Distracted driving accidents in Lakewood, CO, are unfortunately quite common, with no signs of slowing down. Our Lakewood distracted driving accident attorneys understand the potentially devastating outcomes of these car accidents. We want to do everything we can to help you if someone else’s negligence led to an accident and you sustained injuries and other losses.
For help after an accident in Lakewood, Colorado, we’re here for you. Reach out to Matos Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Lakewood distracted driving accident lawyer at (720) 912 7274.
How Matos Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in Lakewood
If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident in Lakewood, CO, a Lakewood personal injury lawyer can offer comprehensive assistance to support your recovery and claim.
Here’s how our Lakewood car accident attorneys can help:
- We will evaluate the specifics of your collision to understand all contributing factors and identify the liable party.
- Our team will gather evidence that proves another party’s fault, such as traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and photos/videos of the accident scene.
- We will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company to try to get you a settlement that truly accounts for all of your losses.
- If we’re unable to come to an agreement that you’re happy with, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
If you’ve been in an accident in Lakewood, Colorado, working with an experienced legal team is the first step you should take. Contact Matos Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Lakewood distracted driving accident lawyer.
How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in Colorado?
Distracted driving remains a persistent issue in Lakewood, CO, and the state.
Consider the following statistics:
- Colorado sees more than 15,000 crashes every year caused by distracted drivers – amounting to roughly 42 per day.
- In 2022, the top three causes of distracted driving in Colorado were interior distractions like phones, dashboard navigation, food, looking at the road but not seeing/paying attention, and driver inexperience.
- In 2023, Colorado State Patrol issued 15,553 distracted driving citations across the state. This marks a concerning 4.5% increase from the previous year.
- In 2022, Jefferson County – which is where Lakewood is located – ranked amongst the top five counties in Colorado for serious injuries and fatalities due to distracted driving.
Given the prevalence and rising trends of distracted driving-related incidents in Colorado, it’s evident that this is a significant safety concern worthy of continued attention.
Overview of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents occur when a driver’s focus diverts from the road to any other activity while behind the wheel. When drivers do this, accidents often occur. For example, a single car may drive off the road and crash into a telephone pole, or a driver may rear-end the car in front of them because they didn’t notice the traffic slowing down. It could even lead to head-on collisions in cases where the distracted driver drifts out of their lane and into oncoming traffic.
Understanding the causes of these car accidents is essential for avoiding behavior that leads to similar incidents.
Some of the most common ones include:
- Cell phone use
- Talking to passengers
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Adjusting temperature or radio
- Inexperience
- External distractions
While these are among the primary causes of distracted driving accidents, it’s crucial to note that anything which grabs your attention away from operating a vehicle can be potentially dangerous – even something as simple as daydreaming.
If you find yourself injured because another driver wasn’t paying attention behind the wheel, a personal injury lawyer can help.
Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
Injuries from distracted driving accidents can vary widely in severity and commonly include:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns
- Crush injuries, leading to amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
These are just some of the typical outcomes someone may suffer due to distracted driving accidents. The personal and financial impacts that result from these types of accidents can be severe, making it important to obtain justice and damages if someone else’s negligence caused the incident.
Liability in Distracted Driving Accidents
Determining who is at fault in distracted driving accidents involves pinpointing the driver whose lack of attention to the road directly led to an accident. In many cases, potentially liable parties might include:
The Distracted Driver
The individual reportedly engaged in activities that diverted their attention away from safe vehicle operation is typically responsible for the accident and any resulting injuries.
Employers
Suppose the driver was working and acting within their job responsibilities at the time of the distracted driving accident. In that case, the employer may be held legally responsible as well through vicarious liability.
Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers
If there was a vehicle malfunction that contributed to the accident in addition to the driver’s distraction – for example, faulty brakes didn’t allow the driver to stop in time – the manufacturer of that part could be found liable.
While these parties are often liable, there may also be others held responsible in some situations. The best way to accurately identify all responsible parties is to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lakewood Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident in Lakewood, CO, securing legal representation is vital. Our lawyers have the experience and dedication needed to help injured parties with their claims and secure the compensation they deserve. Contact Matos Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Lakewood distracted driving accident lawyer.