Mintz Law Firm
What This Page Covers:
-Understanding Distracted Driving: Distracted driving isn't just about texting; it includes various activities like adjusting the radio or eating. It's a significant problem in the US, causing thousands of deaths and injuries each year.
-Texting and Driving Laws in Colorado: While Colorado doesn't have a statewide distracted driving law, texting while driving is prohibited. Violations result in fines, points on your record, and potential education requirements.
-Proving Distracted Driving: To prove distracted driving in an accident case, a thorough investigation is crucial. Evidence can come from police reports, witnesses, cell phone records, photos/videos, driver admissions, or accident reconstruction.
-Compensation for Distracted Driving Accidents: Compensation for distracted driving accidents varies based on the case. It can include medical bills, lost wages, therapy, pain and suffering, and more. Colorado's comparative negligence law may affect the final compensation amount.
-Call (303) 462-2999 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Every Colorado resident who obtains a driver's license takes on the duty to ensure the safety of themselves and all those who share the road. It's a duty that centers our community and a commitment to safeguarding lives. Yet, every year, thousands of people lose their lives, and countless others sustain injuries due to the careless actions of distracted drivers.
When you choose to reach out to Mintz Law Firm, you're not just connecting with distracted driving accident attorneys; you're connecting with advocates who are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and your well-being. We're here to review the intricate details of your collision to ensure you have the best possible chance at obtaining fair compensation. Let Mintz Law Firm stand with you and work together to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
Distracted driving is any time a driver has their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off of driving. Remember, distracted driving is much more than just texting behind the wheel. It can also be:
- Checking the GPS
- Adjusting the radio
- Eating
- Interacting with passengers
- Readjusting the seat
- Staring out the window
- Playing with a pet
- Reaching into the glove compartment
According to the CDC, distracted driving is a significant problem across the United States. About 3,000 people die in crashes each year involving a distracted driver. In 2018 alone, over 400,000 people sustained injuries in these accidents.
What Is the Penalty for Texting and Driving in Co?
Distracted driving is against the law in some cities in Colorado, although there is no statewide law that specifically targets distracted driving. However, Colorado does prohibit texting while driving. Adults can use their phones hands-free when driving, but anyone 18 and younger cannot use their cell phone at all when behind the wheel.
Distracted driving violations are primary offenses, but police officers must see the driver using the phone while operating a vehicle to issue a citation. Texting and driving is a serious offense, as it poses a significant risk to road safety. The penalties for texting and driving can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation, and they are designed to deter this dangerous behavior. The penalties for texting and driving can include:
- Fines: A first-time offense for texting and driving can result in a fine of $300. For subsequent offenses, the fine increases.
- Points on Your Driving Record: Texting and driving convictions typically result in the assessment of points on your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension or increased insurance premiums.
- Distracted Driving Education: In some cases, a court may require individuals convicted of texting and driving to complete a distracted driving education program.
- Enhanced Penalties: If texting and driving leads to a traffic accident or injury, the penalties can be more severe, including increased fines and potential criminal charges.
As a result of potential penalties, an at-fault driver will do their best to point the responsibility away from themselves. When you work with Mintz Law Firm, you can feel confident that our distracted driving accident attorneys in Denver, CO will work tirelessly to protect your rights and best interests.
HOW TO PROVE DISTRACTED DRIVING IN DENVER
When you partner with the Mintz Law Firm, we will launch a thorough investigation into your accident and the circumstances leading up to it. When investigating your case, we might find evidence that can prove the other driver was distracted.
- Police report: Police reports may include initial assessments of fault based on evidence from the officer who cleared the scene. If you saw the other party driving distracted before the accident, you should inform the officer. That way, they can include that information in the report.
- Witnesses: A witness is anyone who saw the accident, such as bystanders on the street or passengers in other vehicles. When the police arrive at the scene, they can detail witness statements for the accident report. If your case goes to trial, your Denver distracted driving accident attorney can call witnesses to testify.
- Cell phone records: A distracted driving accident attorney may be able to use call and text message records in court to prove that the other driver was negligent. Since it is illegal to text while driving in Colorado, cell phone records may provide strong evidence of negligence.
- Photo or video evidence: Surveillance cameras and dash cams may have filmed the whole accident, proving the other driver was responsible. Your distracted driving accident attorney can present this evidence in court to assist your claim.
- Driver admits fault: Drivers are usually overwhelmed in the aftermath of an accident, and they may admit fault for the crash. However, even if they say, “Sorry, I was on the phone,” your case is not over. Guilt admissions are not always admissible in court under the hearsay doctrine. Although, the admission may be beneficial if you settle outside of court.
- Accident reconstruction: A Denver distracted driving attorney may also partner with an accident reconstruction specialist. Proper reconstruction may show that a driver was not paying attention and acted negligently.
It’s important to contact us as soon as possible to ensure we get all the necessary evidence to build a strong claim. Our Denver, CO distracted driving attorneys will hit the ground running, giving you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
WHAT COMPENSATION CAN I RECEIVE FROM A DISTRACTED DRIVING CAR ACCIDENT IN DENVER?
The compensation you may receive for a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver will depend on the facts surrounding your case. After reviewing your case, a Denver car accident lawyer may be able to recover the following losses:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Therapy bills
- Pain and suffering
- Medical equipment
- In-home rehabilitation
When pursuing financial compensation, you must remember that Colorado follows modified comparative negligence. Under this law, a court reduces a driver’s compensation in proportion to how responsible they were for causing the accident. For example, say the other driver was texting behind the wheel, but you were speeding. In this case, a court may deem you 20% responsible for the accident, allowing you to collect up to 80% of your damages.
CONTACT A SKILLED DISTRACTED DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYER IN DENVER
At Mintz Law Firm, we are not only seasoned experts in the field but also unwavering advocates for those seeking recourse. Our Denver distracted driving accident lawyers possess a wealth of experience and an intimate understanding of Colorado's intricate injury laws. We stand ready to be your trusted car crash lawyer through the complex legal process, ensuring that you achieve the best possible outcomes for your case.
Your story matters, and so does your right to justice. Do not hesitate to take that vital step forward. For a confidential and complimentary consultation, reach out to us today by calling (303) 462-2999 or completing our contact form. At Mintz Law Firm, we are here to listen, support, and help you find the closure and resolution you deserve.