Phoenix Distracted Driving and Phone Texting Lawyer AZ
Trustworthy personal injury law firm advocating for people throughout Arizona
When drivers get behind the wheel, their sole responsibility is to operate that vehicle in a safe and lawful manner. This means paying attention to the road, not sending text messages or engaging in any other distracting behavior. Nearly every state has either passed some form of text messaging ban for drivers or taken a proposed law under consideration. This signals widespread recognition of a serious and dangerous, potentially catastrophic, problem.
If you or a loved one was severely injured by a distracted driver, turn to the knowledgeable Phoenix distracted driving lawyers with years of experience representing vehicle accident victims. At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we earnestly investigate the cause of your injuries and then fight to hold all responsible parties accountable. If you are a person of integrity with honest injuries, we are the law firm to advocate for your legal rights.
Texting and driving laws in Phoenix
In 2017, Governor Ducey signed SB 1080 into law. The bill, which passed with one vote, goes into effect on July 1, 2018. The law:
- Prohibits instructional permit holders from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device.
- Allows use during specific emergency situations.
- Prohibits citation without reasonable cause another violation has occurred. (Sec. 1)
- Prohibits Class G licensees during the first six months or until the licensees 18th birthday from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device.
- Allows use during specific emergency situations.
- Permits use of an audible turn-by-turn navigation system under specified conditions.
- Prohibits citation without reasonable cause another violation has occurred. (Sec. 2)
The new law will only apply to new drivers – not to any other drivers on the road.
Phoenix has taken a more restrictive stance. The city was an early adopter of a texting ban, along with Flagstaff, Tucson, and Tempe. While some level of texting ban appears probable, it will likely not address every form of distracted driving. Activities such as talking on a handheld cell phone, using GPS systems, applying makeup or dealing with pets in the car all distract drivers from safely operating their vehicles.
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Driving is a fully immersive experience, in that it requires you to use multiple senses at once. Anything that takes away from that – looking at a map or a cell phone, driving with your ear buds in, etc. – decreases your ability to react quickly enough to avoid a crash.
8,657 drivers involved in collisions in 2023 were engaged in distracted driving behaviors. Of those, 62 distracted drivers were involved in fatal crashes. This number is likely an undercount as drivers may not admit to distraction, or the driver may have died in the crash.
Attorneys with the knowledge and resourcefulness to prove driver distraction
It can be challenging to prove that a driver was distracted at the time of a crash, but our lawyers have the knowledge and resources to successfully handle this daunting task. Proving this type of negligence can significantly increase the value of your case, especially given that:
- Cell phone use leaves a record that can be brought forth as evidence in an auto wreck case — a consideration recognized by insurance companies and their lawyers.
- Jury members’ attitudes toward texting while driving and other dangerous distractions often reflect their own negative driving experiences, along with strong public awareness of this serious hazard.
Drivers have an obligation to focus on the road and avoid behaviors that endanger others. Don’t hesitate to hold a responsible party accountable for the catastrophic injuries and loss their carelessness caused. We understand that the possibility of a trial may not appeal to you, but our experienced Phoenix distracted driving attorneys also understand the lifetime of pain and economic hardship that a catastrophic injury can bring to you and your family. You are entitled to seek fair compensation. Failing to seek what you deserve is often simply a gift to an insurance company.
Let our lawyers focus on your case, while you focus on recovery
The most important aspect of any motor vehicle crash is your recovery and well-being. With our team of highly capable Phoenix auto accident lawyers on your side, you can focus on recuperating while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve. We want to know everything you remember about the crash that injured you — including any “lane drifting” or other unusual behaviors you observed. Our legal team will also work to fully grasp and value the consequences of your accident, from direct medical expenses and property damage to lost wages and other longer-term losses.
We prepare every case for trial, which helps us better position ourselves for successful settlement negotiations. Our three active partner attorneys are all Board Certified Specialists in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation, as recognized by the Arizona Bar Association.
End Distracted Driving
Nick Verderame gives an EndDD.org presentation at a local school about the dangers of distracted driving.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle a variety of accident cases, including:
Work with a Phoenix distracted driver lawyer who will act for injury victims
Don’t be afraid to hold negligent parties responsible for the pain and suffering they brought into your life. Trust a law firm with a proven record of courtroom success to aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. There’s no need to worry about upfront costs. Plattner Verderame, P.C. will handle your case on a contingency basis, so you owe nothing unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Call us today at 602-266-2002, toll free at 888-657-3573, or contact us online.