Distracted Driving Bicycle Accidents: Phone, GPS & More

Distracted driving—particularly cell phone use—has surpassed drunk driving as a leading cause of traffic accidents. For cyclists, the consequences are often catastrophic.

Types of Distracted Driving

Visual Distraction Eyes off the road—looking at phone, GPS, passengers.

Manual Distraction Hands off the wheel—texting, eating, adjusting controls.

Cognitive Distraction Mind off driving—phone conversations, daydreaming.

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Texting involves all three, making it the most dangerous.

Proving Distracted Driving

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Direct Evidence

• Phone records showing activity at time of crash

• Witness testimony seeing phone use

• Driver admission

• Dashcam or surveillance footage

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Circumstantial Evidence

• No braking before impact

• Driver didn't see cyclist in clear conditions

• Crash in cyclist's lane of travel

• Driver's demeanor after crash

Obtaining Phone Records

Your attorney can: 1. Send preservation letters to phone carrier 2. Subpoena records during discovery 3. Use accident reconstruction experts 4. Hire digital forensics specialists

Impact on Your Case

Distracted driving often supports:

• Higher pain and suffering awards

• Punitive damages in some states

• Gross negligence claims

• Fuller policy limit recovery

Technology Helping Victims

- Cell tower data

• App activity logs

• GPS data showing speed

• Screen time reports