Arizona Crash Victims Need to Hold Distracted Drivers Accountable
Distracted driving is a problem that keeps getting worse, and the numbers prove it. A recent survey by Nationwide found that nearly one in five drivers still texts behind the wheel, even though they know the risks. Many also admit to scrolling social media, watching videos, and even reading or writing emails while driving.
In Arizona, where major roadways like US-60, Loop 202, and I-10 are congested with daily commuters, distracted drivers pose a significant risk to everyone. When someone’s eyes, hands, or attention leave the road, it only takes a second for a crash to happen. For victims, those few seconds can lead to devastating injuries, months of recovery, and a fight with the insurance company to get fair compensation.
Overconfidence Is Fueling the Problem
One of the most troubling findings from the survey is that most drivers think they’re better than everyone else on the road. While 92% of people believe other motorists are more distracted than they used to be, 8 out of 10 still rate their own driving as “very good” or “excellent.”
That overconfidence is dangerous. It gives drivers a false sense of control, making them think a quick glance at their phone or a bite of food won’t cause harm. In reality, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph means driving the length of a football field without looking up at the road.
And it’s not just phones. Nearly half of all drivers admit to eating or drinking while driving, 13% say they “get ready” for work behind the wheel, and more than two-thirds say they frequently encounter road rage from other drivers.
Arizona’s Distracted Driving Law and What It Means for Crash Victims
Arizona’s hands-free law makes it illegal to hold or use a cellphone while driving, except in hands-free mode. This includes texting, scrolling, and any other manual use of a phone. While there are fines for breaking the law, the real problem is enforcement and whether it actually deters people from risky behavior.
If you’re hit by a distracted driver in Arizona, proving they were breaking the law can be a game-changer for your case. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and phone records can show that the driver’s attention wasn’t where it should have been. This can make it easier to hold them financially responsible for your injuries.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Serious Accidents
When a driver is distracted, their reaction time slows. They may miss a red light, fail to notice a stopped car ahead, or drift out of their lane. In a high-speed situation, even a one-second delay in braking can be the difference between avoiding a collision and causing a serious crash.
Common types of crashes caused by distracted driving include:
- Rear-end collisions from failing to notice stopped traffic
- T-bone crashes at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign
- Sideswipe accidents from drifting into another lane
- Pedestrian or cyclist collisions when drivers don’t notice someone crossing
These accidents often result in severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries — the kind of harm that can change a life forever.
The Insurance Company Will Downplay Your Case
Even when liability seems clear, insurance companies will try to protect their bottom line. They may argue your injuries aren’t that bad, suggest you were partially at fault, or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your losses.
That’s where having an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer makes all the difference. At Browne Law Group, we don’t put up with insurance company nonsense. We dig into the facts, gather hard evidence of distracted driving, and build a case they can’t ignore.
Evidence in distracted driving cases can include:
- Phone records showing activity at the time of the crash
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Police citations for violating the hands-free law
The stronger your evidence, the harder it is for the insurance company to dodge responsibility.
Technology Can Help Prove Fault
The survey found that while 94% of drivers believe dashcams can be valuable evidence, only 20% actually have them installed. For victims of distracted driving accidents, dashcam footage can make or break a case by showing exactly what the at-fault driver was doing before the crash.
In serious injury cases, your attorney can also work to obtain video from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or even other vehicles that may have captured the collision.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Arizona
If you suspect the other driver was distracted, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and make sure the police document your suspicion in the crash report.
- Get witness information from anyone who saw the driver using their phone or acting distracted.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and any visible evidence of distraction (like a phone in the driver’s hand).
- Get medical care immediately — even if you feel okay at first.
- Contact a car accident lawyer who knows how to investigate distracted driving cases.
The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong claim.
Browne Law Group Holds Distracted Drivers Accountable
Byron Browne is known as the “Anti-Lawyer Lawyer” because he cuts through the bull and fights for real results. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in Gilbert, Phoenix, or anywhere in Maricopa County, our team will take the fight directly to the insurance company.
We’ll work to recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care you may need. And with our no-fee policy, you don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
If a distracted driver caused your crash in Arizona, contact Browne Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll give you straight answers, handle the insurance company, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
"I recently started working with Browne Law Group regarding my rideshare accident case, and so far, my experience has been excellent! Mary has been especially helpful; she's professional, attentive, and always quick to respond to my questions. What I really appreciate is that Mary never made me feel dumb, even when I asked what I thought were 'dumb' questions. Her patience and clear explanations have made a stressful situation much easier to handle." - Priscilla M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐