Because of the popularity of smart phones and the increase in certain types of infotainment options in newer vehicles, most drivers have technology at the tips of their fingers at any given moment. This can be very distracting, especially for younger drivers. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents, and it’s a serious safety concern. There is no excuse for this type of negligent driving, and it can result in grave or fatal injuries to innocent motorists.
Most people believe they can safely multitask. They assume that it won’t hurt anything to pick up their phones and glance down for a second. In reality, even a moment of distraction can have devastating consequences. If you are the victim of an accident caused by a distracted driver in Colorado, there are legal options through which you may be able to hold the liable party accountable for what you suffered.
The problem of distraction
Distracted driving is a greater problem than many think. Even looking down at a phone while driving at 55 miles per hour can result in a vehicle moving the length of a football field without the driver seeing the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around nine people die every day from distracted driving. Consider the following:
- Even a decade ago, approximately 20% of all crashes related to distracted driving in some way. This problem has worsened because of an increase in in-car technology that can be distracting.
- Younger drivers are especially likely to drive while distracted because they are inexperienced and more attached to their phones than other drivers.
- Distracted driving is not only from phone use. It can happen when a Colorado driver is eating, talking with a passenger, adjusting the radio, daydreaming or even using a hands-free device to talk on the phone.
Every driver is responsible for the choices he or she makes while behind the wheel. If a driver’s negligence is the cause of an accident that left another party with physical pain, emotional duress and financial loss, the victim does not have to suffer alone. Through the civil justice system, it may be possible to pursue damages and secure compensation for medical bills, accident-related losses and non-economic losses. An assessment of the accident case and individual situation can identify the specific options available.