Summary
One of the major causes of auto accidents in the United States aside from intoxication is cellular phone usage. This article discusses the laws that pertain to cell phone usage in the state of Arizona and the criminal penalties that can occur as a result of using a cell phone while driving. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident involving a driver that was using a cell phone and not paying attention to the road, you are entitled to compensation. This article discusses the ways you can gain compensation for damages from this type of accident.
Cell Phone Usage in Auto Accidents
Cell phone usage is among one of the highest causes of automobile accidents in the United States. Several states have instituted laws banning cellular phone usage including text messaging and hands-free equipment usage. Currently, the only bans on cell phone usage in the state of Arizona are for school bus drivers only; however, many House bills have been discussed and could be instituted in the future, regulating cell phone usage for any purpose other than emergency use.
According to nationwide.com, driving while using a cell phone slows down a person’s reaction time just as much as having a blood alcohol level of 0.08 (the legal limit in the United States). Ten percent of drivers ranging in ages from 16 to 24 years of age use their phones at any one time and driving while distracted is a factor in at least twenty-five percent of all auto accidents.
In the last two years, five bills have been introduced into the House but none have passed. These bills include:
- House Bill 2734 – Bill Regulating Driving While Being Distracted
- House Bill 2414 – Bill Regulating Cell Phone Usage
- House Bills 2398 and 2397 – Bill for Cell Phones in General
- House Bill 2396 – Bill Regulating Text Messaging
- House Bill 2191 – Second Bill Regulating Cell Phone Usage
Although these bills did not pass in the House, there are many others that are currently being discussed for future implementation. Despite the lack of cell phone laws currently enacted except for school bus drivers, driving while using a cell phone is still very dangerous; it creates a distraction that can lead to a serious car accident with equally serious injuries to you or a loved one. One final statistics: driving and using a cell phone at the same time cuts down on brain activity associated with driving by 37%. Given these statistics, it is clear to see that using a cell phone is very dangerous while operating an automobile.
Injuries From Auto Accidents
- Back Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Broken Legs or Arms
- Serious Internal Injuries
You should not have to face any kind of danger because of somebody not paying attention to the roads while using a cellular phone. If you live in the Maricopa county area and you have suffered injuries as a result of an auto accident involving a driver operating their vehicle while using a cell phone, you are entitled to compensation for any damages that have occurred. You can contact an Arizona attorney who can assist you in finding out how to get compensation for damages.
Contact an Arizona Attorney
If you live in the Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix area and have suffered due to the lack of someone else’s responsibility while using a cell phone on the road. An Arizona Auto Accident Attorney Arizona can assist you in recovering damages for lost wages, medical expenses and any other damages you are entitled to. For more information contact www.justaccidentlaw.com to find out how you can get compensation for injuries from a cell phone auto accident.
