Albuquerque Distracted Driving Attorneys

What Is Distracted Driving?

Simply put, any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from safely operating their vehicle is considered distracted driving. These activities include texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming. While some distractions may seem minor, the reality is that any activity that shifts a driver’s focus from the road can significantly increase the risk of an accident.

Distracted driving is hazardous because it often combines multiple forms of distraction, making it harder for drivers to respond to sudden changes or hazards. In New Mexico, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents, contributing to countless injuries and fatalities each year.

What Are the Three Types of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving can be categorized into three main types:

1. Visual distractions. These distractions involve a driver physically taking their eyes off the road. Common examples include looking at a phone or GPS device or even turning around to check on a child in the back seat.
2. Manual distractions. Manual distractions involve physically removing your hands from the wheel. Eating, drinking, or adjusting the car’s temperature controls are common manual distractions.
3. Cognitive distractions. Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. Daydreaming, worrying about work, or engaging in an intense conversation are examples of cognitive distractions.

Many activities—like texting while driving—combine all three types of distractions, making them especially dangerous. Recognizing these behaviors and their risks is essential to understanding how distracted driving accidents happen.

Which Is the Most Dangerous Kind of Distracted Driving?

While all forms of distraction are dangerous, texting while driving is often considered the most perilous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. When a driver is sending or reading a text, their eyes leave the road, their hands leave the wheel, and their mind focuses on the message rather than their surroundings. 

According to research, the average text takes a driver’s attention away from the road for about five seconds. At highway speeds, this is equivalent to driving the length of a football field without looking. It’s no surprise that texting is one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents in Albuquerque and nationwide.

People who use hands-free devices may argue that texting is ok when you are sending an audio text. However, studies show that hands-free texting doesn’t improve distracted driving incidents. 

The Impact of Distracted Driving Accidents in Albuquerque

These types of accidents have a profound impact on victims and their families. In Albuquerque, distracted driving accidents result in injuries and fatalities each year. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming.

Victims often face:

• Severe injuries. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage are common outcomes.
• Financial strain. Medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs can quickly add up after an accident.
• Emotional trauma. The psychological impact of an accident can linger for months or even years.

While New Mexico has laws to discourage distracted driving, such as bans on texting while driving, these measures don’t always prevent accidents. When drivers ignore the rules and endanger others, legal action may be the only way to hold them accountable.

How an Albuquerque Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. An experienced Albuquerque distracted driving accident lawyer can provide the guidance and support you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Here’s how an attorney can help:

• Investigating the accident. Your attorney will gather evidence to prove the other driver was distracted, such as cell phone records, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
• Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, but a skilled attorney can advocate for the full compensation you deserve.
• Calculating damages. Beyond immediate costs, an attorney will account for long-term expenses, such as ongoing medical care and lost earning capacity.
• Taking the case to court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you in court to fight for justice.

At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro, P.C., we have extensive experience handling distracted driving cases and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident?

The damages you may be entitled to after a distracted driving accident can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. 

Common types of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses. Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages. Compensation for income lost due to the accident and diminished earning potential.
• Property Damage. Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Pain and Suffering. Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

An attorney can help ensure that all potential damages are considered and that you receive a settlement or verdict that reflects the full extent of your losses.

Why Choose Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro, P.C.?

At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro, P.C., we understand the devastating impact distracted driving accidents can have on victims and their families. Our firm combines decades of legal experience with a client-first approach, ensuring that your needs and concerns are always our top priority.

Here’s why Albuquerque residents trust us:

• Proven results. We have a strong track record of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for accident victims.
• Personalized attention. We take the time to listen to your story and tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.
• Knowledge of New Mexico laws. Our deep understanding of state and local laws allows us to navigate even the most complex cases.

When you work with our firm, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re gaining a team of advocates who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Albuquerque Distracted Driving Attorney

Distracted driving accidents are preventable, but their consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you don’t have to face this journey alone. The team at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro, P.C. is here to help you pursue justice, hold negligent drivers accountable, and recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Contact us online or call (575) 222-1000 today for a free consultation, and let us show you why we are trusted advocates for victims of distracted driving accidents in Albuquerque. Together, we can take the first step toward justice and healing.