One of the most common forms of driver negligence, especially post-cellphone invention, is that of driving while distracted. At the office of the Cimarron Ridge Legal Group, our lawyers understand just how serious distracted driving can be, and the number of lives it takes every year. If you have been involved in a distracted driving-caused accident in Grand Junction, do not hesitate to reach out to our skilled injury lawyers for your free consultation.
There are numerous different things that cause auto accidents, from speeding drivers to poor weather to road hazards and more. But one thing causes car accidents more than anything else: driver negligence.
Distracted Driving Changes Lives
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors in which a driver can engage when behind the wheel. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that distracted driving kills approximately nine people per day, and causes injuries to about 1,000 people per day. In a single year, there were nearly 3,500 people killed in distracted driving crashes.
Distracted driving is tragically common. In fact, during daylight hours, there are nearly half of a million drivers using their cellphones while behind the wheel, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This number does not take into account the many other drivers who are distracted by something other than a mobile device.
How Our Skilled Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
When you have been harmed in a distracted driving accident, there is a strong likelihood that you are coping with various injuries as a result, including long-term and disabling injuries. Our Grand Junction distracted driving accident lawyers can help you by proving fault, filing your claim, negotiating with an insurance company, and understanding what your case is worth. We offer support throughout every stage of the post-car accident process and handle all elements of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. We have more than 70 years’ worth of combined legal experience and understand the legal system like the backs of our hands. When you choose us, you are choosing a law firm with a strong reputation and a commitment to excellence.
Top Causes of Distracted Driving
While using a cellphone to text, compose, read, or view electronic messages is perhaps the most common form of distracted driving, it is by no means the only one. In addition to cellphone use, other examples of distracted driving include:
- Talking on the phone (including a hands-free device);
- Changing the radio/music;
- Applying makeup;
- Attending to children or pets;
- Talking to passengers;
- Looking out the window/rubbernecking;
- Reading a map;
- Eating or drinking; and
- Any other behavior that takes attention from the act of driving.
Keep in mind that while some forms of distracted driving are illegal, such as texting while driving, others are merely purely negligent. Negligence is the failure to exercise a reasonable degree of care and is the foundation of a car accident/personal injury claim.
Proving Negligence and Damages
In order to recover compensation after a distracted driving crash that leaves you injured, you will need to prove the negligence of the other driver, causation (that the accident would not have occurred but for the distracted driver’s negligence), and damages. Our Grand Junction distracted driving accident lawyers help you by:
- Investigating your case;
- Hiring reconstruction accident experts to determine what happened; and
- Working with professionals who can valuate your claim.
When it comes to proving negligence, causation, and damages, we are skilled professionals with decades of practice. We won’t back down when you need an advocate on your side.
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Statute of Limitations in a Distracted Driving Incident
In order to preserve your right to compensation, you will need to ensure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations in our state. In Colorado, you have two years to file a standard personal injury claim, but three years to file a claim involving injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident. If you do not file your claim within three years, you can be barred from recovery.
Contact Our Law Firm Today for Your Free Consultation
Don’t let a distracted driver get away with causing you harm. When you are the victim of a distracted driving accident, you have the right to retain legal counsel, and doing so can help to improve your chances of recovering your full compensation award.
Our lawyers are passionate about representing car accident victims. If you’ve been harmed, call our Grand Junction distracted driving accident lawyers directly by dialing (970) 644-5194 to schedule your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis – if you don’t get a settlement, we don’t get paid.
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