Operating a vehicle is not without risks. The driver is controlling thousands of pounds of machinery that can travel over 100 miles an hour, creating the potential for tremendous force every time the vehicle moves. Any impact has the potential to create immense damage, injuries, and even death. Yet, people hop into vehicles as drivers and passengers, with little thought to these potential dangers.
Some motorists treat driving like a background activity. Instead of focusing on the road, they use their cell phones, eat food, put on makeup, use social media, and more. No wonder distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents. When you are injured because of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation for those injuries. Consulting a practiced car accident attorney who handles distracted driving car accidents in Phoenix, AZ can help you learn your rights.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
Many people are proud multitaskers. They do multiple things at the same time and believe that they do them all well. However, the reality is that it is impossible to truly focus on two things at the same time. Whether a Phoenix, AZ motorist is changing radio stations, replying to a text message, or even having an animated conversation with a passenger, it distracts them from driving and could result in a wreck.
Different activities are considered different types of distractions. For example, texting is particularly dangerous because it is considered a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction whereas chatting with a passenger may only be a cognitive distraction.
Cell Phones and Distracted Driving
Despite evidence that cell phone use significantly impacts driver safety more than driving while intoxicated, state laws have not entirely banned cell phone use while driving. Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-914 prohibits using a standalone electronic device — including cell phones — while driving. However, the ban permits people to use devices in hands-free mode. It specifically targets people holding electronic devices — in any manner: reading, writing, or sending electronic messages, or using social media.
Drivers can still use hands-free devices. Plus, they can touch their phones to activate or deactivate GPS, take phone calls, speak on the phone, or use devices to contact emergency services. Furthermore, the ban does not apply to emergency responders, radios — including ham radios, navigation devices, vehicle security devices, and emergency services.
When cellphone use causes a distracted driving accident, our Phoenix, AZ attorneys could gather evidence such as phone records to help prove the motorist was negligent at the time of the crash.
Learn More About Phoenix, AZ Distracted Driving Car Wrecks
Distracted driving is a form of negligence. In a personal injury lawsuit, a person needs to show that the other driver was negligent, the negligence caused injuries, and they have damages and losses from this event. Our attorneys can help establish proof in cases involving distracted driving car accidents in Phoenix, AZ. Call the Phillips Law Group today to begin working with a dedicated team of attorneys who have been proudly serving the local community for over three decades.
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