Phoenix Distracted Driving Accidents: Your Legal Rights After a Cell Phone-Related Crash

Distracted driving, particularly cell phone use behind the wheel, has become a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in Phoenix. This dangerous behavior encompasses texting, social media browsing, video watching, and even hands-free calling – all of which significantly impair a driver's reaction time and awareness. Statistics show that taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds while traveling at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. In Phoenix's high-speed urban environment, this delayed reaction time often results in rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and sideswipe accidents. Victims of distracted driving accidents may pursue personal injury claims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, particularly when there is evidence the at-fault driver was using a mobile device.

Legal Rights and Considerations: Arizona Revised Statutes §28-914 prohibits texting while driving statewide, with enhanced penalties in school zones. First-time violations carry fines of $75-$149, with subsequent violations resulting in $150-$250 fines. In personal injury claims, violation of this law can establish negligence per se. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning plaintiffs can recover damages even if partially at fault, though their award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the accident date. Compensation may include economic damages (medical bills, lost income) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). A good Phoenix distracted driving crash attorney will handle all aspects of the personal injury claim.

Click the links below to get more information from experienced personal injury lawyers about various types of car crashes that can result from distracted driving:

• Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer;
• Phoenix rear-end accident law office;
• Phoenix T-bone accident lawyer;
• Phoenix teen driver accident attorney;
• Phoenix reckless driving accident lawyer.

The most common ways that distracted driving happens:

• Cell phone use - texting, calling, app usage, or browsing social media while driving
• Eating and drinking - handling food or beverages, unwrapping items, or cleaning spills
• Grooming activities - applying makeup, combing hair, or checking appearance in mirrors
• Adjusting vehicle controls - changing radio stations, climate settings, or GPS navigation
• Reaching for objects - retrieving items from the floor, backseat, or glove compartment
• Interacting with passengers - turning to talk, mediating children's disputes, or handling pets
• External distractions - looking at accidents, billboards, or street signs for too long
• Cognitive distractions - daydreaming, road rage, or being lost in thought
• Reading - looking at maps, documents, or electronic devices while driving
• Dashboard displays - focusing too long on instrument panels, entertainment systems, or warning lights

Related Resources:

• Maricopa County Superior Court Civil Division
• Arizona Department of Transportation Crash Report System
• Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona
• Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• Victim Services Division - Phoenix Police Department
• ARS Title 28 (Transportation) Full Text
• Arizona Department of Insurance Consumer Resources

Return to the Phoenix car accident causes information page