, be sure to order a free copy of our informative guide, What to Do in an Auto Accident.
The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:
