One of the leading causes for car crashes in Denver is distracted driving. It is vital you contact a Denver distracted accident attorneys if you are a victim in this type of accident. Often it may look like a driver is being reckless, however most of the time it is a driver being distracted. This occurs when a driver stops paying attention to the driving and is distracted by anything else. One prime example is texting or looking at your cell phone while driving.
While proving that a driver is distracted is necessary, If you are a victim of a distracted driving accident and there is enough proof, you may be compensated for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. When you are driving, it is imperative that you do not get distracted while behind the wheel or you could be liable for any accident. The numbers as laid out by the NHTSA shows that thousands of people each year are the victims of distracted driving accidents.
Types of Distracted Driving Accidents in Denver
It is important that you know the many types of accidents that can be part of distracted driving both so you can keep yourself safe and also so you know when it is time to call Denver distracted driving accident attorneys.
Accidents of the Mind
These types of accidents occur when you are thinking of something other than driving. This can occur for any number of reasons. This is really a mental distraction that can make you lose focus from where it should be, driving.
- A few examples of this would be Paying too much attention to passengers in the car. Whether that is in a conversation with a friend or taking care of children or pets.
- Being stressed or upset can cause mental distraction when you are thinking too much about what is going on in life.
- Speaking on the phone is a major distraction to many because their mind is not on the road, it is on the phone conversation
Accidents of the Hands
Accidents of the hands happen when you are using your hands for something other than driving. While the list can really be endless, it starts with one connected to the accidents of the mind.
- Making a phone call or even answering a phone call.
- Text messaging Other people or looking up something on your smartphone
- Changing radio station
- Switching tracks or making adjustments to your audio system
- Getting ready for work (or really anywhere) such as tying a tie, putting on makeup, taking a jacket or sweater on or off, etc.
- And of course, maybe one of the oldest distractions, eating or drinking while driving.
Accidents of the Eyes
These accidents should be somewhat self-explanatory. These distractions can happen when you take your eyes off the road and focus your attention on something else such as:
- Looking at a passenger or pet in the vehicle
- Looking at a text message
- Making sure you look good for that date or interview.
- Checking your GPS or a map
- Watching YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, or any other social app
Laws On Distracted Driving
As the use of cell phones continues to grow and the need for Denver distracted driving accident attorneys grows, many states have made laws that are an attempt to reduce the number of distracted driving accidents. Most but not all of the laws revolve around using your cell phone while driving either talking on it, texting, or both. Sometimes states make laws that outlaw using cell phones except for hands-free use, such as speakerphone use,
Some of the various other types of laws take aim at specific people or at specific actions. In some states, if you are under 18 you may have further restrictions put on you such as driving at night or how many passengers you may have. Bud drivers in some states have further restrictions put on them since they are responsible for so many lives. Other states outlaw other actions like writing or putting on or even brushing your hair.
There is also a difference between primary and secondary laws in many states. For instance, In Colorado for many years it was against the law to drive without your seatbelt on. It was, however, a secondary law. This meant that police could not pull you over just for not wearing your seatbelt. They could however pull you over for a primary violation and give you a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt. That classification in Colorado changed and now not wearing your seatbelt is a primary violation.
Similarly in some states such as Tennessee, California, and Mississippi using a cell phone or another handheld device is a primary violation. Florida has a similar law but it is a secondary offense. A great website for information on laws in Colorado and all the states is the US government’s website aimed at distracted driving. www.Distraction.gov. When you go to this site you will be redirected to the Nation Highway Transportation Authority’s page on distracted driving.
Avoid the Need for Denver Distracted Driving Accidents Attorneys
Knowing What causes distracted driving accidents and the situations that arise may help you Steer Clear of these deadly accidents.
- If you need a map while you are driving and you need the GPS function of your cell phone,
- The first step is to make sure they are legal where you are driving
- Second, Load everything you need into the map. Any stops along the well as well as your final destination.
- Third, use a phone mount that keeps you phone in easing viewing distance so you do not need to remove your eyes from the road.
- Finally, Mount your phone. If it is a new mount make sure it is secure and that you can easily see the road.
- If you are eating, Stop! Eat before you drive or while your vehicle is parked. Eating while you are driving can be an easy way to get distracted. Make sure you have gum in easy reach so you are not tempted to look for a snack.
- Most importantly, if you feel yourself becoming distracted, pull over and stop. There is no reason for an accident when you have the power to stop it.
Denver Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you are in an accident with a distracted driving or any car accident you think may have been caused by distracted driving, It is important that you do 3 things, in This order
- Health: Make sure that any passengers in your car are ok, then check whoever is in the other vehicle. Do this first so you can give accurate information in step 2.
- Call your local emergency Line. In most states, including Colorado, simply dial 911 from any phone.
- Call the best Denver distracted driving accident Attorneys at DenverLaw.com
