From teenagers to commercial truck drivers, distracted driving is a ubiquitous problem on Colorado’s roads. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), distracted drivers are to blame for an average of 74 deaths per year, and this number is far surpassed by the number of drivers and passengers who suffer severe traumatic injuries due to others’ decisions to talk, text, take selfies and use social media behind the wheel.
In Colorado, distracted driving is a factor in approximately 15 percent of all fatal accidents. At the national level, about 10 percent of all traffic-related deaths are the result of distracted driving. Both of these figures are unacceptably high – especially when you consider that all distracted driving accidents can, and should, be avoided.
Distracted Driving is Dangerous Driving
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, it is important not to rule out distracted driving as a possible cause. Whether you were hit by a car, van, SUV, pick-up truck or tractor-trailer, there is a good chance that the driver was distracted. Talking on the phone, texting friends, communicating with an employer, reading, navigating, and eating and drinking are all common driving distractions, and they are all factors that can significantly increase a driver’s risk of causing a collision. By conducting a thorough investigation, it may be possible to determine if the driver was distracted at the time of a crash; and, if so, you may be able to use this to hold the driver accountable for your accident-related losses.
Potential sources of evidence of distracted driving in passenger vehicle and commercial truck accidents include:
- Police Report – In some cases, drivers will admit to being distracted at the time of the accident.
- Social Media – Whether the driver was posting at the time of the crash or posted a status update shortly after, social media is increasingly playing a central role in auto accident insurance settlements and litigation.
- Phone Records – If the driver was talking or texting at the time of the crash, this will be reflected in his or her cell phone records.
- In–Car Technology – If the driver was using in-car technology, it may be possible to use forensics to prove that he or she was distracted at the time of the crash.
- Employment Records – Driver logs, dispatch recordings and other employment-related records may provide evidence that a truck driver was distracted by a work-related activity when he or she caused a collision.
- Witness Testimony – If the driver was distracted by communicating with someone over the phone (or in the car), it may be possible to obtain testimony from the other party to the communications.
Should You File a Claim for Financial Compensation?
If you suspect that distracted driving may have played a role in your accident or your loved one’s death, you should speak with an attorney about filing a claim for financial compensation. You have nothing to lose (your initial consultation is free and confidential), and you may be entitled to a significant financial recovery.
At Levine Law, we are passionate about representing victims of distracted drivers. If you have a claim, we want to help you hold the distracted driver accountable, and we encourage you to call 303-333-8000 or contact us online so that we can evaluate your case. With offices in Denver, our accident lawyers represent individuals and families throughout Colorado, and we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect your legal rights.
