Phoenix Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

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When you passed the teen driver, you noticed she was texting. Five minutes later, she had rear-ended you. Now, because someone could not wait to check the likes on her latest Instagram post, you are stuck in a neck brace, your car is in the shop, and you are missing days at work.

Distracted driving is a common catalyst for motor vehicle accidents. Stricter laws are imposing harsher consequences for drivers who engage in such behavior. That did nothing to stop the teen behind the wheel in your accident, though. Now you are stuck with the pain and the bills.

Rather than take on these burdens by yourself, consider seeking damages from the distracted driver’s insurance company, or you can take her parents to court. Zanes Law’s distracted driving accident lawyers in Phoenix, AZ can help. Call today at 602-999-9999 for a free consultation.

Several Types of Distracted Driving Can Prompt an Accident

Distracted driving is a new term, born in the age of cell phones, texting, and social media. To be honest, though, the practice of driving while distracted originated the first time a person got behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle.

Any time a driver engages in an activity that diverts attention from driving, that person is driving while distracted. Examples of distracted driving include:

Talking on the phone
Texting on the phone
Eating
Drinking
Talking to other people in the car
Changing the radio station
Entering addresses in the navigation system
Any instance where it is clear the driver’s priority is not driving safely or responsibly

The Consequence of Distracted Driving: Driving Blind

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) takes the problem of distracted driving very seriously. The organization conducts research and publishes reports on the subject in hopes of creating awareness and cutting the public’s nasty and dangerous habit.

Texting is of particular concern to the NHTSA, which reports that “sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds.”

“At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed,” the report continues.

At Zanes Law, we would categorize that as rather negligent behavior, and if it results in a car accident, the distracted driver should pay for all damages.

What Arizona and Phoenix Laws Say About Distracted Driving

Although no state has banned all forms of cell phone use by drivers, 14 states have banned talking on a handheld cell phone while driving. Drivers who violate this ban may be issued a citation for the offense.

In the state of Arizona, texting and driving are not illegal, except for when it comes to commercial drivers and beginner drivers. Violators are subject to temporarily losing their Arizona driving license privileges as well as a hefty fine.

Phoenix and Tucson have enacted their own laws related to distracted driving. Within these cities, a driver is forbidden to use a wireless telecom device within city limits. Violators will be cited and fined, regardless of whether the behavior results in an accident.

A distracted driving accident lawyer in Phoenix from Zanes Law will be familiar with these state and city laws and will use them to your advantage.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident in Phoenix

At the scene of the accident, you should focus on the following:

Do not leave. Wait for the police and emergency personnel to arrive.
Take in as much of the scene visually as you can, noting the condition of the other drivers, and taking photos if possible.
If you are not incapacitated exchange insurance information with the other driver(s).

After the accident, be sure to note the following:

See a medical professional. Even if you do not think you are injured, go to a doctor and have yourself checked out. A physician can take care of any injuries you have before they worsen, and he or she can detect any hidden problems like brain injuries. The documentation this doctor provides will strengthen your case by tying your injuries to the accident, so take care of this step as soon as possible.
Keep your talk of the accident to a minimum until you talk to a Phoenix distracted driving accident lawyer. Even a seemingly insignificant detail, when spoken to the wrong person, can damage your case. The legal team at Zanes Law can instruct you on which aspects of the accident you can discuss and which you should avoid at all costs.

What a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Phoenix Will Do To Help You.

The personal injury team at Phoenix’s Zanes Law has been handling cases like yours for years. We attribute our success, in part, to our willingness to do all the heavy lifting while you focus on recovering.

Our team handles every aspect of your injury claim. We do everything from A to Z. For example, we:

Determine the at-fault party
Scout the scene of the accident for evidence
Obtain police reports
Gather medical records
Contact the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf
File a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court

Damages You Can Seek to Recover in a Distracted Driving Accident

Depending on your injuries, the property damage you sustained, the expenses you have paid, and the income you have lost—as well as the specifics of the accident itself—you could be eligible to receive a wide range of damages, including:

Ambulance transportation
Medical treatment
Medicine, including pain management
Damage to your car, bicycle, or motorcycle
Damage to any personal belongings
Damage to clothes you were wearing
Lost income and wages
Diminished future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of life’s enjoyment

If you happen to lose a loved one in an accident caused in a distracted driving accident, you may also pursue a wrongful death claim. The legal team at Zanes Law will organize all your expenses and work with economic consultants to determine lost wages as well as diminished future earnings potential.

You Have a Limited Time to File for Damages

For a couple of reasons, you will want to act swiftly on pursuing your injury claim.

Arizona has a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to pursue compensation after the date of the accident.
By starting the process early, you will give your distracted driving accident lawyer a head start on building your case. Your legal team will have a greater pool of fresh evidence and witnesses willing to testify to the events of the accident, which they will still remember clearly.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident

Call Zanes Law to speak to a distracted driving car accident lawyer in Phoenix. You can reach us at 602-999-9999. We take distracted driving seriously, and we will do everything from A to Z to make sure you are compensated for the expenses and losses you have endured because of this epidemic of negligence.