Lady driver using her mobile phone.

Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Fort Collins

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of serious accidents in Fort Collins. A brief glance away from the road, a momentary lapse in attention, or fumbling with a cell phone can lead to life-altering crashes. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you deserve compensation for your damages. The Wilhite Law Firm can help you pursue justice.

With decades of legal experience, our Fort Collins distracted driving accident lawyers understand how devastating these accidents can be. We are committed to helping accident victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us for a free consultation today.

What Are Some Examples of Distracted Driving in Fort Collins?

Distracted driving comes in many forms, and distractions can affect drivers differently. Broadly speaking, distracted driving is divided into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.

Visual Distractions

These distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road. Examples include checking a text message, looking at a GPS, or glancing at something happening outside the vehicle. A driver who takes their eyes off the road for just a few seconds can miss crucial changes in traffic, leading to a rear-end collision or a head-on crash.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. This might happen when a driver texts, adjusts the radio, is applying makeup, or eats while driving. Without full control of the vehicle, even a slight mistake could cause a serious auto accident.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions occur when the driver’s mind is not focused on driving. Daydreaming, talking to a passenger, or becoming lost in thought can all prevent a driver from responding quickly to road hazards. Cognitive distractions are particularly hazardous because they reduce reaction time, increasing the risk of distracted driving accidents like sideswipes or intersection crashes.

The use of cell phones and other electronic devices are a serious form of distracted driving because they involve all three types of distractions. Cell phone use takes a driver’s attention off the task of driving, their eyes off the road ahead, and their hands off the steering wheel.

What Types of Accidents Can Result from Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving can cause various accidents, often with severe consequences. Some of the most common types of distracted driver accidents include:

  • Rear-End Collisions: When drivers are distracted, they may fail to notice that the vehicle in front of them has stopped or slowed down. This frequently leads to rear-end collisions, which can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma.
  • Head-On Crashes: If a distracted driver veers into oncoming traffic, it can result in a catastrophic head-on crash. These accidents are among the most deadly because they involve two vehicles colliding with tremendous force.
  • T-Bone Accidents: Drivers who are distracted at intersections are at risk of running a red light or stop sign, potentially causing a T-bone accident. These accidents often result in severe injuries, especially for the person sitting on the side of the vehicle that is struck.
  • Sideswipes: Distracted drivers may drift out of their lane and sideswipe another vehicle, particularly in heavy traffic. Sideswipe accidents can cause vehicles to lose control, sometimes leading to multi-car pileups.

Our distracted driving accident attorneys represent accident victims who were injured by careless drivers. We can pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact an experienced Fort Collins distracted driving lawyer today to learn about your legal rights following a distracted driving accident.

What Are Fort Collins’s Distracted Driving Laws?

Colorado has enacted strict laws to combat distracted driving and make roads safer. In Fort Collins and across the state, texting while driving is illegal for all drivers. Additionally, there are specific rules regarding cellphone use based on the driver’s age:

  • For drivers under 18: Colorado has specific laws for young drivers. Any cellphone use while driving is illegal, whether it involves texting, making calls, or using an app. Violating this Colorado law can result in fines and points added to the driver’s record.
  • For drivers 18 and older: Even seasoned drivers are subject to restrictions. Texting while driving is banned for all drivers. However, drivers over 18 can use their phones for voice calls as long as the action does not interfere with their ability to drive safely.

Distracted drivers who violate these laws and cause car accidents can be held accountable both criminally and civilly. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages through a personal injury claim. Our Fort Collins car accident lawyer can help.

What Should I Do If I Have Been in an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver?

If you’ve been in a car accident involving a distracted driver, your priority should be seeking medical attention. Some injuries sustained in distracted driving accidents – like a brain injury or internal bleeding – may not be immediately apparent, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Afterward, take the following steps to protect your rights:

  • Call the police: A police report will document the details of the crash and can be crucial evidence in your claim.
  • Gather evidence: Gathering evidence is crucial because the accident scene will quickly be cleaned up, so crucial evidence can get lost or destroyed. If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who may have seen the other driver using their phone or engaging in distracted behavior. Witness statements can help make the difference if you and the responsible party have different versions of events.
  • Document your injuries: Keep a record of all medical treatments and medical bills you receive, including doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy. This documentation will be critical when calculating the full extent of your damages.
  • Contact a personal injury attorney: Distracted driving accident claims can be complicated, especially when you’re dealing with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may try to deny claims or even blame victims for the accident. An experienced Fort Collins distracted driving lawyer from our legal team can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Can I Seek Compensation from the Distracted Driver Responsible for My Injuries?

Yes, if a distracted driver caused your injuries, you are entitled to seek financial compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency services, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatments.
  • Lost wages: If you missed work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost and any reduction in your future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
  • Pain and suffering: Serious accidents can leave victims dealing with physical pain and emotional trauma. You may be entitled to compensation for the mental anguish and reduced quality of life you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
  • Property damage: In addition to your personal injuries, you may also be able to recover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.

A car accident lawyer can help gather evidence to prove the full extent of your damages and fight for you to receive fair compensation.

Contact a Fort Collins Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered injuries in a distracted driving accident in Fort Collins, you need The Wilhite Law Firm on your side. Our skilled attorneys can guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and fight to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact us today for a free case consultation with a Fort Collins distracted driving accident lawyer. You don’t have to worry about paying any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Let us take care of the legal work so you can focus on your recovery.