Utah Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Reviewed by Kara H. North, Managing Attorney at Moxie Law Group. Reviewed December 19, 2023.

If a distracted driver caused your crash anywhere in Utah, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Salt Lake City distracted driving accident lawyers at Moxie Law Group build these cases by moving fast to preserve the evidence that proves distraction, and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of serious car accidents across Salt Lake City and Utah. It refers to any activity that pulls a driver’s attention from the road, including texting, using a phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking to passengers. When a Utah driver looks away even for a moment, the risk of a crash rises sharply, and the people they hit are left to deal with the consequences.

Distracted driving accidents can happen for many reasons, but most distractions fall into three main categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions occur when drivers take their eyes off the road, such as glancing at a GPS or looking at a text message. Manual distractions involve taking hands off the wheel, like eating, reaching for something, or adjusting the car’s controls. Cognitive distractions happen when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. Perhaps they’re daydreaming, worrying about work, or thinking about their plans. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions at once. When drivers allow any of these distractions to interfere with their attention, the likelihood of accidents increases, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Distracted Driving Accidents in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City sees more distracted driving crashes than anywhere else in Utah, and the trouble spots are predictable: stop-and-go traffic on I-15 through downtown, the I-80 and I-215 interchanges, and busy corridors like State Street and 400 South where drivers check phones at red lights. Proving distraction takes real evidence. We move fast to preserve cell phone records, dashcam and traffic camera footage, and witness statements before they disappear. If a distracted driver hit you anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley, our SLC distracted driving attorneys are ready to build your case.

The aftermath of distracted driving accidents can be life-changing. Victims often face not only physical injuries but also significant financial and emotional challenges. Medical expenses can quickly add up, and time away from work may result in lost wages. Property damage to vehicles can create additional stress, and the emotional toll of recovering from an accident can be overwhelming. In the most tragic cases, distracted driving accidents lead to fatal car accidents, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one. Navigating the legal process after a city distracted driving accident can be complex, which is why working with a Salt Lake City distracted driving accident lawyer is so important. An experienced accident lawyer can help victims pursue fair compensation for their losses and guide them through each step of the process.

Severe injuries from distracted driving accidents can have a lasting impact on every aspect of a victim’s life. These injuries may require extensive medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and long-term support. Victims are often entitled to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. A personal injury attorney can help determine the full value of a personal injury claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure victims receive fair compensation. In Utah, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may also be available, providing up to $3,000 for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. Having an advocate on your side can make all the difference in securing the resources needed for recovery.

Dealing with insurance companies after a distracted driving accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, making it difficult for victims to receive the compensation they deserve. This is where an experienced Utah car accident lawyer can be invaluable. A lawyer can gather evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim to pursue justice. Scheduling a free consultation with a Salt Lake City distracted driving accident lawyer is a crucial first step in understanding your rights and options after an accident.––

Personal injury is a big topic. If you’ve been injured in any type of car accident, the idea of even hiring a personal injury attorney can be overwhelming. What counts as distracted driving? Is the other driver always at fault if they were texting while driving? Is a lawyer really necessary? Yep, it’s a big topic. However, at Moxie Law Group, we’re dedicated to tackling the big topics so that our clients and potential clients can make informed decisions regarding their personal injury cases. We are also committed to helping injury victims navigate the challenges they face after an accident. Our experienced accident lawyers assist clients after car accidents, helping them pursue compensation and understand their legal options. So if you have a question about your distracted driving case, or you need clarification on one of the answers below, reach out to us today! We’d love the opportunity to review your personal injury case at no cost to you.

Not necessarily. Though distracted drivers pose a danger to everyone around them, it’s not always their fault when a car accident occurs. For example, let’s say one driver is texting and driving while making a left turn on a green arrow. Then another driver speeds through the red light and T-bones the driver turning left. Is the distracted driver considered to be “at-fault” in the aforementioned car accident? Likely not. In distracted driving accidents, investigators will review the evidence and circumstances to determine liability and establish who is legally responsible for the crash. However, the driver who was distracted very well may have some liability for the car accident, and it is important to identify the person responsible for the accident. When speaking about such matters, it’s difficult to give definitive answers because distracted driving cases vary so much. No two cases are exactly the same, and the specific circumstances of each case can affect a case greatly. The important thing to understand is that a driver who was distracted isn’t necessarily at fault just because they were distracted.

Believe it or not, distracted driving attorneys don’t usually prove fault. Which driver is at-fault for the accident is generally left up to the insurance companies to determine. After reviewing the facts, the insurance companies representing each driver involved will work together to determine who will be considered to be the at-fault party. Even if the insurance company decides you’re at fault, you may still want to consult with an attorney. It is possible to dispute the insurance company’s findings and hire a car accident attorney to prove that the other driver caused the accident. You may also consider pursuing a car accident claim with legal assistance to help gather evidence, establish liability, and seek appropriate compensation. For the most part, it’s best to consult an attorney before accepting the insurance company’s decision regarding fault. If you believe the insurance companies got it wrong, you can contact a distracted driving attorney to review your case, and help you determine whether or not disputing fault would be a viable option for you. In some cases, taking legal action may be necessary to recover damages and hold the responsible party accountable.

If multiple drivers have contributed to the cause of a distracted driving accident, such as accidents caused by the actions of more than one party, fault may be divided. If you’re in a state that operates under modified comparative negligence, that means that multiple parties can share fault, even the plaintiff. So if you were in a car crash, and you were awarded $100,000 for your injuries, but you were found to be 30% liable for your injuries, your settlement will be reduced by 30%. Here’s another example: let’s say you were awarded $100,000. However, this time you aren’t at all at-fault for the accident; instead, there are two defendants who caused the accident. One defendant was found to be 40% liable, and the other defendant was found to be 60% liable. In that case, the first defendant would pay 40% of the judgement and the second defendant would pay the remaining 60%. Things work a little differently in strict liability states. There, only one person can be liable. In these states, attorneys normally seek compensation from the party that has the most liability.

A lot of people believe that distracted driving only refers to cell phone use while driving the car. Though many distracted driving laws can be attributed to cell phones, distracted driving can be anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. In particular, visual distractions that take the driver’s eyes off the road significantly increase the risk of a crash. So, if a crash occurred because a driver was operating their car’s GPS or some other electronic device, the driver could still be liable for a distracted driving car accident. Distracted driving is not just limited to texts and phone calls; distracted driving crashes happen due to all kinds of distractions. Some common distractions that people tend to overlook include eating while driving, applying make-up while driving, reading while driving, messing with the radio while driving, using handheld devices, and messing with GPS devices while driving. Any of these activities can result in a distracted driving accident. Prevent car accidents and promote safety within your community by avoiding these distracted driving behaviors, as distracted driving can easily lead to an auto accident.

Knowing how to properly respond to a driver who’s distracted can prevent a distracted driving car crash. If you spot a driver who’s potentially distracted, make sure you keep your distance. If a driver is distracted, they may be alternating between giving their attention to the road, and giving their attention to the distraction. For example, if a person is texting, they may pay attention to their cell phone for a few moments and then return to paying attention to the road. This can cause their driving to appear erratic and unpredictable. If you pass a driver you believe is distracted, make sure you get further ahead of them than normal; if you have to come to a complete stop for any reason, they may rear end you. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to report the driver once you’re in a safe place to do so. If an incident or accident occurs, it is important to obtain a police report, as this document can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.

It’s not always possible to spot a driver who’s distracted. However, drivers who are distracted usually drive at varying speeds; they may slow down when they aren’t paying attention and speed up when they are, or vice versa. They may slam on their brakes as opposed to gradually stopping, and they may take a long time to notice that the light’s turned green, or that it’s their turn to go. Sometimes, a driver who’s distracted may drift into another car’s lane, or drive through traffic signals. Distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, making it even more important to identify and address this dangerous behavior. If you believe distracted driving caused the accident you sustained injuries in, it’s important to let the police know this at the accident scene so you can protect your right to receiving compensation for your injuries.

What counts as distracted driving in Utah?

Distracted driving in Utah includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This can be texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or looking at navigation screens. Anything that takes the driver’s eyes, hands, or focus off driving can contribute to a crash.

What should I do after a distracted driving accident?

After a distracted driving accident in Utah, check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene if possible, and contact a distracted driving accident lawyer before talking with insurance companies.

Can I recover compensation if the other driver was distracted?

Yes. If the other driver’s distraction caused your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses related to the crash. A lawyer can help gather evidence and pursue your claim.

Distracted Driving Accident FAQs

How do you prove a driver was distracted?

Evidence can include phone records, witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and the driver’s own statements. A Salt Lake City distracted driving lawyer knows how to obtain and use it.

Is texting and driving illegal in Utah?

Yes. Utah restricts handheld phone use while driving, and violating those laws can be strong evidence of negligence in your injury claim.