Larimer County · Distracted driving
Fort Collins Distracted driving Lawyers
Fort Collins distracted driving accident lawyers for crashes on I-25, College Avenue. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Proving a Distraction Claim
McCormick & Murphy are Fort Collins distracted driving accident lawyers for people hurt in Fort Collins. We get the Fort Collins Police Services and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office report, the UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital records, and file in Larimer County Justice Center.
A distraction claim is not as simple as assuming the other driver was on a phone. We have to connect the driver's lost attention to the actual moment of the crash, showing what pulled their focus away from the road and how that led directly to the collision.
Distraction takes many forms beyond phone use. In-vehicle touchscreens, navigation systems, conversations with passengers, eating, reaching for something in the car, or reading a text can all pull a driver's eyes and mind off the road long enough to cause a serious wreck.
We build these cases by looking at the full picture: what the driver was doing, for how long, and what that driver should have seen or reacted to if they had been paying attention. That comparison between what happened and what should have happened is often what makes or breaks a distraction claim.
What We Look For
Where legally obtainable, phone records can show whether a driver was on a call, texting, or using an app around the time of the crash. We also look for admissions the driver may have made at the scene or to police, along with witness observations of erratic driving, drifting, or a delayed reaction before impact.
Video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, event data from the vehicle's onboard systems, and the precise timing of the driver's braking or steering can all help establish that attention was somewhere other than the road. We gather this evidence quickly, because it can disappear or be overwritten if we wait.
- Get the police report and note any statements about phone use or distraction
- Identify witnesses who saw the other driver's behavior before the crash
- Photograph vehicle positions, skid marks, and the surrounding intersection or roadway
- Seek medical care and keep records connecting your injuries to the crash
- Avoid discussing fault with the other driver's insurance company before speaking with us
Handling Distracted Driving Cases in Fort Collins
Distracted driving crashes happen throughout Fort Collins, from stop-and-go traffic on College Avenue to merging and lane changes on I-25. Harmony Road and Mulberry Street see heavy commuter and commercial traffic, and a moment of inattention at an intersection or during a lane shift can lead to a serious collision. Fort Collins Police Services and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office typically respond to these crashes and document the scene.
We also represent people injured in distracted driving crashes in Loveland, Wellington, Timnath, Windsor, and Greeley. Injured clients are often treated at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, and claims connected to these crashes may be filed through the Larimer County Justice Center.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical expenses for injuries caused by the crash
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your recovery
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fort Collins — and read client testimonials.
After I was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance, my own insurer refused UM benefits. McCormick & Murphy sued for uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith. A jury awarded me over $900,000.
C. O., Denver · UM / bad-faith verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Fort Collins Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers FAQ
Do I need the other driver's phone records to prove distraction?
Phone records can help, but they are not always required or available. We also rely on witness accounts, video, vehicle event data, and the driver's own statements to build the connection between distraction and the crash.
What if the driver denies being distracted?
Denials are common. We look at physical evidence like braking patterns, vehicle positioning, and witness observations to show what actually happened, regardless of what the driver claims.
Can passengers or in-vehicle screens count as distractions?
Yes. Distraction isn't limited to phones. Conversations with passengers, infotainment systems, eating, or reaching for an object can all take a driver's attention off the road long enough to cause a crash.
How quickly should evidence be gathered after a distracted driving crash?
Promptly. Video footage, witness memories, and some electronic data can be lost or overwritten over time, so we move quickly to preserve what's available.
What does the free consultation involve?
We'll review what happened, discuss the evidence available in your case, and explain your options. There's no cost for this meeting, and no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Discuss a Fort Collins crash
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.