Distraction can contribute to a crash, but calling it a “leading cause” does not prove what happened in an individual collision. A useful investigation connects the driver’s activity to the vehicle movement and resulting harm.

Identify the activity and timing

Record whether a witness saw phone use, interaction with passengers, reaching for an object, or another activity. Identify when it occurred relative to braking, turning, or lane departure. Separate an observed act from an assumption based only on the crash pattern.

The NHTSA distracted-driving resource provides national background. The statistics and general risk information are not a substitute for event-specific proof.

Preserve the useful evidence

  • Original vehicle or nearby camera footage and witness contacts.
  • Police observations and driver statements.
  • The roadway layout, signals, sight lines, and vehicle movements.
  • Relevant device or application records obtained through lawful procedures.
  • The injury and loss record needed to connect the collision to the claim.

Distinguish the law page from the claim investigation

Michigan’s hands-free law is one possible part of a distraction investigation. A hands-free device does not guarantee attentive driving, and an isolated phone record does not automatically establish manual use or causation.

See the hands-free law overview for that legal question and the injury-claim evidence guide for a fuller preservation checklist. Our distracted-driving practice can review the individual evidence.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a national statistic prove my driver was distracted?

No. It does not establish conduct or causation in the individual collision.

Can distraction involve something other than a phone?

Yes. The activity and its connection to the driving should be investigated.

‍This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.