Tucson Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer

The world is full of distractions, which can be helpful at times, except when you’re driving. Teens are often illustrated as the most distracted drivers, but drivers of all ages participate in distracted driving. The damages of distracted driving can range from minor to severe fatal accidents. 

If you were hit by a distracted driver, we’ll review your case and identify what damages you can get compensation for. Unexpected expenses from an accident that wasn’t your fault are one of the last things you need after an accident. The Tucson distracted driving accidents attorneys at Zanes Law are dedicated to fighting for you and your best interests. 

What Types of Distractions Can Cause an Accident?

Distracted driving can be visual, manual, and even mental. Any time a driver takes their attention away from driving, they are driving distracted, and they risk getting into an accident. After speeding, distracted driving is the second-most common reason for accidents in Arizona. 

Visual

Visual distractions occur when the driver takes their eyes off the road. A quick glance here and there is okay. In fact, you should do this to avoid tunnel vision, especially when driving on the highway. But when you’re spending minutes at a time looking around, it can cause you to lose focus and distort your perception of the road. 

Visual distractions include: 

• Looking at a crash on the side of the road
• Monitoring your pet in the back seat
• Looking at sights outside

Along with distorting your perception, visual distractions can also distort your perception of time. In the time that you check on your pet in the back seat, you can easily rear-end another car or drift across lanes. 

Manual

Manual distractions happen when the driver takes their hands off the wheel. When they do this, they are no longer in control of the vehicle. Examples of manual distractions include:

• Eating or drinking a beverage 
• Using your phone (texting, taking calls, taking photos, scrolling through social media)
• Fixing your appearance 

Manual distractions like eating and using your phone can cause minor driving errors like swerving but they can also result in driving across lanes. Both of these driving errors can lead to an accident. 

Mental

Mental distractions happen when you are not actively thinking about driving and are the easiest to fall victim to. One minute, you’re driving attentively, and the next, you catch yourself thinking of your upcoming vacation, taking your attention off the road. Mental distractions include:

• Daydreaming
• Talking to other people in the car
• Mentally planning your day

The mind is responsible for visual and physical functions. So, when you’re mentally distracted, it affects every aspect of driving. If your mind is drifting, your reaction time and eyesight will not be as sharp.

All these types of distractions put the driver and others on the road at risk, whether it be a mental, manual, or visual distraction. 

For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Tucson, call 866-499-8989

Arizona’s Distracted Driving Law

In Arizona, like many other states, it is illegal to use your phone while driving. Actions like texting, holding the phone while talking, and using social media all prevent drivers from focusing on driving. 

However, there is an exception to the rule: hands-free phone calls and emergency calls are allowed. Hands-free calls are safer because they don’t require the driver to hold the phone. 

Emergency calls are also an exception because they can help get medical assistance or report a crime.                  

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, there are some other things you are allowed to do while driving that are not defined as distractions. Car companies have made great progress in making cars more technologically advanced, making it easier to drive while performing essential tasks. These things include: 

• Starting or ending a hands-free call
• Start a GPS route 
• Talk on the phone using an earpiece or voice command watch

While the distracted driver may face criminal traffic penalties, you can still pursue a civil claim against them. A distracted driving accident attorney in Tucson can help you navigate the process.

Tucson Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 866-499-8989

What Damages Can I Recover if a Distracted Driver Hits Me?

When a distracted driver hits you, it can be shocking but also upsetting. You were driving responsibly, but you have to suffer the consequences of another driver who was not. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to recover damages such as:

• Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Medical expenses related to the accident
• Loss of income
• Property damage 
• Pain and suffering 
• Physical therapy and in-home care 

We are passionate lawyers and we believe in fighting for the compensation that you deserve. We will examine your case to find all the damages you can recover, even the ones that insurance companies try to hide.

Click to contact our Tucson Car Accident Lawyers today

How Long do I Have to File a Claim for a Distracted Driving Accident in Arizona?

According to A.R.S.§ 12-542, you have two years from the day of the car accident to file a personal injury claim. When you file a claim immediately after the accident, you increase the likelihood of winning your case and the amount of your settlement.

Filing a claim soon after the accident will show that the accident impacted you and you are genuine in your intentions. In some situations, you may want to wait until you have a full grasp of your medical costs to include in your claim. Your injury symptoms may not even appear right away.

However, you don’t want to wait too long. It takes time for your distracted driving accident lawyer in Tucson to build your case. Waiting too long can also arouse suspicion by the insurance company and the defendant’s attorney. Also, if the statute of limitations expires, you’ll have no recourse for pursuing compensation.

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