Every day in California, distracted driving causes countless collisions, leading to injuries and devastating losses for families. So, what are the three main categories of distracted driving? They are visual, manual, and cognitive distractions—each capable of taking your attention away from the road differently. Visual distractions pull your eyes away from what’s ahead, manual distractions take your hands off the steering wheel, and cognitive distractions shift your focus and judgment away from safe driving.
At Glotzer & Leib, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents turn lives upside down. If you were hurt by a distracted driver, knowing what qualifies as distraction can strengthen your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
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Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in California, resulting in thousands of preventable injuries every year. The California DMV warns that any activity taking your attention off driving, whether for a few seconds or longer, dramatically increases the risk of an accident. Even glancing at your phone for five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
These behaviors are dangerous because they delay reaction time, reduce awareness of traffic conditions, and increase the likelihood of collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. When drivers choose to multitask, they put everyone around them at risk.
Now, let’s break down the three primary categories and why each is dangerous.
Visual distractions occur when you take your eyes off the road, even for a moment. This can include checking a text message, looking at a GPS or navigation screen, or turning to glance at passengers or scenery. These few seconds can make a huge difference.
At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without watching traffic. Missing a stoplight, a pedestrian in a crosswalk, or a sudden slowdown ahead can lead to a devastating crash.
In many cases, these incidents happen so quickly that drivers cannot react in time to avoid harm.
At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.
Manual distractions occur when you remove one or both hands from the steering wheel, reducing control and reaction time. Examples include eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or climate controls, or reaching for objects inside the vehicle. Even a quick adjustment can interfere with your ability to steer safely.
Those seconds matter if another car swerves or a child enters the street. A distracted driver’s inability to respond instantly often leads to chain-reaction collisions or severe injuries.
Manual distractions are especially dangerous in heavy traffic, where sudden lane changes and stops are frequent.
Cognitive distractions happen when your mind is no longer driving, even though your eyes may be on the road and your hands are on the wheel. This includes talking on the phone, even hands-free, daydreaming, thinking about work, or engaging in intense conversations with passengers.
Mental distractions reduce your ability to anticipate hazards and process what you see. For example, a mentally preoccupied driver might notice brake lights but fail to react quickly enough. These lapses often result in rear-end collisions and other preventable accidents.
In California, proving cognitive distraction can be complex, but it remains a significant cause of serious crashes.
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Proving that a driver was distracted is often challenging, but it’s crucial if you’re seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here are some ways an attorney can build a strong case:
Insurance companies often deny or minimize claims, so it’s essential to have a legal team that can uncover evidence and negotiate accordingly.
Distracted driving collisions can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. At Glotzer & Leib, we’ve helped countless Californians hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation they need to move forward. Call us today at 747-241-8288 for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Joshua W. Glotzer is a Super Lawyers-recognized personal injury attorney and Managing Partner at Glotzer & Leib, LLP. With over 25 years of experience and multiple seven-figure recoveries, he handles complex cases involving car accidents, slip and falls, and elder abuse. Known for his personalized, results-driven approach, Glotzer ensures every client receives the skilled representation they deserve.
“Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.
His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”
“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
“Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”
“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
“I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”
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