Legislators and technology enthusiasts seem to be on the lookout for similar news updates about the latest smartphone upgrades. For lawmakers, developing technology poses new hurdles and nuances in distracted driving. For tech enthusiasts, the focus may not be on the negative consequences and the what-if scenarios when driving with distractions. Of course, driving distractions are not limited to those from technology, but it can play a major role. That is because distracted driving is when one’s attention is diverted from such dangers. However, the dangers of distracted driving are only growing.
In 2018, 2841 people were killed from distracted driving accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you or a loved one were the victims of a distracted driving accident, you can work with a lawyer to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf for the costs of your recovery. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC to speak with a member of our team about working with a Tucson distracted driving accident lawyer. Call today at (844) 730-0233.
Information About Distracted Driving
People succumb to driving distractions because of a false sense of safety. Shifting your attention away from the road for any amount of time is a preventable choice with potentially serious consequences. Driving safely requires full attention on the road because any missed opportunity to focus could result in a crash.
Statistics about distracted driving are somewhat limited because drivers who survive a distracted driving crash may not be willing to admit fault. That is where distracted driving litigation can be tricky.
Given the range of activities that can distract a driver from driving safely, most suspected distracted driving accidents will benefit from further investigation. For example, distracted driving could include, but is not limited to, any of the following activities:
- Talking or texting on the phone: This includes handheld texting and even hands-free options, where driver attention may be focused on communicating rather than navigating the road.
- Eating or drinking: For commuters, driving time is also a popular time to have morning or afternoon coffee and possibly grabbing something to eat on the way to the next destination.
- Stereo: Most cars are equipped with stereo systems that provide a driving distraction within an arm’s reach at all times.
- GPS: Entering information into a GPS system can be particularly harmful when drivers choose to continue driving, instead of pulling to a complete stop.
- Loud passengers: If passengers are children or infants, their discomfort naturally leads to disturbances, which can affect the driver’s perception of the road before them.
- Wandering minds: A driving route that is well-known or routine for drivers can present a simple opportunity to forget about the task at hand, which is arriving safely.
Of course, the exact circumstances that lead to any particular distracted driving accident will vary, but these are a few examples of distracted driving behaviors that are not simply limited to texting. Anything that takes your mind, hands, or senses off the wheel is a distraction.
Arizona law changed as recently as 2019, when the “hands-off” rule was put into effect, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS). This law prohibits drivers from using handheld cell phones or anything similar.
However, this does not take into account the many different ways that distracted driving accidents to happen. One important thing to remember for victims of distracted driving accidents is that if the liable party is found guilty of breaking a traffic law, it does not prevent victims from seeking additional compensation.
Working with a Tucson distracted driving accident lawyer can help you make sense of the complicated laws surrounding Arizona car accident litigation. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for legal help.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Tucson, call (844) 730-0233
Distracted Driving Accident Liability
In seeking compensation for injuries and losses, victims of distracted driving accidents must be able to prove negligence on the part of the other driver. Working with a lawyer who understands the complicated laws and processes surrounding civil court matters can only help you.
If you admit or are found to have a fault in the distracted driving accident, a law enforcement officer would likely note that on the required police report within the minimum time required to report the accident. Due to comparative negligence rules, admitting or being found to have a fault in an accident could limit the number of compensatory damages you are eligible to receive.
Arizona Insurance Requirements
Arizona requires a minimum amount of financial responsibility to protect victims in an accident. This includes:
- $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury liability
- $15,000 for property damage liability
The exact amount of injuries, damages, and losses that one’s insurance policy covers will vary, but the state requires the minimum amounts listed above. Arizona follows a fault-based insurance system, so the driver who causes the accident may be liable for paying the damages. The nuances of insurance litigation will vary, in particular, if the other driver was in a commercial vehicle, large truck, government-funded vehicle, or any other car that was not a typical non-passenger vehicle.
Tucson Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Special Considerations for Distracted Driving Accidents
In filing a lawsuit against a distracted driver, victims should be aware of the multiple special circumstances that may make all the difference in your case. For example, the statutes of limitations could vary for people under 18 or people who discover an injury well after the accident first happened. Generally, the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 15-542 allows victims a time limit of up to two years from the date of the injury and accident to officially file a personal injury lawsuit.
Victims can work with a Tucson distracted driving accident lawyer to get the settlement needed for a full recovery. Distracted driving accident cases can be tough to handle alone. Let the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC fight to protect and defend your rights. Call our offices today at (844) 730-0233.
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