Distracted Driving Accidents in Phoenix: How Inattention Behind the Wheel Leads to Serious Injuries

Farar & Lewis | Personal Injury Lawyers > BLOG > Car Accidents > Distracted Driving Accidents in Phoenix: How Inattention Behind the Wheel Leads to Serious Injuries

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on Phoenix roads—and one of the most preventable. When drivers take their eyes, hands, or attention off the road, even for a few seconds, the risk of a devastating crash skyrockets. These accidents often involve high speeds, delayed braking, and catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, working with an experienced Phoenix distracted driving accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

Speak With a Phoenix Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on Phoenix roads—and one of the most preventable. When drivers take their eyes, hands, or attention off the road, even for a few seconds, the risk of a devastating crash skyrockets. These accidents often involve high speeds, delayed braking, and catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, working with an experienced Phoenix distracted driving accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to victims of distracted driving accidents throughout Phoenix. Our legal team knows how to uncover evidence of distraction and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Want to speak to someone about your case ? Call 800-615-6595


What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from safely operating a vehicle. It generally falls into three categories:

Visual Distractions

Looking away from the road, such as checking a phone or reading a notification.

Manual Distractions

Taking hands off the wheel to text, eat, or adjust controls.

Cognitive Distractions

Taking the mind off driving, including daydreaming or engaging in intense conversations.

Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction at once.


Why Distracted Driving Accidents Are So Dangerous

Distracted drivers often fail to react—or react too late—when hazards appear.

Distracted driving crashes are especially dangerous because:

  • Drivers may not brake at all before impact

  • Lane departures are common

  • Rear-end and intersection crashes occur at full speed

  • Pedestrians and cyclists are frequently struck

  • Multi-vehicle chain reactions may follow

On Phoenix’s wide, fast-moving roads, a moment of distraction can have life-altering consequences.

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from safely operating a vehicle. It generally falls into three categories:


Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents in Phoenix

Most distracted driving accidents are preventable. Common causes include:

Texting and Cell Phone Use

Reading or sending messages takes eyes off the road for critical seconds.

GPS and Navigation Apps

Drivers often focus more on screens than traffic conditions.

Eating or Drinking

Handling food or beverages reduces reaction time.

In-Car Technology

Touchscreens, music systems, and vehicle controls create distractions.

Passengers

Conversations or activity inside the vehicle can divert attention.


Where Distracted Driving Accidents Commonly Occur

In Phoenix, distracted driving crashes frequently happen:

  • On highways such as I-10, I-17, and Loop 101

  • At intersections and stoplights

  • In school zones and residential areas

  • During rush hour traffic

  • Near shopping centers and parking lots

Stop-and-go traffic and long commutes increase distraction risk.


Injuries Commonly Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents

Because distracted drivers often fail to brake, injuries are frequently severe.

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

  • Severe neck and back injuries

  • Broken bones and fractures

  • Internal organ damage

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Wrongful death injuries

Victims may require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.


Arizona Distracted Driving Laws

Arizona law prohibits texting while driving and restricts handheld device use. Violating these laws may constitute negligence and strengthen a personal injury claim.

Key points include:

  • Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited

  • Emergency use exceptions are limited

  • Violations may be cited as evidence of fault

Even if no citation is issued, distracted driving can still be proven through other evidence.


Proving Distracted Driving in an Accident Claim

Distracted driving is often denied by at-fault drivers, making investigation critical. Evidence may include:

  • Cell phone records and data usage logs

  • Vehicle infotainment system data

  • Dashcam or traffic camera footage

  • Witness statements

  • Police accident reports

  • Event data recorder (“black box”) information

  • Accident reconstruction expert testimony

A Phoenix distracted driving accident lawyer knows how to uncover and preserve this evidence.


Determining Liability in a Distracted Driving Accident

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared—but injured victims can still recover compensation.

Liability may extend to:

  • The distracted driver

  • Employers (if driving occurred during work)

  • Vehicle owners

  • Third parties in limited circumstances

Identifying all responsible parties is essential to maximizing recovery.


Compensation Available to Distracted Driving Accident Victims

Victims injured by distracted drivers may be entitled to significant compensation.

Economic Damages

  • Emergency medical treatment

  • Hospitalization and surgeries

  • Long-term medical care

  • Rehabilitation and therapy

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of future earning capacity

  • Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages.


Why Insurance Companies Fight Distracted Driving Claims

Insurance companies often try to:

  • Deny or downplay distraction

  • Argue lack of proof

  • Shift blame to victims

  • Minimize injury severity

  • Push early, low settlements

An experienced Phoenix distracted driving accident lawyer ensures your claim is properly investigated and fairly valued.

At Farar & Lewis, we understand the devastating consequences of distracted driving accidents. Our legal team builds strong, evidence-based cases designed to hold negligent drivers accountable.


How Farar & Lewis Handles Distracted Driving Accident Cases

At Farar & Lewis, we understand the devastating consequences of distracted driving accidents. Our legal team builds strong, evidence-based cases designed to hold negligent drivers accountable.

We focus on:

  • Preserving digital and electronic evidence

  • Subpoenaing phone and vehicle data

  • Working with accident reconstruction experts

  • Identifying all liable parties

  • Accurately calculating damages

  • Negotiating aggressively with insurers

  • Taking cases to trial when necessary

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.


Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Distracted Driving Accidents

Most personal injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require earlier notice.

Early legal action helps protect evidence and your right to recovery.


Call Farar & Lewis After a Distracted Driving Accident in Phoenix

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, do not let insurance companies deny responsibility or undervalue your injuries.

Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix distracted driving accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.


Sources

  1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Distracted Driving
    https://www.nhtsa.gov

  2. Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety – Distracted Driving Laws
    https://azgohs.gov

  3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Driver Distraction Research
    https://www.iihs.org

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