Santa Fe Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Santa Fe Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in the entire country. Engaging in any kind of distracting behavior while driving can lead to disastrous consequences for the distracted driver and anyone they encounter on the road.

If you are ever the victim of a car accident caused by distracted driving, you may want to reach out and retain the services of an experienced Santa Fe distracted driving accident lawyer who can build a case for compensation.

New Mexico Distracted Driving Laws

Driving can be a dangerous activity. You are operating a large vehicle with the potential to hurt others if used incorrectly. Distracted driving simply makes it harder to control your vehicle or focus on the road ahead, and it can result in a bad accident that could lead to legal action or worse. If you are involved in a car accident, you need to quickly contact a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer.

New Mexico state law has outlawed the use of cell phones while driving, except in cases of emergencies. Anyone who is behind the wheel of any kind of vehicle on the road cannot use their cell phone for calls, texts, or web browsing, even while stopped at a stop light. A first offense may result in a fine.

In addition, if you wish to pursue legal action against a distracted driver who caused you to have an accident, the statute of limitations for such a claim in New Mexico is three years. You will have three years from the date of your initial accident to start building a case, gather the necessary evidence, consult a lawyer, and file for an accident claim. If you fail to file before these three years are up, your case may be dismissed, and you won’t be able to pursue compensation for your damages.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving in Santa Fe

It can be very difficult to drive without falling prey to various distractions. It is up to you as a conscientious driver to block out as many distractions as you can while you are behind the wheel. Any behavior that takes your focus away from the road ahead of you for even a second can be considered distracted driving behavior.

Here are some typical distracted driving behaviors that can happen to anyone:

• Cell Phone Use: The use of cell phones while driving has proven considerably distracting. Some people find it impossible to be without their phones for even a few minutes. They check their texts, answer phone calls, browse the internet, take selfies, and engage in other activities while driving a car, which completely takes their focus away from the road. To avoid an accident, you may want to consider keeping your phone in your pocket while driving.
• Conversations: When you are driving with someone, you are likely going to talk to them. The trick is to minimize conversation so it doesn’t distract you from the road ahead. With another person in the car, you may have additional eyes watching out for potential hazards. If you both are locked in deep conversation, neither of you may be looking at the road.
• Rubbernecking: Rubbernecking is the act of slowing your car down to look at something that has happened on the side of the road. It’s usually a car accident or a vehicle getting pulled over by law enforcement. Taking your eyes off the road and slowing your vehicle down can cause a chain reaction that makes other drivers do the same. If multiple drivers aren’t paying attention to the road, accidents can happen.

Santa Fe Distracted Driving Accident FAQs

Q: What Is the Distracted Driving Law in New Mexico?

A: The distracted driving laws in New Mexico prohibit the use of cell phones while driving, especially the use of cell phones for texting. This law is enforced even when you are stopped at a traffic light or a stop sign. Cell phone use is only acceptable behind the wheel when you need to call 911 in an emergency. This law is in place to decrease the number of accidents.

Q: What Should You Do If You Suspect Another Driver of Being Distracted?

A: If you see another driver who may be distracted, there are a number of things you may consider doing. First, you should maintain a safe distance from the driver, just in case they swerve in your direction or put you in danger some other way. Next, you should call 911 to report a distracted driver on the road in Santa Fe. Provide a detailed description of the car, the driver’s behavior, and the license plate if possible.

Q: What Happens When a Driver Is Distracted?

A: When a driver is distracted, it greatly increases the chances that the driver will be involved in or cause a car accident. Distracted driving takes your focus away from the road around you, which then endangers you, your passengers, and everyone driving or walking around you. It is vital that you do what you can to minimize the number of distractions present in your vehicle at any given time.

Q: What Are the Three Types of Distracted Driving?

A: The three main types of distracted driving are manual, visual, and cognitive. Visual distractions keep you from looking at the road. Manual distractions lead you to remove your hands from the steering wheel. Cognitive distractions can take your mind off the road. All three forms of distracted driving are highly dangerous and can result in a serious car accident.

Reach Out to an Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today

Getting in a car accident can be a difficult experience. It can be frustrating to have been put in that situation by a driver who caused an avoidable accident due to getting distracted behind the wheel. If you find yourself in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may want to reach out to a distracted driving accident attorney and start building a case against them.

The legal team at Berenson & Associates, PC, can develop your case, gather the evidence you need, and make sure you aren’t intimidated or guilted by any insurance companies. We know the kind of legal assistance you will need with your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation.