In 1933, Arizona car buyers had a new option to consider if they were purchasing a Ford – a car radio pre-installed at the Ford factory. No doubt the first Arizona auto accident caused by a driver fiddling with the radio knobs was soon to follow. Within a few decades, drivers could play tapes or records in their automobiles if they wished. These were the beginnings of a new type of distracted driving.

“Distracted driving” has become the term of choice for the practice that could be called “driving while paying attention to something else.” And of course, it is a practice that has existed since the invention of the automobile, and even before. After all, even the driver of a horse and buggy could compromise road safety by reading, having a snack, or putting on makeup while in motion. But electronic technology and the perceived need to stay connected at all times seem to present a much greater temptation to today’s motorists.

As a glance at the news will show, the recent explosion of mobile devices has led too many drivers to take unacceptable risks with their lives and the lives of others. Serious Arizona car accidents involving a driver distracted by an electronic device are a regular occurrence. Today’s motorists have a wide range of devices that can potentially divert their attention from the road – cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, laptop computers, GPS navigation units, MP3 players or even in-car DVD players.

The most commonly criticized form of distracted driving is texting while driving, which studies have shown to be more dangerous than driving drunk. Driving while “intexticated,” as a recently coined word calls it, is supposedly frowned on by the vast majority of people. A 2010 poll showed that 97 percent of Americans supported a ban on texting while driving. It’s hard to imagine that only 3 percent of the population has ever engaged in this activity, so even many drivers who oppose the practice probably occasionally give in to the temptation to do it anyway. This goes to show the seductive power of these devices, and how easy it is for drivers to fool themselves into thinking that the distraction they cause isn’t too bad, maybe just this once.

The statistics are clear, however. In 2009, 16% of auto accident fatalities resulted from accidents that involved distracted driving – well over 5,000 deaths nationwide. A 2011 study estimated distracted driving was a factor in up to 30 percent of recent car crashes. With lives literally at stake – not to mention severe bodily injury, property damage and fines or even jail time – it’s foolish to take unnecessary risks like operating electronic devices while driving. Follow these tips:

• Don’t make or take calls while driving – even though drivers can keep their eyes on the road while talking, studies have shown that phone conversations distract the brain from the important driving task at hand. That’s true even when a hands-free set it used.
• Just say no to distracted driving! Make a pact with family and friends to refrain completely from this practice. If necessary, put electronic devices out of reach while driving to avoid temptation.
• Consider installing anti-texting software in your family’s phones. These apps disable a phone’s ability to display, send or receive texts when it senses that it’s in a moving vehicle.
• Support public awareness campaigns that work to end distracted driving, and let your state and city leaders know that you support laws banning texting while driving

If you have suffered the consequences of distracted driving, or if you are involved or injured in any kind of serious auto accident, it’s in your interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Hiring an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer is one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights. Call the knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC at 480-833-8800 or 800-501-2782 for a free consultation.

The complexity of your auto accident insurance claim depends on several factors, including extent of damage and insurance coverage.

If you’ve been involved in serious auto accident, you’ll most likely need to file an insurance claim in order to recover expenses resulting from the accident. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the claims process can be simple or complicated. For instance, a claim for an accident in which there was little damage and no medical expenses should be fairly straightforward. However, if your case is more complicated (i.e. fault is unclear, your insurance policy does not offer enough coverage, you do not accept the insurance adjuster’s settlement offer), it might take considerably longer to come to an agreeable settlement. In any case, an experienced auto accident attorney can help advise you on the best course of action in order to maximize your settlement.

Investigating Your Auto Accident Claim

An insurance adjuster will need to investigate your injury claim to determine the insurance company’s liability. This investigation may include:

· Looking at your policy, including levels of coverage

· Contacting other people involved in the accident

· Contacting accident witnesses

· Examining the police report from the accident

· Checking out the vehicle(s) involved in the accident

· Viewing photographs of the accident scene

· Investigating any medical expenses

If the claim is to cover medical bills from the accident, the adjuster will send a medical authorization form for the release of your medical records.

The Settlement Offer

Once the investigation is over, the adjuster will send you a settlement offer. The settlement offer will tell you the amount the insurance company is willing to pay on your claim. A word of warning: This offer is typically on the low side. However, even if the initial offer is unacceptable, there’s usually room for negotiation, especially with a skilled attorney on your side.

The Demand Letter

If you are certain about what your accident claim is worth, you can preempt the adjuster’s settlement offer with your own demand letter (also known as a settlement proposal). The demand letter should detail fault (if an issue) and damages and provide a settlement amount. Your auto accident attorney can help you draft an effective demand letter.

Negotiating Your Settlement

If you’re unhappy with the initial settlement offer, in many cases, you will be able to negotiate a more equitable settlement. However, negotiating with insurance companies can be rather tricky. Insurance companies will do whatever is necessary to pay you as little as possible. Enlisting the help of a lawyer with extensive experience dealing with insurance companies can help you negotiate a larger settlement.

If Your Auto Accident Claim is Denied

The insurance company may deny your claim in whole or in part for a variety of reasons such as limits in your coverage. If you feel your claim was unfairly denied, you can take the insurance company to court in order to get compensation. However, keep in mind that you must act quickly, as there are statutes of limitations for acting on most personal injury claims. Your lawyer can guide you on your rights under the law and help you get the settlement to which you are entitled.

In the unfortunate event that you find yourself filing and/or negotiating an auto insurance claim, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer who will fight for you. The auto accident lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC will do just that to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for an initial consultation.