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At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we are deeply committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of the San Diego Elderly. Our Elder Abuse Resources provides a personal, compassionate, and professional approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing elder abuse. With our expert legal team by your side, you have access to essential information, and advice ensure every senior is treated with the respect and care they deserve. Trust Berman & Riedel, LLP to be your reliable legal partner in creating a safer, more supportive environment for our elders.

Types of Elder Abuse & Neglect

Hands-free Dashboard Technology Leads to Distracted Driving

Posted on June 13, 2013 by William M. Berman
Last Updated On: 5th February 2026, 08:15 pm

A recent study into the causes of distracted driving conducted by the Triple A Foundation challenges the notion that hands-free technology makes automobile operators more aware of their surroundings.  Car manufacturers have pushed hands-free dashboard technology on consumers as the safest way to multitask while at the wheel. The purported wisdom is that drivers who have both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road will cause less accidents.  The groundbreaking study by Triple A, however, suggests otherwise and may actually show that activating hands-free technology requires more concentration.  The increased concentration required to give verbal commands to in-car technology may be causing tunnel vision in drivers, making them unable to react to the overwhelming stimuli of everyday driving.  According to Triple A, “[b]y demonstrating that mentally-distracted drivers miss visual cues, have slower reaction times, and even exhibit a sort of tunnel vision, this study provides some of the strongest evidence yet that ‘hands-free’ doesn't mean risk free.”

The unfortunate result of distracted driving is often accidents and serious injuries.  While the law prohibits certain in-car distractions, such as non hands-free technology, motorists can still legally engage in other behaviors now known to be distracting.  The recent Triple A study illuminates some of those concerns beyond commonly known distractions, such as texting while driving and others that can cause automobile accidents.  At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we encourage all drivers to take their responsibility behind the wheel seriously, and eliminate distractions of all kinds when possible.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in an accident, please call our office today at (858) 350-8855.  Our legal team can meet with you and your family for an initial free consultation to discuss the rights you may have under California and federal law. To learn more about our team of attorneys, paralegals and staff please visit www.bermanlawyers.com.


About Berman & Riedel, LLP firm managing partner attorney William M. Berman:

William M. Berman
William M. Berman is a seasoned attorney and the founding partner of Berman & Riedel, LLP. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury and elder abuse law, William has successfully represented countless clients in complex legal matters, earning a reputation for his expertise, commitment to justice, and exceptional results. His work has been recognized by multiple legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. As a passionate advocate for the rights of vulnerable individuals, William is dedicated to ensuring that victims of elder abuse receive the justice they deserve. His blog contributions draw from his extensive experience and serve to educate and empower those seeking legal guidance.
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions people have about working with a lawyer. During your initial consultation, we will be happy to answer questions that are particular to your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Elder Abuse Attorney?

The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, accept elder and nursing home cases on a contingency-fee basis. This type of agreement means you do not pay any attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket for legal representation. Attorneys’ fees are also contingent on the outcome of your case.

You benefit from legal representation in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of a settlement or jury award. We will only recover a fee if you recover compensation.

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Loved One is the Victim of Elder Abuse?

The first step is to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening. Otherwise, it can be reported to the police and appropriate agencies. For abuse in the community or a hospital, call Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832. For abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact your local long-term care ombudsman or call 1-888-452-8609. 

The next step is contacting a California elder neglect lawyer to help you safeguard your loved one’s rights, investigate the abuse, and hold the facility accountable.

Can You Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?

There is no way to determine the exact value of an elder abuse or personal injury case, especially early in your case. However, an experienced attorney can give you an estimated range based on their experience with similar cases.

There are many factors that may influence the value of your case, such as:

  • Your total financial or economic damages
  • The severity of your injuries
  • The impact of your injuries on your daily life
  • The strength of your case
  • Whether you share fault for your accident
  • Insurance policy limits 

Some damages are easy to calculate, such as lost wages and medical bills. Calculating the value of diminished earnings for the rest of your life or future medical needs, however, may require the help of experts. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering have no intrinsic financial value. These damages are challenging to calculate. 

If your case goes before a jury, you may potentially be able to recover more than you could through a settlement. However, this introduces a new element of risk: the jury. The circumstances of your accident and even how sympathetic you or the defendant are can influence the outcome.

During your consultation and throughout your case, we will help you understand how these factors influence your case. We will also work tirelessly to document the value of all your damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

The vast majority of cases are resolved by reaching a settlement agreement outside of court. Very few personal injury cases actually go to trial, but it is more likely if the facts in your case are in dispute, a legal issue is being contested, or you have a high-value case.

An experienced lawyer will build your case as if it will go to trial from the beginning. The stronger your case and evidence, the more likely a fair settlement will be reached.

How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The more serious your injuries or the more complex your case, the more important it becomes to seek experienced legal counsel.

Legal representation is vital if your case involves a complex area of law, such as elder abuse or neglect, premises liability, commercial vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or serious work-related accidents. Determining liability, navigating decades of legal precedence, and interpreting specific statutes in these cases is best done with years of relevant legal experience.

Remember that the insurance company is not on your side, even if the insurance adjuster seems sympathetic and you receive a settlement offer. If you are being blamed for an accident or sustained serious injury, a lawyer will help you protect your rights and build the strongest case possible. This includes calculating the full value of your current and future losses.

Do You Accept Cases Outside of San Diego?

While our law office is located in San Diego, Berman & Riedel, LLP, accepts cases throughout the state of California.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Berman & Riedel, LLP at (858) 997-0678 if you would like to discuss your legal matter with a member of the firm.

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