Distracted driving is a problem that we are all aware of, but it seems to be getting worse as time goes on. As technology continues to infiltrate every aspect of our daily lives, distractions continue to rise. Not only do we have to worry about drivers talking on their phones or reaching for something in the back seat. Now, even our watches, earbuds, and the technology inside our own vehicles can cause major distractions.
All of this can lead to deadly collisions.
Distracted Driving Accident Data in Arizona
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation indicates that a significant number of vehicle accidents in Arizona during the most recent reporting year on file occurred due to various distracted driving behaviors. Many of the distracted driving incidents are not classified as having a specific point of distraction, but generally, the most common causes of distracted driving include:
- Eating or drinking in the vehicle
- Talking on a hands-free or handheld device
- Manually operating an electronic device
- Other passengers inside the vehicle
- Pets inside the vehicle
- Distractions outside the vehicle
Determining Liability for a Distracted Driving Accident
Establishing liability after a distracted driving accident involves collecting evidence and demonstrating that one party was negligent, causing the collision. In Arizona, distracted driving encompasses actions like texting, adjusting the GPS, eating, or any other behavior that takes attention off the road.
The liability determination process typically involves these steps:
- Gathering Evidence. Police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and traffic camera footage can provide crucial details about the driver’s behavior before the crash. For instance, witnesses may recall seeing the driver looking at their phone or not paying attention. Police reports often cite specific violations of Arizona’s hands-free law.
- Mobile Device Records. Cell phone records can confirm whether the driver was texting or calling around the time of the accident, providing direct evidence of distracted driving.
- Vehicle Data. Modern vehicles often record information like speed and braking patterns. A sudden deceleration or lack of braking before the crash may indicate the driver was distracted and unable to react promptly.
- Consultation with Experts. Accident reconstruction experts can analyze evidence to explain how distraction likely contributed to the collision. They can illustrate the sequence of events and assign fault based on available data.
- Legal Consultation. An attorney can help distracted driving crash victims understand their rights and pursue compensation by gathering and presenting all relevant evidence to establish the distracted driver’s negligence.
Will Insurance Carriers Listen to You?
One of the most challenging aspects of a distracted driving accident is dealing with the insurance carriers. Unfortunately, insurance carriers will almost certainly try to limit how much money they pay out in compensation. The carriers may use various tactics to limit the compensation they pay, so even if you are not at fault for the claim, recovering compensation may prove difficult.
We strongly encourage you to reach out to a car accident lawyer in Phoenix who can help you through this process. Your attorney will take over every aspect of the claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and moving forward with your life. You should not be on the line for expenses caused by the negligence of a distracted driver. At Sargon Law Group, we are ready to step in and help you when you need a distracted driving accident lawyer. You can contact us for a free consultation on your claim by filling out our contact form or calling us at (623) 552-2571.