Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Focused on getting you the money you deserve for your injury claim
Distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of car accidents throughout the country. Instead of focusing on the road, far too many drivers are doing too many other things behind the wheel, whether it’s texting while driving or engaging in other dangerous activities.
Whatever the cause of your distracted driving accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s reckless behavior. You deserve to be financially compensated for all your accident-related expenses. That’s why we want to help.
Attorney Stephen Longo and his talented legal team at The Longo Firm, LLC in Colorado Springs have years of experience handling complex car accident cases. As a result, he’s familiar with the laws governing such accidents. He knows what evidence to look for. We’re the law firm you can count on in a crisis.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road. Many people only think of texting while driving or talking on a cellphone while driving when it comes to distracted driving, but that’s just the beginning. Other examples of distracted driving include:
- Looking up directions or operating a GPS while driving.
- Adjusting the radio or other electronic devices while driving.
- Eating while driving.
- Personal grooming (applying makeup, shaving with an electric razor, etc.) while driving.
Is this how your distracted driving accident happened? Or are you dealing with a different situation? Whatever the circumstances of your crash, an experienced attorney can investigate your accident and demand the money you deserve.
Is texting while driving legal?
Each state has its own unique laws when it comes to texting while driving. However, in many cases, most states have laws prohibiting some drivers (especially younger ones) or all drivers from texting while driving.
In Colorado, for example, all drivers are banned from texting while driving. Drivers under 18 years old are also prohibited from using a cellphone at any time statewide. Drivers who violate these laws may be subject to fines and other penalties.
However, Colorado’s distracted driving laws can be confusing. Texting while driving violations are considered primary offenses, meaning a police officer can stop a driver simply for texting while driving. In order to issue a traffic citation, the officer must see the texting driver operating the vehicle “in a careless or imprudent manner,” according to state law. This is why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side if a texting driver causes your crash.
How do investigators prove a driver was distracted?
Police and other parties investigating the accident – including the insurance companies for both drivers – often examine certain key pieces of evidence when determining if a driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Such evidence often includes:
- Cellphone records, particularly if the at-fault driver texted or was on the phone at the time of crash.
- Skid marks on the road or the absence of them, especially if the driver was distracted and did not attempt to slow down before the collision.
- Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the driver texting at the time of the collision.
These are just some of the ways investigators determine that distracted driving was a factor in an accident. Your lawyer can search for similar evidence and make sure the facts are found in support of your injury claim.
What options are available to me after my crash?
If a distracted driver clearly caused your accident and they are found to be at fault, you often have several options available to you in such cases. Options often include:
- Accept a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Ask for more money and negotiate a better settlement offer.
- File a lawsuit or take other legal action in court if necessary.
These are just some of the options often available to accident victims. Other options may apply depending on the circumstances of your distracted driving crash. In each case, your attorney can help you decide which options makes the most sense and can work with you to obtain the money you rightfully deserve.
Demand justice after your distracted driving accident. Contact us.
Don’t underestimate the seriousness or the complexity of your case. Your injury claim could easily be worth thousands of dollars or significantly more. Insurance companies know this. That’s why they will often do everything they can to reduce or deny your claim.
Demand the money you deserve. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with us. Attorney Longo can answer your questions, personally review your case and advise you what to do next. If you have any questions throughout your case, you can call Attorney Longo directly anytime on his personal phone. We do things different at The Longo Firm, LLC. We always put your best interests first.