Because the vast majority of drivers have cellphones, distracted driving has become one the leading causes of vehicle accidents that leave victims seriously injured or that cause fatalities. While distracted driving is a general term that can apply to a number of things that distract drivers such as eating, changing radio stations, other people in the vehicle, and pets in the vehicle, the term distracted driving typically refers to driving while talking on the phone or texting. Currently over 90% of drivers own handheld electronic devices such as cell phones, smartphone, and tablets. It is common for drivers to attempt to read or type text while the car is in motion. Some even attempt to take selfies and post on social media while driving. Thousands of people are seriously injured or die each year in cell phone accidents. The victims of such accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries and have to endure long recovery periods. If a distracted driver caused an accident that left you or a loved one seriously injured, contact an experienced Long Island distracted driving accidents lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss your legal options.
Texting and DrivingTexting and driving refers to using an electronic device while driving. This means talking on a cell phone, sending or reading texts or emails, using social media, or surfing the internet. When using an electronic device the driver's eyes are not focused on the road, but on the device. A few seconds of not looking at the road can lead to catastrophic results.
In accordance with New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1125-c, it is against the law to use a mobile phone while driving. Similarly, under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1125-d it is also against the law to drive while using a laptop, pager, electronic game, tablet ,or any other portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.
Consequences of Distracted DrivingIf you suspect that distracted driving on the part of the another driver caused your injuries, contact an experienced Long Island distracted driving accidents lawyer. If a driver is not paying attention to road and instead is looking down at his or her phone, there is a good chance that that driver will cause an accident leaving another person with serious injuries. While the fines for violating New York Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibitions against driving while using a cell phone or portable electronic device are relatively minor, if distracted driving leads to injury the offender may be financially responsible to their injured victim.
If you were injured in an accident because of the negligence of a distracted driver, through a personal injury lawsuit there are number of different types of damages that you may be able to recover:
A personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident will not only hold that person legally accountable for their negligent acts but will also provide you and your family with needed financial relief. To ensure that your rights are protected, it is important that you are represented by someone with experience representing victims of car accidents. We have extensive experience representing clients injured in head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, side collisions as well as other types of vehicle accidents. Contact an experienced distracted driving accidents attorney serving Long Island at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident. We serve clients in the following locations: Long Island, Westchester County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Nassau County, and Queens.