Distracted and fatigued driving are two of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Arizona
These forms of driver negligence can lead to catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. At Rideout Law Group, our car accident attorneys represent clients throughout Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and statewide helping them recover damages and hold negligent drivers accountable.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention shifts away from the road. Common examples include:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the GPS or car stereo
- Talking to passengers or looking away from traffic
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), distracted driving leads to thousands of preventable crashes each year. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Understanding Driving Fatigue
Fatigued or drowsy driving can be just as hazardous as drunk driving. A tired driver may have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and in severe cases, fall asleep at the wheel.
Studies show that being awake for 20+ hours impairs your driving ability as much as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%—the legal limit in Arizona.
Fatigue is a common issue for:
- Shift workers
- Truck drivers
- Long-distance commuters
- Individuals with sleep disorders
Arizona’s Laws on Distracted and Fatigued Driving
Arizona law (ARS §28-914) bans the use of handheld devices while driving. However, while there is no specific statute for drowsy driving, fatigue-related negligence can still serve as grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Our attorneys work to uncover key evidence such as:
- Cell phone records
- Surveillance video
- Eyewitness testimony
- Driver logs and medical history
Why These Accidents Are So Dangerous
Both distracted and fatigued driving reduce a motorist’s ability to react in time. This often results in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Pedestrian and bicyclist injuries
- Intersection accidents
In cities like Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City, where traffic varies between high-speed roads and residential streets, any lapse in attention can be deadly.
What to Do After an Accident in Arizona
If you were hit by a distracted or drowsy driver, take the following steps:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency assistance.
- Seek medical care, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Document the scene with photos of damage, debris, and skid marks.
- Collect witness contact information.
- Call Rideout Law Group before speaking to insurance companies.
We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case.
Why Choose Rideout Law Group
With offices in both Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City, Rideout Law Group has successfully handled injury claims throughout Maricopa and Mohave County. We bring:
- Decades of combined courtroom experience
- Former prosecutor insight
- Personalized legal representation
- Local knowledge of Arizona traffic laws and courts
Get a Free Case Review Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to distracted or fatigued driving in Arizona, you deserve answers—and compensation. Let our trusted personal injury attorneys fight for your rights.
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📍 Lake Havasu City Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 Call us today at (480) 584-3328 or (928) 854-8181 for a free consultation.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.