Distracted driving is a significant problem in New York. It’s also a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. According to the CDC, eight people are killed each day nationwide in an accident involving a distracted driver. Tragically, many of these accidents could have been prevented had the driver been attentive and exercised due care.
If you suffered injuries as a result of a distracted driver’s actions — or inaction — you might be entitled to compensation for your losses. By filing a personal injury action, you may be eligible to receive monetary recovery for your economic damages, in addition to your pain and suffering.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can be nearly anything that takes the vehicle operator’s attention off the road. Some of the most common distractions faced by drivers are texting or talking on a cell phone. However, drivers can also be distracted by GPS systems, talking with passengers, eating, watching videos, or adjusting the radio.
Driving a vehicle requires the full attention of the operator. Taking one’s eyes or mind off the road — or hands off the wheel — for just a moment can lead to devastating consequences. Critically, a distracted driver can also be held liable for negligence in the event that another was caused to suffer injuries as a result of their carelessness.
Types of Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers
Many types of accidents can be caused by distracted driving. Every situation is different, based on various factors such as the location that the accident occurred, the circumstances of the crash, the force of the impact, and driver behavior.
Common accidents caused by distracted driving can include:
- Rear-end crashes — These types of car accidents can happen when a driver who is not paying attention follows too closely behind another or fails to hit their brakes in time.
- T-bone accidents — When a driver is distracted at an intersection, a T-bone accident can occur, resulting in a collision that creates a “T” formation upon impact.
- Multiple car pileup — Often, rear-end collisions caused by driver inattention can lead to a chain effect, with several vehicles colliding into one another.
- Sideswipes — If a driver is distracted, they may be more likely to swerve into the next lane, and sideswiping the vehicle next to them.
- Head-on collisions — These accidents may be caused when a driver’s attention isn’t focused on the road, and they veer into oncoming traffic.
After any car accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Although no-fault benefits may cover a certain amount of your lost wages and medical expenses due to a car accident, these benefits can quickly be exhausted if you sustained severe injuries. In such cases, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages.
Damages in a Distracted Driving Accident
Distracted driving accidents can cause permanent injuries and lasting disability. Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident, a victim may suffer a wide range of injuries such as disfigurement, soft tissue injuries, paralysis, fractures, brain damage, nerve damage, or fatality. Car accident injuries can severely impact a victim’s day-to-day life and ability to work, as well as prevent them from participating in the activities or hobbies they once enjoyed.
If you were in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you might be entitled to compensation for your monetary losses, and for the physical pain and mental anguish you suffered in connection with your injuries. Economic damages are meant to cover your financial losses and can include things such as lost wages, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket costs associated with your medical treatment. Non-economic losses cover a broad range of losses, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence, a diligent personal injury attorney can help ensure you obtain the maximum monetary compensation you deserve. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been providing clients throughout the New York City metro area with reliable counsel and skillful representation in car accident cases for more than 30 years — and achieving favorable results.
The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a free consultation.