If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, navigating the complex world of personal injury damages and personal injury compensation can be overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll break down the types of compensation and damages available in a personal injury claim in CA and provide guidance on how to maximize your potential recovery.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are the financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of your injuries. These damages are intended to compensate you for the out-of-pocket expenses you’ve incurred.

Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, prescription medications, and ongoing treatments
• Lost wages from missed work due to your injuries
• Lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or limit your ability to work
• Property damage, such as repairs or replacement costs for a damaged vehicle
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries, such as transportation costs or in-home care

Economic damages are typically calculated by adding up your actual expenses and losses. This process usually involves reviewing medical bills, pay stubs, and other relevant documentation.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are intended to compensate you for the non-financial losses you’ve suffered due to your injuries. These damages are more subjective and can be challenging to quantify.

Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse)

Non-economic damages are typically calculated based on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your quality of life, and your age. There is no fixed formula for calculating non-economic damages, and they often depend on the unique circumstances of your case.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are intended to punish the at-fault party for their wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses but instead, serve as a penalty.

Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, such as drunk driving or intentional harm.

There is no fixed formula for calculating punitive damages, and they are often determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as the severity of the defendant’s conduct and their financial resources may be considered.

Factors That Affect the Amount of Compensation

Compensation for each case is unique. There are factors that you should expect to have an impact on the amount of compensation you may recover despite its similarities to other victims’ claims. These factors include:

• Severity of the Injuries: The more severe your injuries, the higher your potential compensation may be, as you’re likely to have more significant medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
• Cost of Medical Treatment: The cost of your medical treatment can significantly impact your compensation, as higher medical expenses will typically result in a larger economic damages award.
• Impact on Quality of Life: If your injuries have had a substantial impact on your quality of life, you may be entitled to greater non-economic damages.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have limited your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly after your accident and follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations. This not only ensures your well-being but also helps demonstrate the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Know What You Are Entitled With the Help of San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys

Understanding the types of compensation and damages available in a personal injury claim in CA is vital for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. By seeking medical attention, documenting your expenses, and working with a skilled San Diego personal injury attorney, you can maximize your chances of a successful outcome. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone for a consultation.

Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic event, leaving you feeling shaken and disoriented. Amid the chaos, it’s not uncommon for accident victims to question whether they should seek medical attention. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of seeking medical attention after a CA car accident and the types of injuries to watch out for. We’ll also discuss how documenting your medical treatment can support your case should you need the assistance of a skilled San Diego personal injury attorney.

Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention following a car accident is crucial for several reasons:

• Protecting your health: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent or may worsen over time. By seeking prompt medical attention, you can ensure that any injuries are identified and treated appropriately.
• Documenting your injuries: A medical examination can provide critical documentation of your injuries, which can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies and pursuing legal claims.
• Protecting your legal rights: Delaying medical treatment can weaken your case if you decide to seek compensation, as it may be argued that your injuries were not caused by accident or were not as severe as you claim.

Types of Injuries To Look Out for After a Car Accident

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is rapidly jerked back and forth, causing strain to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms may not appear immediately, so it’s essential to seek medical attention even if you don’t feel pain right away.

Head Injuries

Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries, can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, or changes in mood or behavior. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect a head injury, as early intervention can improve your prognosis.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from the force of a car accident and can lead to permanent disability or paralysis. If you experience pain, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, seek medical attention immediately.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Car accidents can cause various fractures and broken bones, ranging from minor to severe. Even if you suspect a minor fracture, it’s essential to seek medical attention to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or unexplained bruising. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect internal injuries.

When To Seek Medical Attention

It’s always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately, so it’s essential to be proactive in protecting your health and well-being.

Documenting Your Medical Treatment

When seeking medical attention, be sure to keep thorough records of your treatment, including:

• Medical bills and receipts
• Records of diagnoses and treatments
• Notes from healthcare providers
• Information about any prescribed medications

This documentation can be crucial when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal claims.

Seek Legal Help for Your Car Accident Injuries

Car accident lawyers in CA, like the San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone, can provide critical assistance throughout the aftermath of a car accident. By seeking medical attention and enlisting the help of a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney, you can protect your legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Remember, your health and well-being should always be your top priority following a car accident. By seeking prompt medical attention and working with experienced car accident lawyers CA, you can take control of your situation and begin the process of healing, both physically and emotionally.

The aftermath of a car accident can be a confusing and overwhelming time. Once you’ve navigated the immediate scene of the accident and returned home, you may find yourself unsure of what steps to take next. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential steps you should take after a CA car accident, providing guidance and reassurance as you begin the process of recovery and seek to protect your legal rights.

Assess Your Injuries and Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do once you’re home is to assess your injuries and seek medical attention if necessary. Even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor for a thorough examination. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can cause long-term complications if left untreated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

After ensuring your health and well-being, contact your insurance company to report the accident and begin the claims process. Provide them with all the necessary details and documentation, such as photos of the accident scene, the police report, and any medical records related to your injuries.

Obtain a Copy of the Police Report

The police report is a critical piece of documentation in the aftermath of a car accident. It provides an official account of the incident, which can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies and any potential legal claims. To obtain a copy, contact the police department that responded to your accident and request a copy of the report. There may be a small fee involved, but it’s well worth it for the information and protection it provides.

Document Your Damages and Expenses

In addition to obtaining a copy of the police report, it’s crucial to document any damages and expenses related to the accident. This includes:

• Damage to your vehicle and any personal property inside
• Medical bills and records of treatments related to the accident
• Lost wages due to missed work
• Any additional expenses, such as transportation costs or in-home care

Keep detailed records and receipts of all your expenses to ensure you have a comprehensive account of the financial impact of the accident.

Negotiating With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

In many cases, you’ll need to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to receive compensation for your damages and expenses. It’s important to remember that insurance adjusters are focused on minimizing the company’s payout, so it’s crucial to be prepared and knowledgeable about your rights when entering into negotiations. This is where the expertise of a skilled CA car accident lawyer can be invaluable.

Consult a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney

Seeking the assistance of a San Diego personal injury attorney, such as those at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone, can provide invaluable guidance and support during this challenging time. A car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Car accident lawyers in CA, like the San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone, can provide critical assistance throughout the aftermath of a car accident. By enlisting the help of a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney, you can protect your legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone for a consultation. Our dedicated team of San Diego personal injury attorneys is ready to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve and the support you need during this challenging time.

Imagine you’re driving along the picturesque streets of California, enjoying the beautiful weather, when suddenly, out of nowhere, you find yourself in the middle of a car accident. It’s an all-too-common scenario that can leave even the most experienced drivers feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. The moments immediately following a car accident are crucial, both for ensuring the safety of everyone involved and for protecting your legal rights. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to take at the scene of a CA car accident, so you can feel confident and prepared should the unexpected happen.

Safety First

Your safety, as well as the safety of the other driver(s) and any passengers, should be your top priority following a car accident. Before exiting your vehicle, make sure it’s safe to do so – check for oncoming traffic and ensure you’re not putting yourself or others in harm’s way.

Move Vehicles to a Safe Location

If possible, move your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the accident to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. This will help prevent additional accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Turn On Hazard Lights

Once your vehicle is in a safe location, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation. This will help prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Assess Injuries and Call for Emergency Medical Assistance if Needed

Check yourself, any passengers in your vehicle, and the other driver(s) for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and request emergency medical assistance. It’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of everyone involved before focusing on other details.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This should include:

• Name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license and license plate number
• Make, model, and color of each vehicle involved

Be sure to also take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any other relevant details.

Contact the Police

In some cases, you may be required to contact the police following a car accident – for example, if there are injuries, significant property damage, or if the accident is blocking traffic. Even if it’s not legally required, contacting the police can be helpful for documenting the accident and providing an official report, which can be useful when dealing with insurance companies and any potential legal claims.

Contact Your Insurance Company

After you’ve gathered all the necessary information and contacted the police, reach out to your insurance company to report the accident. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim and can provide further assistance, such as arranging for a tow truck or rental car if needed.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

It’s important to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney following a car accident, particularly if there are injuries or significant property damage involved. The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone is well-equipped to handle CA car accident cases and can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring your rights are protected.

Car accident lawyers in CA, such as the San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone, can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the aftermath of a car accident. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, deal with insurance companies and ensure you receive fair compensation, gather evidence to support your claim, and represent you in court, if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone for a consultation. Our dedicated team of San Diego personal injury attorneys is ready to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve and the support you need during this difficult time.

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear end collisions are the most common car accident. Meanwhile, based on the Drive Safely report, there are more than 2.5 million rear endings every year.

Thus, rear end collisions are a common form of auto accident often referred to as a “fender bender,” but the results can be both severe and significant.

If you are injured in an auto accident, you may need help. The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone are the rear end accident attorney you need to help you understand your rear end collision.

Causes of Rear End Collision

Rear end collision is a type of auto accident where one car strikes the car in front in a straight-on pattern; the NHTSA further reports that most of these accidents are caused by distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or watching a construction zone.

A large portion of these accidents also occurs in industrial areas. In general, if you get hit from behind either while stopping or moving — it is not your fault. And while rear end collisions are common, the result can be real injuries.

Rear End Collision Injuries and Compensation

A San Diego CA car accident attorney sees many injuries caused by a rear end auto collision. Mild accidents typically result in mild pain, strains, and bruises which may heal independently. Whiplash and neck strain are some of the most common injuries after this type of accident, although there is the possibility of bruising from seatbelts, steering wheel, or airbag.

More severe injuries can easily begin in the same way and progress to long-term or serious issues from concussion to internal bleeding, so always see a doctor after an accident. With a high-speed rear ending, you may not even be able to walk away from an accident, and the injuries may be too myriad to easily catalog, resulting in long-term rehabilitation, surgery, chronic pain — or even disability and death.

Significant injuries will also result in loss of income due to the associated loss of work from sick time. Work-related injuries can jeopardize your job and overall income, in addition to mounting medical bills — from an accident that is not your fault. And while it is not your fault, a rear end collision could cost you thousands and thousands of dollars.

Getting involved in rear end collisions and experiencing injuries that could be long-term gives you the entitlement to recover damages and compensation. Do not settle for paying for someone else’s mistake. Instead, contact an attorney to help you in your rear end accident and injuries; a San Diego car accident lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries.

A San Diego CA Car Accident Attorney Can Help You

A San Diego CA car accident attorney, Keith J. Stone is trained to help you document and record all events of an accident to help make the strongest possible case when presenting your claims to the court.  He will handle the paperwork and can hire the experts needed to prove your claim and track down any responsible parties. Further, he understands how much compensation you need, predicting your potential health concerns going forward.

Keith J. Stone can also assist you in making your employer understand why you need time off and limited duties until you are healed. Do not miss out on the compensation you deserve after a rear end collision. When someone rear ends your auto, it is time to take action — contact the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone today!

Head-on collisions are the most devastating and destructive of all the types of vehicle accidents seen by a San Diego CA car accident attorney.

Following the dynamics of physics, head-on collisions typically release the most energy when vehicles hit each other – moving in opposite directions versus angular or similar ones, such as the side or parallel impacts. As a result, these accidents have the highest level of fatalities for drivers and passengers, resulting in almost 58 percent of incidents in 2017 has some kind of death for those involved.

In many cases, head-on collisions are the result of opposite traffic traveling too close to each other, such as driving on one-lane country roads where there is no barrier between different directions of traffic. However, such impacts can also occur on city streets, particularly in turn lane situations where the turning car does not slow down, and the opposing direction vehicle is moving at full speed as well.

In these instances, help from the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone is essential.

Causes of Head-on Collision

The causes of head-on collisions frequently range from poor driving conditions and visibility to reckless driving on the operator’s part. In some cases, the root cause can also be a mechanical failure as well. The frequency of these collisions tends to happen far more often in rural locations, and the combination of speed and impact with remoteness often contributes to additional fatalities being far from help and immediate medical response.

Unfortunately, many head-on collisions also occur in urban and suburban streets due to poor driver actions, including driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving while using a mobile device, falling asleep, or impaired operational ability. In some areas, reckless driving has become increasingly common, with night-time accidents increasing dramatically as a result.

All of these factors have and continue to contribute to preventable car accidents, including those that ultimately end up killing a victim in an opposite car or the errant driver or both.

Liability in a Head-on Collision

Successful legal representation oftentimes starts with nailing down the facts of what happened. In multiple cases, the responsible party generally knows they have made driving mistakes, but panicky attempts will be made to cover things up – such as trying to wipe phone or texting records off of a mobile device, accusing the other driver of vehicular errors on the road, bad driving conditions, mysterious animals that cannot be found after the fact in terms of the accident remains, and more.

Injuries and Compensation

The injuries in head-on collision car accidents are different from other kinds of car accidents. The injuries that occur in a head-on collision can be more severe and life-changing.

The injuries in head-on collisions are usually brain injury, neck injury, spinal cord injury, facial injury, and arm and leg injuries.

The compensations for head-on collisions are usually higher than the compensations for other types of car accidents. In most cases, the compensation is determined by the severity of the injury and how much it will affect your life going forward.

Additionally, insurance companies will many times argue about every avenue or claim to reduce claims or keep them at as low a cost as possible to reduce exposure to required coverage expenses. It is quite common for insurance companies to offer quick settlements to make a claim go away, seemingly offering cash up front, but in reality, trying to settle the matter at a cost far less than the real recovery will end up being.

All of these distractions can be problems in getting to the facts of a case without the expertise of a San Diego personal injury attorney representing a victim.

Make a Claim With a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney on Your Side

If you have been the victim of a head-on collision or have a family member, the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone can help. As a San Diego personal injury attorney, Keith Stone has litigated and recovered multiple cases for clients who have been preventable victims of bad driving and horrible accidents.

A head-on collision car accident can be life-changing, but it does not need to be the end of the story. Call the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone to find out more and not be another traffic statistic.

Accidents happen. We all know that one wrong glance at the dashboard, a barking pet, or a misadjusted mirror can cause a car accident. While unfortunate, this is understandable and a risk we take when getting on the road. Reckless driving, however, is something else entirely.

Reckless driving involves a party largely disregarding the rules of the road without thought to others’ safety. Not only are so many of these reckless driving accidents preventable, but the impacts are also often serious, causing significant harm to both people and property.

At the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone, we understand the grave nature of reckless driving, and we’re here to help.

Car Accident Law

Reckless driving causes accidents by exceeding the conditions of the road. California state law describes this act as, “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” The important part to understand is that the reckless driver disregards the rules — on purpose.

Types of reckless driving may include behaviors like:

• ignoring road signs & stop signs
• failure to signal when changing lanes or turning in a busy intersection

Other types of reckless driving include:

• using the shoulder as a passing lane
• driving in a “no driving” one as marked by the department of transportation
• excessive speeding

To be clear, a simple speeding ticket or traffic light ticket isn’t necessarily reckless driving — as the criteria must also include a “wanton disregard” for safety.

Many signs of reckless driving can also mirror or co-occur with driving under intoxication such as:

• erratic turning
• lane changes
• changes in speed

Because reckless driving accidents are considered an easily preventable risk, the penalties for these actions can be severe.

Reckless Driving Penalties

If someone is convicted of reckless driving California — it’s no joke. The penalties for a reckless ticket begin at the misdemeanor level, which includes a small fine, potential jail time, and probation.

A license suspension can be imposed by the judge too. If reckless driving also involves significant property damage or physical harm to a person, it can be combined with additional charges. Add on any intoxication, and there may be additional criminal charges.

California law does not acknowledge the term “reckless endangerment” but, instead, can enhance any of the above charges depending on the situation, such as reckless driving with young children involved. Out of all these penalties and consequences though, you’ll notice something missing — a guarantee of support for the victims of these careless acts.

Making a Claim for Punitive Damages

Making a claim for damages is the key to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. A claim can cover cash for your medical bills, reimbursement for your vehicle repairs and replacement, and importantly — punitive damages as a fair consequence of this wanton act. Getting punitive damages is often far from simple. Neither the insurance nor the defendant will want to pay, despite making a conscious choice to endanger both you and the public.

An experienced car accident lawyer knows exactly how to present your case and file your claim to obtain fast financial results. Ready to listen, an attorney is there to speak for your side of the situation, giving you a larger voice in the accident process.

In addition, attorneys and their teams understand the paperwork and the process to make your claim. Get in touch with our San Diego CA car accident attorney and make your case today.

Walking away from a car accident doesn’t mean you are okay. Car accidents involve heavy machinery impacting, and often this impact is at a significant speed. While a passenger may walk away from a crash, that doesn’t mean everything is fine. Oftentimes adrenaline and the shock of the situation can cause an injury, or complications may develop later.

The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone have worked with many clients with delayed injuries, and here are the signs you need to know about.

Common Delayed Injuries

You might not realize that it’s very common to have pain after car accident delayed. The reasons for these symptoms can vary, but in many cases, this is related to the swelling that can happen post-injury. Thinking of this simply, if you sprain an ankle running, it hurts but often doesn’t swell significantly until after the initial twisting motion.

Car accidents also don’t always display the results of the injury in the first five or fifteen minutes, and the complications from twists,  tears, and swelling will definitely become known over time. Delays may also be caused by the simple excitement of the accident. While not a happy excitement, shock can mask other injuries, drawing your attention away from existing harm until you slow down and have a moment to calm down as well.

Common types of delayed car accident injuries can include whiplash, back and neck injuries, shoulder injuries, and concussion.

Common Symptoms of Delayed Injuries

After car accident symptoms can vary from a minor annoyance to a severe and lasting injury. No matter what the severity, know that your physical health matters, and a San Diego car accident lawyer is here to listen and help you become whole again.

Common symptoms after an accident can relate to the motion of swinging suddenly and stopping short on impact. This can cause neck strain and potential spinal cord injuries, including bulging disks and hernias.

Common Causes of Delay

Impact injuries can also be common after a car accident.

Concussions occur when the brain impacts the skull and causes swelling and damage, and can easily occur without a visible bump or “goose egg”. Traumatic brain injuries should always be taken seriously due to potentially harmful consequences to your overall health.

You may also sustain injury from the seatbelt itself as it locks to keep you from greater harm. Torn rotator cuffs and even fractured collarbones can occur as your shoulder take the strain of impacts.

Impact injuries may not display initially, but many cannot heal correctly on their own without the support of a medical professional.

Making a Claim

Making a claim can help you manage the consequences of San Diego accidents. A claim is your legal tool to allow you to seek compensation for your pain, medical care, and loss of wages. Legal claims are your path to getting cash settlements to compensate you for your struggles, but the other party’s insurance company isn’t likely to make this an easy process.

Auto insurers employ expert adjusters whose job is to get things settled for the insurer. When making a claim, you’ll need an expert who is working exclusively for you.

An attorney knows how to “cross the t’s and dot the i’s” in any of the lengthy legal forms required to make your case. An attorney can help examine the evidence and plead your case about why you deserve money — and deserve it today.

We’re here to listen and provide you with professional guidance on your injuries after an accident. Contact your car accident lawyer San Diego CA  today!

Distracted driving accidents are increasingly common, resulting in over 3,000 deaths nationally every year, and over 400,000 people are injured annually according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident, it’s paramount to discuss your situation with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney immediately. Whether you’re the victim of distracted driving accidents or whether you may have caused one, Keith J. Stone is ready to handle your case with his knowledge and expertise in California distracted driving law.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Keith J. Stone handles dozens of distracted driving accident cases each year in California. Common distracted driving accidents include:

• Wiping something off of the dashboard or windshield
• Swatting at a bug
• Combing hair or applying makeup
• Reaching for an object in the glove compartment
• Trying to get something that has fallen on the floor of the vehicle
• Reading and writing
• Managing the radio or other display settings on the vehicle
• Eating or drinking
• Texting while driving
• Daydreaming or simply not paying attention
• Paying attention to storefronts, billboards, or pedestrians outside of the vehicle
• Pets roaming about the car
• Smoking, lighting, and extinguishing cigarettes while driving
• Speaking to passengers who are also in the car or managing children in the vehicle

Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Some injuries caused by distracted driving only affect the driver, such as crashing into a telephone pole on an empty road. However, many distracted driving accidents are more serious, causing death or injury to pedestrians and other drivers.

Fifteen percent of injury crashes, fifteen percent of crashes reported by police, and nine percent of crashes resulting in a fatality originate from distracted driving.

Because distracted drivers often don’t see an obstacle before it’s too late, they can do a lot of unintentional damage. For example, they could incur property damage by driving into a storefront; they could cause whiplash by rear-ending a car stopped in front of them. Worst of all, a distracted driver can veer into oncoming traffic, causing an unmitigated head-on, fatal collision.

Many distracted driving accidents result in hospitalization or even death. This causes pain, injury, suffering, loss of wages, and substantial emotional grief for the victim of a distracted driving accident. There are many, many expenses to account for when it comes to distracted driving, and no amount of money can return someone to their family if they have passed away as a result of a distracted driver.

Compensations and Penalties

California distracted driving law classified distracted driving as negligence, which means anyone harmed in a distracted driving accident may seek compensation from the driver at fault. Privately, your insurance may also provide you with a penalty or fine if you are issued any sort of citation for distracted driving, even if it did not result in an accident. If you’re caught with a texting ticket, you could see an increase in your insurance premiums from 12-45 percent in the state of California.

Whether you’ve become the victim of a distracted driver or whether you simply made a mistake as a distracted driver, Keith J. Stone can help. Your case will involve dealing with auto insurance, police tickets and reports, reviewing 911 calls, consolidating medical bills, and corresponding with the other party involved, all while managing day-to-day activities which may also involve recovery from serious injury or loss of a loved one. Rely on a trusted San Diego personal injury lawyer, Keith J. Stone to handle your case with compassion, care, and concern.