Denver Distracted Driving Car Accident Attorneys | The Gold Law Firm
Texting and driving car accidents are becoming more and more frequent as the smartphone revolution of the recent years continues. On January 21, 2010 The Denver Post reported the first Coloradan to get a ticket for texting while driving. The accident occurred when 19-year-old Jordyn Lucas from Aurora, Colorado crashed her sports car near Tower Road and Interstate 70. When questioned by the police, she admitted to texting while driving, and was issued a ticket. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a distracted driver, contact the Denver distracted driving car accident attorneys at the Gold Law Firm right away to learn about your legal options.
The Colorado Law of Texting and Driving
As many Colorado drivers know, Colorado House Bill 1094 was effective into law on December 1st, 2009. Under the new law, signed by Governor Bill Ritter, the state of Colorado now prohibits the use of cell phone texting while driving. The new law also prohibits all use of cell phones while driving for persons under the age of 18. Violations will result in a Class A traffic infraction ticket and $50.00 fine.
The Risk of Texting and Driving
According to David Strayer, a researcher from the University of Utah, studies show that the risk of getting into a car accident while talking on your cell phone is quadrupled. “For comparison purposes, someone who is drunk at a 0.08 alcohol level has a four-time crash increase. So talking on a cell phone is about the same as driving drunk,” he says. “When you’re text messaging, the risk goes up to eight times.”
The NHTSA reports that over 500,000 people in 2008 were injured in accidents because drivers were talking, texting or emailing. And, over 6,000 people were killed. Drinking and driving is no longer the leading cause of car accident related deaths – it’s distracted drivers. The state of Colorado has recognized these alarming statistics. The state hopes that enforcing this new law will contribute to the increased driver awareness of the real risks involved with texting and driving.
Contact our Denver Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone around you was injured in an accident because another driver was talking on their cell phone or texting while driving, you will need an experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer to handle your case. At the Gold Law Firm, we work hard to achieve the maximum compensation for all of our clients. Contact attorney Gregory A. Gold of the Gold Law Firm today for a free consultation at (303) 694-4653, or by filling out the contact form on this page.