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Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

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Denver Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Distracted driving and texting while driving accidents are a growing problem on roads across the United States, and Denver is no exception. Every year, the reckless and preventable behavior of distracted drivers affects thousands of lives. If a distracted driving accident has injured you or a loved one, you need an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights at every step of the process.
 
The Denver car accident attorneys with Fiedler Trial Lawyers represent distracted driving accident victims with compassion, skill, and an unwavering commitment to their recovery.
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Examples of Distracted Driving

Modern technology and changes in driving behaviors have brought new types of driving distractions and made others more persistent. Any type of distraction — manual, visual, or cognitive – reduces a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely and lawfully.
 

Texting or Using a Smartphone

A very well-known and dangerous form of distraction, texting and driving combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. When Denver drivers check text messages, scroll through social media, or respond to notifications while driving, their attention is often completely diverted for extended periods, leading to unnecessary and often tragic accidents.  
 

Adjusting Vehicle Controls

Modern vehicle design goes further each year with touchscreens that incorporate GPS systems, climate controls, and radio or media playback while driving. Many Denver drivers take these seemingly minor distractions lightly and can lose focus completely on the road.  
 

Eating and Drinking

Eating fast food or sipping coffee behind the wheel may seem harmless, but it requires the driver to take at least one hand off the wheel. The danger ramps up when messy foods or spills lead drivers to take both hands off the wheel and move around in ways that compromise their control of their vehicle. 
 

Talking to Passengers

Deep or animated conversations with passengers can easily divert a driver’s attention. This problem is more pronounced with younger, less experienced drivers in Denver, who can be more susceptible to peer influence and distractions when driving with friends.
 

Grooming or Personal Hygiene

Some Denver drivers fool themselves into believing they can multitask to save time by applying makeup or fixing their hair while driving. These activities usually require drivers to use a mirror and other grooming tools that take their attention off of the road. 
 

Pets or Children in the Vehicle

Pets roaming freely in a vehicle or children who need attention can cause significant distractions. Drivers who tend to animals or children in the backseat can easily take their eyes off of the road and cause an accident. 

Common Types of Distracted Driving Accidents in Denver

Distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic accidents in Denver and can be a factor in almost every type of collision. Lapses in concentration often lead to sudden attempts at course correction that escalate into unavoidable crashes.  
 

Rear-End Collisions

When drivers lose focus on the road ahead, they may react too late to slowing traffic, stopped vehicles, or any condition blocking their path. Many times, a distraction can be so significant that the driver never reacts or brakes at all. These types of crashes often lead to multiple-vehicle pile-ups and serious or catastrophic injuries.
 

Lane Departure Accidents

Distracted drivers can lose focus on the steering wheel and drift outside of their lanes. These collisions often occur on higher-speed highways and freeways and can easily cause an impacted vehicle to spin out of control.  
 

Intersection Crashes

Distracted drivers can easily fail to notice stop signs, red lights, or pedestrians crossing at intersections. These collisions often involve one vehicle moving at a high speed and crashing into a stationary or slower moving vehicle, causing a T-bone accident. T-bone collisions may cause serious damage to both vehicles and lead to devastating injuries. 
 

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Bystanders and passengers may be injured when a distracted driver runs off the road or loses control of their vehicle. These accidents can also cause significant property damage and personal injury if a driver crashes into a building, sidewalk, or any structure off the roadway. 
 

Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions

It’s easy for a distracted driver to fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street or walking close to the roadway. Similarly, Denver cyclists are also at significant risk of a driver who is not giving their full attention failing to see them. Victims of pedestrian accidents are at extreme risk of injury since they don’t have any significant protection from an impact. 

Common Injuries After a Distracted Driving Accident

The team at Fiedler Trial Lawyers handles cases that involve a number of different injuries caused by the negligence of distracted drivers. Every injury affects a person differently, and in addition to physical harm and disability, injuries include long-lasting emotional harm and financial consequences that impair a victim’s quality of life.
 

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head. The injury is frequently the result of rear-end accidents, where the sudden movement overextends and compresses vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back.
 
Whiplash victims often experience stiffness, neck pain, headaches, and limited range of motion. Recovery may take weeks or months, depending on the severity. In some cases, chronic pain and long-term mobility issues can develop, affecting work performance and quality of life.
 

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries result from a sudden impact to the head. In Denver car accidents, these injuries typically occur when a person’s head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Even without direct contact, rapid acceleration and deceleration forces can injure a person’s brain.
 
Milder TBIs, like concussions, can cause dizziness, headaches, and memory issues. Severe TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairment, emotional conditions, permanent disability, or death. Many TBI victims require extensive rehabilitation that significantly alters their personal and professional lives.
 

Broken Bones

The intense force of auto accidents frequently causes fractured bones. Victims can injure their hands, arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis when bracing themselves or colliding with parts of the vehicle.
 
Broken bones often require weeks of immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery to repair. Rib fractures can cause additional complications, such as punctured lungs and lower body fractures, which can further impair mobility and prevent victims from returning to work or daily activities quickly.
 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Collision forces often compress or sever nerves in the spinal cord, especially in higher-speed accidents and rollover crashes.  
 
Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and precise location of the injury. In addition to the severe physical challenges, victims often face emotional and financial strain due to medical expenses and the need for ongoing care or assistive devices.
 

Soft Tissue Injuries

These injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons in any part of the body. They include sprains, strains, and contusions. Even low-speed collisions can cause significant soft-tissue injuries.
 
Some of these types of injuries resolve on their own in a fairly short period, but they can also lead to persistent pain and swelling in some cases. Without proper treatment and therapy, they can limit movement and interfere with daily activities for weeks or even months after the accident.
 

Internal Injuries

Car collisions may cause internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs. Seatbelts save lives, but their restrictive force can contribute to internal injuries during a high-impact crash.
 
Internal injuries can be life-threatening and are not always immediately apparent. Symptoms can develop over time and include severe pain, dizziness, or abdominal swelling.  
 

Psychological Trauma

The mental impact of a distracted driving accident is often profound. Denver victims can develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic crash.
 
Psychological trauma can impair a victim’s ability to drive, work, or engage in daily life. Many patients need extended therapy and counseling, and the emotional toll can linger long after physical injuries heal.

Distracted Driving Statistics in the United States and Colorado

Distracted driving accidents are, unfortunately, a highly prevalent cause of serious injuries throughout Denver, Colorado and the United States.  
 

National Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving led to 3,308 deaths nationwide in 2022. 
The NHTSA categorizes distractions into three main types:
  1. Visual: A distraction takes your eyes off the road.
  2. Manual: A distraction takes your hands off the wheel.
  3. Cognitive: A distraction takes your mind off of driving safely. 
Distracted driving disproportionately affects young drivers. Nationally, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. 
 
Additionally, a 2024 survey by The Zebra found that mobile phone use while driving is extremely hazardous, especially when younger drivers engage in activities like video chatting, using social media, streaming shows, and taking photos or videos while driving.
 

Colorado Statistics

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has released its 2024 Driver Behavior Report, revealing that 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving.
 
From 2012 to 2022, more than 700 people died from distracted driving crashes in Colorado. In 2020 alone, there were 10,166 crashes involving a distracted driver in Colorado, resulting in 1,476 injuries and 68 deaths. Colorado State Patrol troopers cited more than 15,000 drivers for distracted driving in 2023, with individuals aged between 22 and 29 receiving the largest number of citations.

Distracted Driving Laws in Colorado

Colorado has taken an approach to combating distracted driving with a combination of legislation, enforcement, and public education. When a driver violates a state law regarding distracted driving, a conviction or guilty plea for the offense can support a claim for damages for injuries caused by that driver’s actions. 
Relevant Colorado statutes include:  
  • Texting While Driving (C.R.S. § 42-4-239): No driver may text while operating a motor vehicle, and penalties attach to adults if they text in a careless manner. Drivers under 18 may never text while driving except for valid emergencies.  
  • Careless Driving (C.R.S. § 42-4-1402): This law defines careless driving as operating a vehicle without due regard for the road and traffic conditions. Distracted driving behaviors leading to unsafe operation constitute careless driving.
  • Hands-Free Law (effective January 1, 2025): This law prohibits drivers from holding or manually using a mobile electronic device while driving. Drivers may use hands-free accessories.  

Call Fiedler Trial Lawyers Today 

If a distracted driving accident has left you injured, seek representation from an experienced litigation team. Our Denver distracted driving lawyers at Fiedler Trial Lawyers have deep experience with the physical, emotional, and financial toll these types of accidents take on victims and their families.
 
We will investigate your distracted driving accident case, gather evidence, and negotiate aggressively with Denver insurance companies. If litigation is necessary, we are prepared to protect your rights in court.  
 
If you have been injured by a distracted driver in Denver, don’t wait. It’s crucial that you meet all the necessary deadlines when filing a claim against a distracted driver. Call Fiedler Trial Lawyers at (720) 996-6000 today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about distracted driver legal help. We want to help you recover, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.

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Motor Vehicle Accidents FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, passengers in the at-fault driver’s vehicle can file a claim if they were injured due to distracted driving. In Colorado, passengers have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress caused by the accident. A knowledgeable attorney can help passengers understand their legal options and navigate the claims process, even if the at-fault driver is someone they know personally.

To prove a distracted driving accident claim in Denver, Colorado, it’s essential to gather evidence that shows the other driver was not paying attention to the road. This can include cellphone records, traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports. Physical evidence, like the placement of vehicles and skid marks, can also support your claim. A skilled attorney can help collect and present this evidence to strengthen your case

If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in Denver, our legal team is dedicated to protecting your rights and pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf. We understand the complexities of Colorado’s distracted driving laws and will handle every aspect of your case—from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies. Don’t wait to seek justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.

Additional Information in Denver, Colorado

More Frequently
Asked Questions

What to do after a car accident?

If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights
  • Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on.
  • Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident READ MORE…

When involved in a personal injury claim, the process can be very intimidating. Many individuals facing this situation are often dealing with life-altering injuries, high medical bills, financial hardships and find themselves feeling very vulnerable.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in a variety of situations, particularly when you have sustained significant injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligenceREAD MORE…

After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right lawyer:READ MORE…

The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:

Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.

No Win, No Fee: If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you for legal fees. However, there may still be other costs you could be responsible for (discussed below).RAED MORE…

In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:

Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…

The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…

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Our Client’s Say It Best

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Kevin

10 months ago

This is the representation that you are looking for! Ken Fiedler hits every box; from punctuality to communication to professionalism. I couldn’t be more satisfied to have chosen Ken to solve this unfortunate problem of mine. He will do the same for you!
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Franscheliz

a year ago

I want to take this opportunity to thank this team for everything they did for my family. James and Ken worked on my case with the dedication and tact that you need the most. They fought for my family like I was part of theirs and made me feel seen and heard. This is the type of law firm you want and…
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Brandi

a year ago

Ken and his staff are top notch! Ken helped my son and I with our auto accident case. He always took the time to answer our questions or explain things in more detail if needed. Ken is honest, straightforward, and a pleasure to work with. I will always recommend Ken and his team and…
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