Distractions while driving come in many forms. From children to pets or eating and drinking, anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is considered a distraction. Data from the National Safety Council, shows that nearly 1.6 million crashes – or 25% of all accidents in the country – are caused by distracted driving, namely from cell phone use. Furthermore, over 390,000 injuries result every year from distracted driving accidents.
If you were injured by a distracted driver, you need to contact a Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney. You should not have to suffer alone if you were injured due to a distracted driver’s negligence. We know how frustrating it can be to know you sustained injuries and damages due to another person’s carelessness. That’s why we want to fight on your behalf to help you seek justice.
Different Types of Distractions
A distraction is any activity or object that diverts the driver’s attention from the road. Distractions are generally grouped into three main categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the three main types of distractions are as follows:
- Cognitive distractions – distractions that divide your attention. You may be looking at the road but thinking about something else.
- Visual distractions – taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual distractions – taking your hands off the wheel.
A vehicle weighs several thousand pounds and operating one requires full attention. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings to prevent collisions and avoid hazards. Texting is a particularly dangerous distraction because it takes your eyes, hands, and mind away from driving.
If you were injured because someone was texting or otherwise distracted while driving, you can benefit from working with a Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney.
Examples of Driving Distractions
- Holding a phone up to your ear
- Texting (includes sending an email, text, message, or searching something on Google)
- Giving too much attention to passengers or something outside of the vehicle (such as an accident)
- Eating and drinking
- Changing the radio
- Using a navigation system that requires you to take your hands off the wheel
- Smoking cigarettes
- Adjusting climate controls on the car
- Smoking cigarettes
If another driver was engaging in any of the above or other distractions and caused your accident injuries, speak with a knowledgeable Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney. Attorneys know how important it is to carry out an in-depth investigation and how to get it done right.
Distracted Driving Is a Major Issue in Colorado Springs
Colorado observes over 40 accidents on a daily basis due to distracted driving. Even though Colorado law prohibits texting while driving, it’s still a major problem on the roadways. The only exception to this rule is to call law enforcement for emergency situations. Young drivers under 18 are the highest risk group for cell phone use while driving.
What Are the Consequences for Distracted Driving in Colorado Springs?
Thankfully, the law is on your side if you get injured by a distracted driver. Drivers who are caught texting while driving in Colorado Springs can face consequences such as fines and jail time. Furthermore, distracted driving is considered a primary offense which means a police officer can pull someone over based on texting alone. Distracted drivers who are caught could face the following repercussions:
- For minors: up to $300 in fines for any cell phone use while driving
- For adult drivers: if they cause bodily injury or someone’s proximate cause of death, the penalty can be up to 1 year in jail and $1000 in fines, or both.
They may also get points added to their driver’s license and face spiked insurance premiums. Depending on the circumstances, the driver may also face criminal charges.
Injury victims in Colorado Springs and El Paso County are protected under Colorado’s personal injury laws. Therefore, if you sustained injuries due to a distracted driver’s reckless or careless behavior, you have a right to seek damage recovery. Working with a Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney will make the claims process much smoother and allow you to focus on healing without the stress of handling a legal battle alone.
Why Is Distracted Driving So Dangerous?
When a driver is distracted, they have less time to evade a collision from unexpected hazards in the road. For example, if the driver in front unexpectedly slams on the brakes or an animal runs into the road, just one second of distraction can cause a disaster. The driver won’t have adequate time to react appropriately to stop or swerve out of danger’s way.
Common Injuries That Result From Distracted Driving Accidents:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic Brain injuries (TBI)
- Bone fractures
- Broken bones
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputated limbs from crush injuries
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Cuts and bruises
More severe injuries that require extensive medical care and hospitalization usually warrant higher damage recovery for the injured victim. Additionally, if you require on-going or long-term care to recover, you can claim compensation for the expenses and expenses you incurred due to accident-related injuries.
If you are not stuck with medical bills, missed work, property damage, and a host of other losses, we strongly encourage you to hire a Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney. We will help you hold the thoughtless driver accountable for causing all your pain and suffering.
Filing a Distracted Driver Accident Claim in Colorado
The most important part of a successful personal injury claim is proving negligence and fault. Your Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney knows the importance of this crucial step and the most effective way to conduct it. They may work with private investigators, medical experts, accident reconstructions, and other professionals to get credible evidence for your claim.
Evidence can deteriorate quickly, so it’s best to act sooner than later when it comes to hiring a lawyer and proceeding with a Colorado Springs car accident claim. Here are some other key steps to take right after you get into an accident with a distracted driver:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the at fault driver.
- Get witness contact information. Passenger, pedestrians, and other motorists who saw the accident occur could offer a witness testimony letter on your behalf.
- Obtain cell phone records with the help of your Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney. If the driver who caused the collision was texting or using their phone while they caused the crash, their phone records will reflect it. Your a Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney could help you obtain these records as evidence to support your claim that the other driver was negligent.
- Log your account of the accident and all observations as soon as you can. Your memories can fade and get mixed up. If you are pursuing higher compensation for severe injuries or permanent disability, the claims process may take even longer. As such, it’s a good idea to record all the details while they are fresh in your head. The last thing you want is for the at fault insurance com[any to later accuse you of not remembering what happened or providing inconsistencies in your account of the accident. Be sure to keep a written record of every detail you can and do it soon after the accident.
Contact A Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorney Today
Our Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accidents Attorneys have helped countless car accident victims who were harmed by another driver’s negligence. IF a distracted driver’s carelessness caused you to sustain severe or life-changing injuries, you and your family don’[t have to suffer in silence.
We are here to offer compassionate support with aggressive legal counsel to win you the financial recovery you need. From medical bills to missed work and your pain and suffering, we will fight hard to win you justice.
Call us today or contact us online for a free initial case review.
