It only takes one moment—one ping, one swipe, one second looking down—to change someone’s life forever.
Car accidents and cell phone use are a growing problem on Colorado roads, and the consequences are anything but minor. Up to 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving in 2024, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
From fender benders to fatal collisions, distracted driving puts lives at risk every year. And far too often, it’s a text message or phone call that tips the balance.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, a car accident lawyer can help you take the next step toward recovery — and hold the responsible party accountable.
Colorado Laws on Using Cell Phones While Driving
Colorado takes distracted driving seriously — especially when it comes to cell phones. The state has specific laws in place to reduce risks on the road, particularly those tied to using cell phones while driving.
All drivers in Colorado are prohibited from texting while driving. For drivers aged 18 and older, hand-held phone calls are permitted, but this is changing. As of January 1, 2025, all drivers must use hands-free devices when making calls behind the wheel.
This update aims to curb distractions and reduce accidents caused by fumbling with a phone.
For younger drivers, the rules are even stricter. Anyone under 18 is banned from using a cell phone in any capacity while driving — no calls, no texting, no browsing. Exceptions are made only for emergencies, like calling 911.
Why Cell Phones Cause So Many Car Accidents in Colorado
Texting. Scrolling. GPS rerouting. Even a quick glance at a phone can be enough to cause a crash.
Car accidents due to cell phones are becoming more common in Colorado, and the numbers don’t lie.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,308 lives in the U.S. in 2022 alone. A large share of these incidents involved cell phone use behind the wheel.
The most common types of car accidents in Colorado linked to phone use include:
- Rear-end collisions from failing to stop in time
- Side-swipes due to drifting between lanes
- Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists in crosswalks
Whether it’s sending a text, taking a call, checking directions, or opening an app, these split-second distractions can have long-term consequences. Driver inattention doesn’t just put the distracted driver at risk—it endangers everyone on the road.
Who’s Liable in Car Accidents Due to Cell Phones?
When a driver causes a crash because they were distracted by a phone, they can (and should) be held legally responsible.
In most cases, car accidents due to cell phones fall under the category of negligence. That means the driver failed to act with reasonable care—and someone else got hurt because of it.
To prove negligence, the injured party (or their attorney) needs evidence. This could include:
- Phone records showing calls or texts at the time of the crash
- Dashcam or traffic footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports citing distracted driving
Proving fault isn’t always straightforward. That’s where a car accident attorney becomes essential.
An attorney can subpoena phone records, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
If you’ve been hit by a distracted driver, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone. A skilled car accident attorney can help you fight for fair compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
In the aftermath of one of the many car accidents Colorado experiences each year, taking the right steps makes all the difference — especially when a distracted driver is involved in an alleged hit.
From your safety to your legal options, every decision matters for all drivers involved.
(1) Call 911 and Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
The first thing you should do is call 911 and Colorado State Patrol. Even if the crash seems minor, having a police officer at the accident scene is important.
Officers will document the incident and file an official accident report, which often becomes key evidence in cases involving distracted driving.
If you believe the other driver was using a phone, let the officer know. It may be noted in the report.
(2) Get Medical Attention Right Away
Some serious injuries requiring medical attention are obvious — others are not. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries can show up hours or days later.
That’s why it’s so important to get bodily injuries evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Not only does this protect your health, but medical records also help connect your injuries directly to the accident.
(3) Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re physically able, use your phone to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles
- Skid marks, debris, or road signs
- The location of the vehicles and surrounding traffic signals
- Your injuries (if visible)
Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Circumstances exist, and their statements can help back up your claim, especially in car accidents due to cell phones, where proving distraction is key.
(4) Contact a Car Accident Attorney Before Talking to Insurance
After an accident, insurance companies may try to settle quickly—and for less than you deserve. Before you sign anything or make a recorded statement, speak with a car accident attorney.
An attorney can:
- Deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to
- Investigate the cause of the crash, including possible phone use or other safety performance measures
- Help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Talk to an Aurora Car Accident Lawyer Today
When distracted driving leads to a crash, the consequences are rarely limited to crumpled fenders. For victims, car accidents and cell phone use often mean lasting injuries, financial strain, and a long road to recovery.
You don’t have to face that road alone.
If you were hurt in a distracted driving crash, talking to an Aurora car accident lawyer is one of the smartest moves you can make.
At Manning Law, we’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide what’s next, with no pressure and no upfront cost. Call us today for a free consultation, or learn more about our car accident services.
Your recovery deserves more than a quick settlement—it deserves the full weight of the law on your side.
