Scottsdale Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Getting distracted is a part of life, but unfortunately, doing so while operating a vehicle can result in catastrophic events. Even if no one is hurt, you may still end up facing charges. Regardless of the severity of your case, you may benefit from enlisting the help of a Scottsdale distracted driving accident lawyer.

Before hiring just any Scottsdale car accident lawyer, you may benefit from learning about what the state of Arizona considers to be distracted driving, the potential penalties you could end up facing, and how choosing the right lawyer for your case may end up being the difference between success and a conviction.

Texting while driving for just five seconds is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded. A reported 3,275 individuals lost their lives in distracted driving accidents during 2023. While this is actually a 1% decrease from the prior year, the risk of distraction has not gone down. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a result of constant new and potential hindrances.

Some examples of common types of distractions Arizona drivers may encounter but not even realize could be endangering lives are listed below:

• Adjusting vehicle controls. While it may feel like a quick adjustment, changing the air conditioning, radio station, or working on your GPS can easily distract you while driving, and, therefore, potentially lead to an accident.
• Your own thoughts. Whether you are daydreaming, mentally exhausted, or overwhelmed by your emotions, you can end up suffering from inattentive blindness, where you zone out and are not fully mentally present while driving. This can result in delayed response time and awareness, which, in turn, can lead to accidents even though your eyes are on the road.
• Eating and drinking. Not everyone feels the need to have both hands on the wheel while driving, but while it may feel inconvenient, not eating and drinking while driving can help protect you from distracted driving and, subsequently, accidents. It is better to finish your food or drink before you depart or once you have arrived. If the need should arise, you can also park somewhere off the roadways.
• Grooming. Even if you are running late or realize you forgot to do your hair, it is unwise to groom while operating a vehicle. Applying makeup, fixing your hair, and checking your teeth are all examples of grooming endeavors that are better done when your car is parked.
• Interacting with your passengers. While it may be tempting to get lost in the conversations and activities taking place in your car, drivers are always better off keeping their eyes and focus on the road. If an emergency arises, like a screaming child, a fight between passengers, or a medical situation, you should pull off the road and park before addressing the situation fully.
• Looking for items. Perhaps you dropped your lipstick, spilled your drink, lost your phone, or misplaced something else, but it is never wise to go looking for items while driving, as it takes your eyes, hands, and focus off driving, which can have catastrophic outcomes.

Using your cellphone. In Arizona, it is illegal to be on the phone while driving. If you have a hands-free setup where your phone is out of reach while you handle a call or input directions, you are technically not breaking this law, but it is always better to limit potential distractions wherever you can. Changing your playlist, sending that text, and watching that video can all wait until you are no longer driving.

There are many benefits that you can gain access to when you choose to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer. Not only can your lawyer help you navigate the complexities of your distracted driving case, but they can also serve as your advocate, protecting you, your rights, and your future.

It is possible that a distracted driving accident case could result in you spending some time in an Arizona courthouse. If your case requires it, your hearing(s) will take place at the North 75th Street Scottsdale City Court. You may know this as the Scottsdale Municipal Court or Scottsdale Justice Center.

With over 25 years of experience working with all types of legal driving cases, personal injury attorney Luis P. Guerra understands how complicated and stressful navigating distracted driving accident charges alone can be. Instead of trying to represent yourself, enlist the help of an experienced and successful distracted driving accident attorney and discover how we can help you build a strong and thorough case.

Can I Represent Myself in My Distracted Driving Accident Case in Scottsdale, AZ?

Yes, it is legal to represent yourself in a distracted driving accident case in Scottsdale. However, you can get a more favorable outcome in your case if you hire a skilled and knowledgeable distracted driving lawyer who is familiar with Arizona distracted driving laws. Together, you and your lawyer can build and present a strong defense, protecting your rights and driving privileges.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Scottsdale?

In the state of Arizona, the cost of hiring a distracted driving accident lawyer can vary. This is due to a wide variety of variables and the unique impact they can have on your case, such as the level of complexity your case involves, the amount of time it needs to be finalized, the severity of your charges, and who you hire to represent you.

Is Hiring a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Worthwhile in Arizona?

While every case is unique, in most cases, yes, hiring a distracted driving accident lawyer can prove to be tremendously beneficial, bringing clarity to an otherwise confusing process and reducing one’s overall level of stress. Your lawyer can also have a profound impact on the outcome of your case, utilizing their insight and resources to assist you in the pursuit of your desired outcomes.

Is It Illegal to Be on the Phone While Driving in Scottsdale?

Unless your phone is in hands-free mode, it’s illegal to be on the phone while you are operating a vehicle in Scottsdale, AZ. This is mainly due to the increase in potential distractions that one may face while holding a phone and driving. For example, you may notice a text to reply to, or you reach down to pick up your dropped phone, or find other phone-related distractions suddenly in your face. These can all result in a distracted driving accident.

Contact Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and your future.