Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Greeley

A crash involving a phone can leave you hurt and unsure whether the other motorist broke Colorado law. Texting while driving car accidents in Greeley now fall under a broader hands-free rule that goes beyond typing messages. Knowing what the law prohibits helps you understand why the conduct behind your collision matters.

An experienced auto accident attorney from The Wilhite Law Firm can explain how the statute applies and protect the evidence your injury claim depends on. We move quickly to investigate what happened and build a clear account of the unsafe conduct that caused your injuries. Wilhite Wins because we prepare every case with urgency and purpose.

The State’s Hands-Free Rule Reaches Beyond Texting

A Greeley texting while driving vehicle crash may involve conduct that violates more than a texting ban. Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-239, in the version effective January 1, 2025, prohibits using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. The rule is broader than a texting ban because it depends on how a person handles the device.

A motorist does not escape the statute by saying the phone was used for a call rather than a text. The law draws its boundaries around physical handling and screen activity, which makes some everyday phone behavior unlawful behind the wheel.

Where the State Draws the Line on Handheld Phone Use

Your texting while driving collision can hinge on whether the Greeley motorist crossed one of the statute’s defined boundaries. Colorado treats these activities as prohibited use while operating a vehicle:

• Holding a mobile electronic device in the hand
• Pinning a device to the ear for a voice call
• Watching a video or movie on the device
• Writing or sending text-based communications
• Reading a text message, email, instant message, or internet data

The statute leaves room for genuinely hands-free use. A speaker or listening device built into protective headgear is allowed, as is a device covering all or part of one ear that connects to a wireless handheld telephone. Viewing navigation data on the screen is permitted, but watching video remains prohibited even when the device is mounted.

Our team examines what the motorist was actually doing, so the statutory line between permitted hands-free activity and prohibited device use is applied accurately.

Narrow Exceptions Do Not Cover Everyday Messages

The law that prevents texting while driving carries only limited exceptions tied to urgent public needs or official functions. A person may use a device to contact a public safety entity or during a genuine emergency. Utility workers responding to a utility emergency can qualify. The same holds for code enforcement and animal protection personnel acting within their duties, and for first responders performing official duties.

These carveouts are narrow, reaching only genuine emergencies and defined job duties. They rarely excuse an ordinary motorist who picked up a phone to answer a routine message. A violation is a class A traffic infraction, and a first offense carries a $75 fine plus a $10 surcharge. Our Greeley legal team can help determine whether the driver who caused your car accident broke the texting while driving restrictions.

Contact a Greeley Lawyer About Your Texting While Driving Car Crash Case

The distinction between permitted hands-free use and prohibited device use can become central to your case. Texting while driving car accidents in Greeley can cause serious injuries, and you should not have to interpret a recently expanded statute while handling medical care and the disruption to your daily life.

The Wilhite Law Firm can investigate the crash, apply Colorado’s hands-free law to the facts, and pursue your claim with urgency. Call now or start your free consultation today so our team can begin protecting your case.