Workplace vehicle accidents have become a serious concern nationwide. Although overall workers’ compensation claims have decreased in recent years, the cost and severity of motor vehicle claims remain significantly higher than most other workplace injuries. Smartphone use plays a major role in this ongoing issue, especially among employees who drive as part of their job duties.
Recent data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) highlights why motor vehicle incidents demand greater employer attention. These claims are more than 70 percent more costly than the average lost-time claim. They also account for more than 20 percent of permanent total disability losses and nearly one-third of all fatal workplace claims.
Updated federal crash data also shows a troubling pattern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023. Preliminary 2024 figures show an 8.6 percent reduction in distracted driving incidents, which helped prevent an estimated 105,000 crashes and approximately 480 fatalities. Despite this progress, drivers still spend close to two minutes per hour interacting with their phones, based on telematics research from Cambridge Mobile Telematics.
How Smartphones Increase the Risk of On-the-Job Auto Accidents
Smartphone use behind the wheel has risen sharply over the past decade. Many drivers rely on their phones for navigation, communication, and entertainment. What seems like harmless multitasking often takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or attention away from the road long enough to cause a serious crash.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that distracted driving causes the deaths of nine people every day in the United States. At any moment, approximately 660,000 drivers are using a handheld device while operating a vehicle. Based on national crash data, smartphone-related distraction is involved in roughly 10 percent of all fatal collisions and up to 18 percent of injury crashes.
These risks increase even more when driving is part of an employee’s daily work responsibilities. Tasks such as checking messages, reviewing digital job assignments, or taking calls from clients can lead to dangerous decision-making behind the wheel.
Further Reading: Little Follow-Up Care for Mild Brain Injuries Can be Dangerous
Despite public awareness campaigns and safety laws, distracted driving remains a widespread issue. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) notes that only 15 states prohibit all drivers from using handheld phones, while 47 states have enacted some form of texting-while-driving laws.
The Workplace Risk: When “Checking Work Messages” Becomes Dangerous
Many employees today perform job-related tasks behind the wheel — checking work emails, calling clients, or responding to texts. Unfortunately, these behaviors blur the line between productivity and danger.
When a driver causes an accident while on the job, determining liability can become complex. Depending on the situation, both the driver and their employer could be held responsible.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the crash
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Pursuing maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Remember: even if the at-fault driver was “on the clock,” you may have a right to seek compensation from their employer under Colorado law.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyers Today
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a distracted or negligent driver? Are you worried about paying medical expenses or lost income? The attorneys at Schofield & Green Law Firm are here to help.
Our skilled Colorado Springs car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling on-the-job vehicle accidents and distracted driving claims. We will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (719) 694-8515 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your case.
