Distracted driving has become one the leading causes of car accidents that leave victims seriously injured. 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, smart phone, and tablets. It is common for drivers to attempt to read or type text while the car is in motion. Thousands of people are seriously injured or die each year in accidents related to cell phone use suffering such injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, broken or crushed bones, internal injuries, or a back or spinal cord injury. However, under New York law victims of car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products and other negligence are allowed to seek compensation from the person whose negligence resulted in the accident. If you are in need of a New York Injury Lawyer because you or a family member was injured in a car accident caused by an elderly driver it is important to contact an experienced Queens Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer who will help ensure that the person responsible for your losses is held accountable through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
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, or surfing the internet. When using an electronic device the driver's eyes are not focused on the road, but on the electronic device. A few seconds of averting eyes from the road can lead to a collision.
In New York 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.
Consequences of Distracted DrivingIf 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 his or her 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 accountable for his or her 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. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates has extensive experience representing clients injured in head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, side collisions as well as other types of vehicle accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident.