Crowded valley highways and winding mountain roads demand a driver’s full focus. Texting while driving violates state law, yet some drivers do it anyway, rear-ending other motorists, missing traffic lights, or causing serious harm.
Those involved in texting while driving accidents in Glenwood Springs should seek legal advice to discover their options. If a distracted driver caused a crash that harmed you or a loved one, an auto collision attorney at Veritas Injury Lawyers can help you pursue a claim.
Distracted Driving Risks
Once a driver takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, or their attention off of traffic, they are no longer fully focused on driving. Texting is particularly dangerous because it distracts a driver at all three levels: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Almost all states have laws against using a phone while driving. Many prohibit the use of any device that is not hands-free. However, not all drivers adhere to the law, and collisions caused by motorists who text and drive remain a serious concern for other road users in the Glenwood Springs area.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
A driver who is not focused on the road can create dangerous situations. Texting while driving can result in the following types of accidents:
- Rear-end crashes when they fail to slow down in time
- Collisions with pedestrians or cyclists they do not see
- Side impacts in intersections if they ignore street lights or signs
- Sideswipes if they drift between lanes or change lanes without looking
When a driver texts behind the wheel, even if just for a few seconds, they can cause a wreck that results in significant harm to others on the road in Glenwood Springs. Minor collisions can cause whiplash-associated disorders, which result in pain and limited mobility for weeks or longer. More severe impacts can cause internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, and the most serious crashes can result in lifelong injuries and death.
How Does Liability Affect Compensation?
After sustaining harm in a crash in Glenwood Springs that involved a driver who was texting, your available compensation depends on your degree of fault. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-111, an injured person who has no fault in the crash can claim 100 percent of their damages. If they are at least 50 percent responsible, they have no right to claim compensation. Claims made by individuals who are between 50 and 100 percent responsible are reduced proportionally to their fault.
Gathering all the right evidence is crucial. Most cases never go to court because insurance adjusters move quickly to find reasons to deny a claim or attempt to settle for less than the full amount of damages.
Without an attorney, you rely solely on the insurance company’s investigation of the accident, which may not be thorough. We can review your case and identify evidence, such as surveillance camera footage or eyewitness testimony, that clearly identifies fault and strengthens your claim.
Contact Us in Glenwood Springs if a Texting Driver Caused Your Car Crash
You deserve support after a car accident. At Veritas Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have years of experience handling texting while driving accidents in Glenwood Springs.
We understand the insurance industry and the claims process and will work diligently to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.
