Colorado Springs Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Focused on getting you the money you deserve for your injury claim
Distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of car accidents throughout the country. Instead of focusing on the road, far too many drivers are doing too many other things behind the wheel, whether it’s texting while driving or engaging in other dangerous activities.
Whatever the cause of your distracted driving accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s reckless behavior. You deserve to be financially compensated for all your accident-related expenses. That’s why we want to help.
Colorado Springs distracted driving accident attorney Stephen Longo and his talented legal team at The Longo Firm, LLC in Colorado Springs have years of experience handling complex car accident cases. As a result, he’s familiar with the laws governing such accidents. He knows what evidence to look for. We’re the law firm you can count on in a crisis.
FAQs About Distracted Driving
- What is distracted driving?
- Is texting while driving legal in Colorado?
- How do investigators prove a driver was distracted?
- What expenses can I be compensated for after my distracted driving accident?
- Should I accept a distracted driving settlement offer?
- Can I sue a distracted driver for causing my collision?
- What options are available to me after my crash?
- How can a Colorado Springs distracted driving accident lawyer help me?
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road. Many people only think of texting while driving or talking on a cellphone while driving when it comes to distracted driving, but that’s just the beginning. Other examples of distracted driving include:
- Looking up directions or operating a GPS while driving.
- Adjusting the radio or other electronic devices while driving.
- Eating while driving.
- Personal grooming (applying makeup, shaving with an electric razor, etc.) while driving.
Is this how your distracted driving accident happened? Or are you dealing with a different situation? Whatever the circumstances of your crash, an experienced attorney can investigate your accident and demand the money you deserve.
Is texting while driving legal in Colorado?
Each state has its own unique laws when it comes to texting while driving. However, in many cases, most states have laws prohibiting some drivers (especially younger ones) or all drivers from texting while driving.
In Colorado, for example, all drivers are banned from texting while driving. Drivers under 18 years old are also prohibited from using a cellphone at any time statewide. Drivers who violate these laws may be subject to fines and other penalties.
However, Colorado’s distracted driving laws can be confusing. Texting while driving violations are considered primary offenses, meaning a police officer can stop a driver simply for texting while driving. In order to issue a traffic citation, the officer must see the texting driver operating the vehicle “in a careless or imprudent manner,” according to state law. This is why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side if a texting driver causes your crash.
How do investigators prove a driver was distracted?
Police and other parties investigating the accident – including the insurance companies for both drivers – often examine certain key pieces of evidence when determining if a driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Such evidence often includes:
- Cellphone records, particularly if the at-fault driver texted or was on the phone at the time of crash.
- Skid marks on the road or the absence of them, especially if the driver was distracted and did not attempt to slow down before the collision.
- Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the driver texting at the time of the collision.
These are just some of the ways investigators determine that distracted driving was a factor in an accident. Your lawyer can search for similar evidence and make sure the facts are found in support of your injury claim.
What expenses can I be compensated for after my distracted driving accident?
After being injured in a distracted driving crash, you might be surprised by how quickly your expenses add up. The financial toll goes beyond just fixing your car. You may have many other accident-related expenses, now and in the future. Fortunately, you can and should be able to receive compensation for all your accident-related expenses, including money for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical treatment costs can all be included in your claim.
- Lost wages: If your injuries keep you from working, you can seek money to cover the income you missed during recovery.
- Reduced earning capacity: Serious injuries may affect your long-term ability to work, which should be factored into your compensation.
- Vehicle repairs or replacement cost: If your car was damaged or totaled, you can recover the cost of repairs or the value of a replacement vehicle.
- Pain and suffering: Beyond financial losses, you may be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your crash.
Every accident is unique. So are the types of expenses you can recover depending on the details of your case. An experienced distracted driving accident attorney can identify all the compensation you are entitled to as part of your settlement claim. This ensures that you are not left paying out of pocket for expenses that should be covered. The goal is to help you move forward with financial stability and peace of mind.
Should I accept a distracted driving settlement offer?
Insurance companies often make settlement offers soon after a crash. While it might be tempting to accept such an offer right away, these offers are often much lower than what you truly need. And once you accept such an offer, that’s it. Your case is settled and you cannot go back and ask for more money later.
Before agreeing to accept any settlement, it’s important to understand the full impact of your accident. Your injuries may require long-term medical care, extensive time off work or lifestyle changes that you did not expect. If you settle too early, you could end up paying for future costs yourself out of your own pocket.
A Colorado Springs distracted driving accident lawyer can review your settlement offer and calculate the real value of your case. And if your offer is too low, your attorney can demand more money for you. By negotiating on your behalf, your attorney can push for a fair settlement that covers all your losses. That way, you won’t be pressured into taking less than you deserve – and putting your financial future at risk.
Can I sue a distracted driver for causing my collision?
Yes, you have the right to sue a distracted driver in Colorado if their actions caused your crash. Filing a lawsuit may be the best way to get the money you deserve, especially if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, refuses to negotiate or denies your injury claim altogether.
A lawsuit can help you demand the money you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. It also allows you to pursue non-economic damages, the legal term for compensation for accident expenses that don’t have a direct financial cost, such as pain and suffering, which can be significant in serious cases.
So how do you know if you should file a distracted driving accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver? Often, the best way to learn more about your legal options is to talk with a lawyer who’s handled distracted driving accident lawsuits in the past. An attorney can review your case, answer your questions and guide you through the legal process, including collecting evidence for your case and representing you in court if necessary.
What options are available to me after my crash?
If a distracted driver clearly caused your accident and they are found to be at fault, you often have several options available to you in such cases. Options often include:
- Accept a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Ask for more money and negotiate a better settlement offer.
- File a lawsuit or take other legal action in court if necessary.
These are just some of the options often available to accident victims. Other options may apply depending on the circumstances of your distracted driving crash. In each case, your attorney can help you decide which options makes the most sense and can work with you to obtain the money you rightfully deserve.
How can a Colorado Springs distracted driving accident lawyer help me?
Hiring an attorney after a distracted driving crash can often make a big difference in the outcome of your injury claim or lawsuit. Attorneys understand how insurance companies operate and know the games they often play in an attempt to avoid paying you. Some of the ways your lawyer can help you include:
- Investigating the crash by reviewing police reports, cellphone records, and witness statements.
- Gathering evidence that proves the other driver was distracted and at fault.
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including future costs you may not have considered.
- Negotiating directly with the insurance company to demand fair compensation.
- Representing you in court if the insurance company refuses to cooperate.
A Colorado Springs distracted driving accident attorney can level the playing field against powerful insurance companies. They can handle all the legal details so you can focus on your recovery. With an experienced lawyer in your corner, you don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of during such a stressful time. Instead, you can move forward with confidence knowing your case is in good hands.
Demand justice after your distracted driving accident. Contact us.
Don’t underestimate the seriousness or the complexity of your case. Your injury claim could easily be worth thousands of dollars or significantly more. Insurance companies know this. That’s why they will often do everything they can to reduce or deny your claim.
Demand the money you deserve. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with us. Colorado Springs distracted driving accident attorney Stephen A. Longo can answer your questions, personally review your case and advise you what to do next. If you have any questions throughout your case, you can call Attorney Longo directly anytime on his personal phone. We do things different at The Longo Firm, LLC. We always put your best interests first.