How to Obtain Evidence of a Distracted Driver After an Accident in Arizona
Distracted driving is a growing problem and something that is increasingly the cause of traffic crashes across the United States. It is dangerous and reckless. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 9 lives lost and 1,000 injuries per day in the country in accidents where there was a distracted driver. Anything a driver does that diverts their attention from driving is considered distracted driving and there are three types:
- Visual- not watching the road;
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and
- Cognitive – not paying attention to the road or driving.
How to Obtain Evidence Of A Distracted Driver After An Accident
When you have been in an accident that was not your fault, and you have obtained injuries it is critical to obtain the highest amount of compensation. Recovering costs associated with medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering to name a few damages are important for victims. To do so, you must prove the other party was fully liable. An Arizona automobile accident attorney will know how to compile the evidence necessary to build a solid claim on your behalf.
What Are The Types Of Evidence You Can Collect?
Traffic Citation
One of the very first steps you should take after you asses any injuries is to call the police so that they can properly document the incident. If a driver was engaging in any of the following behaviors the officer may issue a citation:
- Typing texts or emails
- Sending texts or emails
- Looking at your phone to read texts or emails
In 2019, Arizona became the 48th state banning handheld devices in moving cars through the passage of House Bill 2318.
Phone Records
If the driver who caused your accident won’t admit to using a handheld device an effective Phoenix serious injury attorney can work to obtain the phone records. If their phone was being used during the time of the accident there is no denying distracted driving due to using a phone. The power of a subpoena can be used to obtain this information.
Traffic Cameras
Traffic and security cameras can show visible proof of the other party engaging in distracted driving behavior such as:
- Engaging with other passengers
- Playing with the radio, GPS, heat, etc.
- Eating and drinking
- Applying makeup or looking into their mirrors and not at the road
- Turning around while driving
- Using a handheld device
Witness Testimony
If you have any witnesses to your accident asking if they would provide a verbal or written account of what they saw can help support your case. Make sure to ask them for their contact information so you and your lawyer can reach out and obtain that valuable information.
Reach Out To An Aggressive Arizona Serious Injury Legal Team After An Accident
If a distracted driver was the cause for your accident and related injuries, they are liable and responsible to pay for your damages. You deserve to obtain the highest amount of compensation possible for the trauma you had to endure, and the experienced Phoenix serious injury attorneys at ELG will ensure that you obtain a fair settlement.
Contact ELG’s team of Arizona personal injury attorneys at (623) 877-3600 to set up a free consultation for discussing your case at either or Phoenix or Mesa law offices.
