Distracted Driver

Providing experienced legal counsel to clients injured in crashes caused by cell phone use

When most people think of dangerous drivers, their first thoughts may be drunk drivers or teenagers racing around, putting other drivers in danger. A different form of dangerous driving has become extremely prevalent in California and causes a large number of serious crashes each year. That danger is called distracted driving. Distracted driving isn’t new. Drivers have been distracted by newspapers and food for as long as there have been cars. What is different now, however, is that drivers are using their GPS, phone and other electronic devices while they drive. These devices now play a part in many San Jose car wrecks. If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, you need an attorney with experience. Since 1978, the Law Office of Robert B. Kopelson has been representing people injured in car accidents. I exclusively handle personal injury cases and have a deep understanding of California law.

Distracted driving creates dangerous situations on the road

It is estimated that some form of driver inattention is involved in up to 80% of auto accidents. Many of these cases involve the use of cell phones for talking, texting or social media. Using a cell phone to speak, even with a hands-free device, drastically reduces the amount of attention a driver pays to the road. Texting, typing or reading messages on a cell phone is even more distracting because a driver’s eyes and mind are both diverted from the road. Looking away from the road makes it difficult to react to sudden obstacles or changes in road conditions. It also puts other drivers at risk. If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, my San Jose law firm can help.

California laws against distracted driving

California combats the problem of distracted driving with a serious of laws. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in the state unless a hands-free device is used. No texting or text-based communication of any kind is allowed by someone operating a vehicle. Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use any type of wireless communication device while driving. California convicted over 425,000 people of distracted driving violations involving phones in 2013 alone.

Getting justice after a car accident

It is important to know what to do after a car accident. The first thing you should do is get yourself and anyone else involved to a safe location, if possible. Then, contact the police and seek medical attention. Once you are safe, your next step should be to contact an attorney. My firm helps victims seek damages after all types of auto accidents. I pursue claims against insurance companies, other drivers and even trucking companies. I will seek damages through a settlement or in court to help you pay your medical bills and to compensate you for your pain and suffering. If you are unable to work, I will aggressively pursue damages for lost wages or diminished earning capacity. I have been helping victims of distracted driving and other accidents for over 42 years.

Let me help you get the compensation you need to move on with life

When you have been hurt, you need an attorney with experience to help you hold negligent drivers liable and to recover payment from insurance companies. At the Law Office of Robert B. Kopelson, I provide my clients with personalized service and dedicated representation. My office is conveniently located in downtown San Jose to serve clients in Santa Clara County, the San Francisco Bay area and throughout California. Use my online contact form or call me now at 408.293.4000 to arrange a free consultation.