Many people mistakenly believe that they will be able to handle simple tasks while driving, such as checking their cellphone, changing the radio, or adjusting the climate settings in the vehicle.
For example, if the vehicle is moving at 55 mph and the driver looks away for as little as five seconds, the car will move further than the length of a football field before the driver looks at the road again.
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Arizona. Not only is it dangerous for the distracted driver and the other people on the road, but it’s also illegal.
Fortunately, if someone injures you or a loved one in an accident while driving with distractions, the experienced Tucson distracted driving accident lawyers at the Khalidi Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you need to move on with your life.
Defining Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes the driver’s attention off the road and forces him or her to focus on something else. Perhaps the most common cause of distracted driving is texting. However, other causes of distracted driving include:
- Talking on a cellphone
- Eating
- Applying makeup
- Changing the radio station
- Interacting with passengers
- Surfing the internet
- Looking at social media.
When operating a vehicle, it’s always best to pull over before engaging in any of these behaviors.
Distracted Driving in Arizona
Distracted driving is a serious problem in the state of Arizona, leading to many fatal accidents each year.
- The fatality rate for crashes in Arizona is much higher than the national average.
- Fatalities have been higher than average in Arizona since 2002.
- Distracted driving was a factor in more than 11,000 auto accidents that occurred in Arizona in 2012.
- Electronic communication devices played a role in 197 crashes in Arizona during 2012.
- In Oro Valley, Arizona, alone, the police department determined that 6 percent of car crashes occurring in 2015 involved distracted driving. The percentage rose to 10 percent the next year.
Tucson’s Ban on Distracted Driving
The city of Tucson enacted a new ban on distracted driving. The goal of this ban is to deter people from driving while distracted and to reduce the number of accidents associated with this problem. The ban makes it illegal for people to use a cell phone for almost any purpose while driving unless they use hands-free technology. This ban comes after the state of Arizona had already passed a law making it illegal for teenagers to use their cell phones while driving.
Tucson’s ban makes driving while distracted a secondary violation. This means that a police officer must stop the driver for another offense before writing a ticket related to distracted driving.
Compensation for Victims in Distracted Driving Cases
Anytime you are involved in a car accident, you are at risk of being injured.
In many cases, the distracted driver will be traveling at a higher speed when the crash occurs, and he or she may also fail to hit the brakes before the impact.
Car accidents that involve distracted driving can leave you with expensive medical bills, lost wages and ongoing pain. In some cases, you may even have injuries and/or disabilities that continue to bother you for years to come. Fortunately, an experienced auto accident attorney can help you recover compensation for these losses so that you can enjoy the best possible quality of life after your accident and focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
At the Khalidi Law Firm, we understand how difficult it is to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. When you trust us with your case, you can be sure that we will do everything in our power to get you the compensation you deserve. Our Tucson distracted driving accident attorneys will seek to collect compensation from every insurance policy involved in the case, including the at-fault driver’s policy and your policy, if applicable.
Getting you the largest settlement possible is always our top priority. If the insurance companies aren’t offering you a fair settlement, we are always ready to go to trial and fight for your rights.
If you have been a victim in a car accident that involved distracted driving. please contact the Khalidi Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. We will be happy to review your case and explain all of your options.
