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At highway speeds, a driver who looks away for several seconds can travel the length of a football field without watching the road. Distracted driving remains one of the most common and preventable causes of serious car accidents in Phoenix, and when it results in an injury, victims deserve to understand exactly what happened and who can be held accountable.
Desert Star Law Group represents victims of distracted driving accidents throughout Phoenix. Call us today at (602) 686-9936 to discuss your situation and find out how we can help.
Under A.R.S. § 28-914, Arizona generally prohibits drivers from holding or supporting an electronic device while driving or reading, writing, or sending text-based communications.
Beyond specific statutes addressing phone use, distracted driving that leads to an accident can also support a broader claim of negligence under Arizona law, since drivers have a general duty to pay attention and operate their vehicles safely.
A distracted driving accident may occur when a driver’s visual, manual, or cognitive attention is diverted from the safe operation of the vehicle and that distraction contributes to a collision. A claim generally requires evidence that the driver’s distraction contributed to the crash and the resulting harm.
Distraction reduces a driver’s reaction time and situational awareness, making it harder to notice a slowing vehicle ahead, a pedestrian crossing the street, or a changing traffic signal. Even a brief lapse in attention can prevent a driver from reacting in time to avoid a collision, particularly at higher speeds where stopping distances increase significantly.
Distracted driving accidents can result from a wide range of behaviors, including:
A distraction can take a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the driving task, increasing the risk of rear-end, intersection, pedestrian, and lane-departure collisions.
Liability in a distracted driving case generally depends on establishing that the at-fault driver was negligent, meaning they failed to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle, and that this negligence directly caused the accident and resulting injuries. Evidence such as phone records, video footage, witness testimony, vehicle data, and the police report can help show that distraction contributed to the crash.
In some cases, an employer may also bear responsibility when the driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash.
Filing a claim after a distracted driving accident generally involves investigating the cause of the crash, gathering supporting evidence, and pursuing compensation either through negotiation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or, if necessary, by filing a lawsuit.
Many injury claims are resolved through negotiations with the insurance company. Still, it is important to work with a legal team prepared to investigate the case thoroughly and pursue litigation when a fair resolution is not offered. Desert Star Law Group prepares each case with the client’s recovery at the center, including helping injured people pursue medical care even when they do not have health insurance.
Strong evidence in a distracted driving case can include:
Acting promptly can help preserve time-sensitive evidence, including video footage and certain electronic records that may be overwritten, lost, or more difficult to obtain over time.
In Arizona, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the claim accrues under A.R.S. § 12-542. Important exceptions and earlier notice requirements can apply, particularly when a government entity may be involved, so it is wise to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Victims may be able to pursue compensation for:
In cases involving a fatal accident, surviving family members may also be able to pursue wrongful death damages.
There is no reliable average settlement value for distracted driving cases. The value of a claim can depend on the severity and duration of injuries, available insurance coverage, medical documentation, lost income, disputed liability, and whether multiple parties may be responsible. A lawyer can evaluate the specific circumstances of a case, but no attorney can guarantee a particular result.
While every case depends on its own specific facts, our firm has a track record of successfully representing distracted driving accident victims throughout the Phoenix area, holding negligent drivers accountable and securing meaningful compensation for the injuries our clients have suffered.
Desert Star Law Group puts injured people first. The firm’s client-first approach includes a commitment that clients receive more from a settlement than the firm receives in fees, even when that requires reducing the firm’s fee. The team also helps clients explore medical-care options after a crash, including when health insurance is unavailable, and can connect clients with trusted mechanics when vehicle repairs create another immediate burden.
We understand how quickly a moment of distraction can change someone’s life, and we take every distracted driving case seriously from the very first phone call. Our team thoroughly investigates each crash, working to secure cell phone records, witness statements, and other critical evidence before it disappears. We have taken on powerful corporations, large insurance companies, and negligent defendants alike, and we never back down from a fight when our clients’ futures are at stake.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident in Phoenix, do not wait to get legal guidance. Contact Desert Star Law Group at (602) 686-9936 for a consultation, and let us help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
He was driving straight through a green light at a familiar intersection when an oncoming vehicle suddenly made a left turn directly in front of him. He didn’t have time to react before the vehicles collided, which triggered the airbags.
He was sent to the hospital from the scene, underwent 2 back surgeries, and required extensive physical therapy. He’s back to 100% with a $370,000 settlement.
She was traveling on the highway in moderate traffic when a vehicle behind her began weaving between lanes at a high rate of speed. Moments later, that vehicle lost control and collided with several cars, setting off a chain-reaction crash that ultimately impacted her vehicle.
After the collision, she experienced neck and upper back pain along with persistent headaches. She was later diagnosed with cervical and thoracic strain, as well as a concussion. She ended up having back surgery and underwent a course of treatment for her head injury that included physical therapy and monitored recovery. Over time, her symptoms resolved, and she returned to her normal routine without ongoing limitations. $150,000 Settlement
He was a dog groomer who made house calls in his truck. While grooming a dog he was bitten, severing several tendons in his dominant hand. He required surgery to repair the tendons and almost a year of PT to regain full range of motion. He carries scars on his arm that will last a long time. Settled for $150,000.
