Los Angeles Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer

Texting and driving is illegal in most states and has become a growing problem on California roadways. Drivers can get distracted by many things, whether inside or outside their vehicles. Unfortunately, when a driver willingly texts while driving, they recklessly put everyone at risk, including themselves.

If you were injured by a driver who chose to text instead of focus on the road, a Los Angeles texting and driving accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

• Since 1972, we’ve recovered over $2 billion for our clients. Read our client testimonials to see our success. Client testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary depending on the facts of each case.
• Our team has a deep understanding of California law across 14 locations. Our proven results show our commitment to securing the compensation that accounts for all your suffering. Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
• We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront attorney’s fees. Legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered.

Trusted Legal Help in Los Angeles

Founded in 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has represented California injury victims for over 50 years. With 14 locations statewide and over $2 billion recovered for clients, we focus on serious personal injury cases that demand thorough investigation, strategic preparation, and a willingness to go to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlements.

Why clients choose Jacoby & Meyers:

• Over 50 years of serving California
• 14 offices across the state
• Available 24/7 for free consultations

Click here to get an expert assessment. Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Can I Afford a Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer?

Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages create financial strain when you’re already coping with injuries and uncertainty about your recovery. Hiring legal representation may feel like an added burden you cannot afford.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we represent texting-and-driving accident victims on a contingency-fee basis. This means:

• No upfront attorney costs — you pay our lawyers nothing to start your case
• No hourly bill — our payment comes from any settlement or verdict we obtain
• No hidden charges — case evaluations and consultations are completely free

This structure allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your claim.

What To Do After a Texting and Driving Accident

• Seek medical attention immediately — even if you feel fine, some injuries have delayed symptoms
• Follow all prescribed treatment plans — gaps in medical care can be used against you by insurance companies
• Document everything — take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any visible evidence
• Avoid recorded statements to insurers — politely decline until you speak with an attorney
• Preserve evidence when possible — keep damaged personal items, repair estimates, and medical records
• Speak with a texting and driving accident lawyer — early legal guidance protects your rights and strengthens your claim

Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

Insurance adjusters often contact texting-and-driving accident victims quickly, offering quick settlements that sound generous but fall short of covering long-term medical needs or future lost income. These early offers rarely account for complications, ongoing treatment, or permanent impairment.

Under California law, once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen. Before accepting any offer or providing a recorded statement, consult with an attorney who can accurately assess the full scope of your damages and negotiate from a position of legal strength.

Common Causes of Texting and Driving Accidents

Texting while driving is prohibited under California Vehicle Code §23123.5, yet violations remain common. According to a 2025 California Office of Traffic Safety Public Opinion Survey, 71.4% of Californians identified distracted driving due to texting as one of their top traffic safety concerns on California roads.

Distracted driving crashes typically result from:

• Visual distraction — the driver’s eyes leave the road to read or send messages
• Manual distraction — hands leave the wheel to type or swipe
• Cognitive distraction — mental focus shifts to the conversation rather than to traffic conditions
• Device use beyond texting — scrolling social media, checking GPS, or watching videos
• Young or inexperienced drivers — teen drivers account for a disproportionate share of distracted driving incidents

Los Angeles traffic conditions amplify these risks. Stop-and-go congestion on the I-5, I-10, I-405, and US-101 creates frequent opportunities for distracted driving, while high pedestrian and cyclist volumes near downtown and tourist areas increase the consequences of inattention.

Common Injuries in Texting and Driving Accidents

Distracted driving crashes often occur at higher speeds because the at-fault driver fails to brake or swerve. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries — concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries — partial or complete paralysis affecting mobility and independence
• Broken bones — fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or facial bones
• Internal injuries — organ damage, internal bleeding, or abdominal trauma
• Soft tissue injuries — whiplash, sprains, ligament tears, and muscle damage
• Lacerations and scarring — cuts from shattered glass or twisted metal
• Psychological trauma — anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder following the crash

These injuries often require emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment. Accurate documentation of your medical needs is essential to recovering fair compensation.

Who May Be Liable?

California law allows injured parties to pursue compensation from all parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. In texting and driving cases, liability may extend beyond the driver:

• The distracted driver — primary liability rests with the individual who chose to text while driving.
• Employers — if the driver was working at the time of the crash, the employer may be liable under vicarious liability principles.
• Parents or guardians — if a minor driver caused the accident, parents may share responsibility.
• Vehicle owners — registered owners who entrusted their vehicle to a negligent driver may face liability.
• Government entities — poorly maintained roads, defective traffic signals, or inadequate signage can contribute to crashes.

Determining all responsible parties requires thorough investigation and legal analysis. Jacoby & Meyers conducts independent investigations to identify sources of potential recovery.

If a Teen Driver Is Involved in Your Case

While anyone can be guilty of texting and driving, teenage drivers tend to be more prone to this bad habit than older age groups. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, 5% of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes were reported to be distracted at the time of the crash. For drivers aged 15 to 20, that number rose to 7%, making them the age group with the largest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes.

Teen drivers are new to the road and lack the experience of those who have been driving for years. As a result, they have higher crash rates, often several times higher than older, more experienced drivers, due to less-developed hazard recognition and control skills.

If your accident involved a teen driver, you might need to consult your lawyer on who to pursue for compensation. If the driver is still legally a minor, their parents might have vicarious liability over them. Otherwise, you may pursue compensation from the driver if they are 18 or 19. Your texting and driving accident attorney can help you determine which route to take.

Why This Case Type Is Legally Complex

Texting and driving cases involve legal and evidentiary challenges that require experienced representation:

• Proving device use at the time of the crash — phone records, app data, and witness testimony must be obtained and analyzed quickly
• Comparative negligence disputes — insurance companies may argue you contributed to the accident, reducing your potential recovery.
• Medical causation issues — linking your injuries directly to the accident requires expert medical testimony.
• Multiple insurance policies — determining which policies apply and in what order requires careful analysis of coverage terms
• Evidence preservation — critical data may be deleted or overwritten without early intervention

These complexities make early legal representation essential to building a strong case.

Our Personal Injury Case Results

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements on behalf of local accident victims in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Some of our personal injury case results include:

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

California law recognizes two primary categories of damages in personal injury cases:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, hospitalization)
• Future medical care (physical therapy, medications, assistive devices)
• Lost income from missed work during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical discomfort and emotional distress)
• Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, fear)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in hobbies, recreation, or daily activities)
• Permanent disability or disfigurement (scarring, amputation, paralysis)
• Loss of consortium (impact on relationships with spouse or family members)

Accurately calculating these damages requires medical records, expert testimony, employment documentation, and detailed evidence. A distracting driving accident lawyer works with medical professionals, economists, and vocational experts to document the full impact of your injuries.

California Statute of Limitations

California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Important exceptions:

• Government claims — if a city, county, or state entity contributed to your accident, you must file an administrative claim within six months
• Minors — the statute of limitations may be extended if the injured party is under 18
• Discovery rule — in rare cases involving latent injuries, the deadline may begin when you discover the harm

Missing these deadlines typically results in permanent loss of your right to pursue compensation. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit, it’s important to act quickly to meet the deadline. Contact Jacoby & Meyers today for a case evaluation. A Los Angeles texting and driving accident lawyer from our team can help you determine your eligibility and take the necessary steps to begin the legal process.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Texting and Driving Accident Cases

Insurance companies protect their own financial interests, not yours. An experienced personal injury attorney from Jacoby & Meyers levels the playing field. We will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. Our texting and distracting accident lawyers will:

• Prove the full extent of your injuries by gathering medical evidence to counter claims that they are minor or pre-existing.
• Establish clear liability by building a strong case that demonstrates the other driver was at fault, protecting you from unfair blame under California’s comparative negligence rules.
• Calculate your total damages to ensure your settlement includes future medical costs and lost earning capacity, not just immediate expenses.
• Manage the claim timeline so you are not pressured into accepting an inadequate settlement before the full impact of your injuries is known.

With Jacoby & Meyers, you can focus on your recovery while we protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation that reflects the seriousness of your injuries.

How Jacoby & Meyers Prepares Serious Cases for Settlement or Trial

Our approach to texting and driving accident cases is thorough, strategic, and results-focused:

1. Early investigation and evidence preservation — we obtain police reports, witness statements, phone records, and surveillance footage before it disappears
2. Coordination with medical providers and experts — we work with treating physicians and independent medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
3. Documentation of past, current, and future damages — we calculate not just what you’ve lost, but what you will continue to lose due to your injuries.
4. Strategic demand preparation supported by evidence — we present insurance companies with clear, compelling documentation that leaves no room for lowball offers.
5. Readiness to file a lawsuit and proceed to trial — if negotiations stall or insurers refuse fair settlements, we are prepared to take your case to court.

This preparation positions us to negotiate from a position of strength and pursue fair compensation.

How to Choose the Right Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Distracted driving crashes can cause devastating injuries and long-term disruption to your health and financial stability. Despite clear evidence of texting, phone use, or inattention, insurance companies may still try to minimize the driver’s responsibility or question the seriousness of your injuries.

The right distracted driving accident attorney Los Angeles can offer will investigate thoroughly and build your case with strong evidence from the start.

Experience With Serious Crash Injuries

Distracted driving cases often involve significant trauma and complex liability issues. Your attorney should understand how to handle claims involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal and orthopedic injuries
• Internal injuries requiring surgery
• Long-term rehabilitation needs
• Permanent limitations affecting work and daily life

Jacoby & Meyers has represented injured Californians for decades and recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements in serious injury cases. Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Reputation and Professional Recognition

In high-value injury claims, credibility matters. Well-established firms with recognized attorneys are often taken more seriously during negotiations. Jacoby & Meyers attorneys have been recognized by different organizations.

Knowledge of California Law and Deadlines

A qualified Los Angeles attorney should understand:

• Local court procedures and filing requirements
• How to prove distracted driving (phone records, witness statements, video evidence)
• Insurance defense strategies
• Strict deadlines, especially when government entities are involved

Our attorneys are adept at applying the nuances of California law to pursue a recovery.

Trial Preparation

Distracted driving cases can involve substantial damages. A firm prepared to present evidence and expert testimony before a jury strengthens your position if fair settlement discussions fail.

Choosing the right distracted driving accident lawyer in Los Angeles can make a meaningful difference in pursuing a recovery and protecting your future.

What to Bring to Your First Texting-and-Driving Accident Consultation

After a crash caused by texting and driving, it’s normal to feel shaken and overwhelmed. You don’t need everything perfectly organized to get started. Even basic details allow us to begin protecting your rights right away.

If available, bring:

• Medical records, discharge papers, and bills
• Photos or videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
• A copy of the police or traffic collision report
• Insurance details and any communication from adjusters
• Proof of missed work and out-of-pocket expenses
• Notes about what happened, including anything suggesting phone use or distraction

If you don’t have all of these documents yet, that’s okay. We can help obtain records and preserve important evidence, such as phone data and traffic footage. The most important step is reaching out early so your case is protected while you focus on healing.

Client Testimonials

We stand with our clients, building relationships on trust and reliability. Our team is here to support you through your most challenging times.

“Very happy and pleased to have contacted Jacoby & Meyers to handle my injury case. Yesica Ramirez is my case manager. Thanks to her professionalism and genuine dedication, everything has been a breeze, and I feel at ease during this unexpected chapter. Thank you for your hard work and for assuring me that my case is in great hands!” – Juan Ramirez from Google Review.

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

Our Track Record of Success

For over 50 years, Jacoby & Meyers has successfully recovered compensation for clients with spinal cord injuries and other personal injury cases throughout California.

• $19 Million – Ride Share Passenger V. Auto / Quadriplegic
• $11.9 Million – Wrongful Death V. Truck
• $9.24 Million – Auto V. Pedestrian / Spinal Cord Injury
• $1.1 Million – Auto V. Auto

Read our case studies to learn how we protect our clients’ rights.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is evaluated based on its unique facts and evidence.

What Our Clients Have To Say

Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me

Jacoby & Meyers serves injured clients throughout California, with offices in:

• Orange County
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• San Bernardino
• Sacramento
• Ontario
• Oakland
• Los Angeles
• Fresno 
• Escondido
• Brea
• Bakersfield

Wherever you are in California, our team is available to evaluate your case and provide experienced legal representation.

See the areas we serve here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still recover compensation if the at-fault driver was uninsured?

Yes. If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. California law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, though drivers may waive it. Review your policy with an attorney to determine your options.

What if the at-fault driver was a teenager?

If a minor caused your accident, their parents or guardians may be liable under California law. Parents can be held responsible for their child’s negligent driving under certain circumstances, and homeowner’s insurance policies may provide coverage. An attorney can evaluate all potential sources of recovery.

How does comparative fault work in California?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you receive $80,000. Insurance companies often exaggerate your fault to reduce payouts. An attorney can challenge these claims and protect your recovery.

What if my symptoms appeared days or weeks after the accident?

Many serious injuries, including concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, have delayed symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately if new symptoms develop, even if you initially felt fine. California’s statute of limitations generally begins on the date of the accident, not when symptoms appear, so prompt legal consultation is essential.

How can I prove the other driver was texting?

Evidence may include phone records, eyewitness testimony, traffic or surveillance footage, admissions made at the scene, and police observations noted in the accident report. In some cases, attorneys can formally request phone data during the investigation.

How much does it cost to hire Jacoby & Meyers?

Nothing upfront. We represent texting-and-driving accident victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only collect payment if we win your case. Our fee comes from any settlement or verdict we obtain, and initial consultations are always free.

For more information, visit our FAQ page. 

Directory

Emergency Rooms

• Los Angeles General Medical Center 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
• Harbor-UCLA Medical Center– 1000 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90509
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center -14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, CA 91342
• Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center– 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – 1300 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Urgent Care Centers

• Care Fast Urgent Care- Burbank – 353 N Pass Ave Ste D Burbank, CA 91505
• First Aid Urgent Care – 7204 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042
• Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center – 245 S. Fetterly Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022
• H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center – 2829 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Ladera Urgent Care – 5311 W Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Local Courthouses

• Airport Courthouse – 11701 S. La Cienega, Los Angeles, CA 90045
• Central Arraignment Courthouse – 429 Bauchet St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center – 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Disclaimer: We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing them on our website.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a texting and driving accident alone. Jacoby & Meyers has spent over 50 years helping California injury victims pursue the compensation that covers their overall losses.

Our commitment to you:

• Free, no-obligation case evaluations
• Open 24/7 to answer your questions
• Phone, online form, and live chat options available

If a distracted driver’s negligence injured you or someone you love, contact our Los Angeles distracted driving lawyers today. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Attorney Review & Office Information

Attorney Review Disclosure
California-licensed attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers have reviewed this content to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable California law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of California.

Los Angeles Office
Jacoby & Meyers
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1150S
Los Angeles, CA 90067

24/7 Hotline: (213) 296-0792

Other Cases We Take On

• Car Accidents
• Personal Injury
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Scooter Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Hit and Run Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Boat Accident
• Bicycle Accidents
• Paraplegia Injury
• Brain Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Laceration Injury
• Orthopedic Injury
• Whiplash Injury
• Amputations
• Broken Bone Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Quadriplegia Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Back Injury
• Rideshare Accidents