Distracted driving has led to countless preventable accidents and severe injuries each year, especially as technology has evolved. When drivers are distracted, even for a moment, the consequences can be life-altering and even life-ending. If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in White Plains, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and other unexpected expenses.
At Denlea & Carton LLP, we are committed to providing the experienced legal representation you need during this difficult time. Our team understands the challenges of navigating personal injury claims and will fight to secure the compensation that helps you get back on your feet. Contact Denlea & Carton LLP today to consult with a dedicated attorney who will guide you through the claims process to seek compensation and justice for one driver’s lack of attention that has impacted your life.
Common Types of Distracted Driving That Lead to Crashes
Staying focused behind the wheel is one of the most important responsibilities a driver has. Unfortunately, distracted driving takes many forms and can quickly lead to dangerous crashes. Some of the most common causes include:
- Texting or using a smartphone while driving
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Adjusting in-car entertainment or navigation systems
- Conversing with passengers
- Personal grooming or applying makeup
With new technologies becoming a bigger part of everyday life, the temptation to multitask on the road is higher than ever. It’s crucial to make safety your priority by keeping your attention on driving and avoiding any distractions.
Understanding Distracted Driving Laws in New York
Knowing and following New York’s distracted driving laws is vital for anyone who gets behind the wheel. The state has established clear rules designed to reduce distractions and improve roadway safety for everyone. Understanding these regulations can also be important if you need to pursue a claim after an accident involving a distracted driver.
- Using handheld electronic devices for calls, texts, emails, or internet browsing while driving is not allowed.
- Hands-free devices are permitted, as long as the device is not held or physically supported by the driver.
- Texting while driving is strictly banned, with violations resulting in substantial fines and license points.
- Drivers under 18 with a junior license or permit are prohibited from using any portable electronic device, even hands-free.
- Commercial drivers are subject to even stricter penalties for distracted driving offenses.
For young drivers, especially, it’s important to take a few moments to have a conversation about road safety. Taking a few extra moments to focus on the task of driving and safe habits means you’re doing your part to keep your community safe and prevent accidents that can seriously and unintentionally harm someone.
Distracted Driving Crash Statistics: How Common Are These Accidents?
Distracted driving is a major contributor to traffic collisions in New York and throughout the United States. To highlight just how widespread and dangerous this issue is, consider these key statistics:
- Over 3,000 people are killed each year in the U.S. due to distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Hundreds of thousands of injuries annually are linked to distracted driving incidents nationwide.
- In New York State, distracted driving accounts for a significant proportion of total crashes each year.
- The number of distracted driving crashes has risen with the increased use of smartphones and on-board technology.
- Locally, areas like White Plains continue to see frequent accidents caused by drivers who are not fully focused on the road.
These figures are a clear reminder of the critical importance of keeping your attention on driving at all times. Even a brief distraction can lead to life-altering consequences for all involved.
Establishing Liability in a Distracted Driving Car Accident
Proving fault in a distracted driving accident usually requires demonstrating that the at-fault driver was not paying sufficient attention to the road. This process often involves gathering a range of evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and sometimes phone records if mobile device use is suspected. The goal is to show that the distracted driver’s actions, or lack of attention, directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries.
New York operates under a comparative negligence rule, which means that more than one party could share fault for an accident. However, if clear evidence exists showing a driver was distracted, that person can be held primarily responsible. Having a skilled car accident attorney is vital in presenting a strong case that establishes the other driver’s liability, particularly when insurance companies attempt to dispute or minimize valid claims.
How a Distracted Driving Injury Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation
When you’re involved in a distracted driving car accident, working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your claim. Our attorney’s primary role is to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring your claim is backed by strong evidence and that every aspect of your losses is properly valued. Our guidance means you do not have to navigate complex legal or insurance procedures on your own.
Key ways a distracted driving attorney can help include:
- Collecting vital evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence, such as accident reports, phone records, witness statements, and video footage
- Handling all communication and negotiations with insurance companies to pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries and financial losses
- Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to strengthen your case
- Preparing and filing all necessary legal documents accurately and on time
- Representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached, advocating for your best interests at trial
With a dedicated car accident attorney, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney works tirelessly to recover the financial relief you need for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Speak With a White Plains Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, seeking legal advice as soon as possible can be the difference between successfully receiving benefits or not. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the more opportunities there are to preserve evidence, speak to witnesses, and clearly establish liability.
Denlea & Carton LLP offers experienced, compassionate guidance to people harmed in distracted driving accidents in White Plains and throughout New York. Our attorneys will listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline the steps needed to pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and let us help guide you to receiving compensation.
