At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we understand how devastating a distracted driving accident can be. Distracted drivers cause thousands of accidents every year, and victims often suffer life-altering injuries.
As your Queens car accident lawyer, we are committed to securing justice and compensation for those affected by these preventable crashes.
The Growing Problem of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in New York and across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,522 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2021 alone.
In New York, distracted driving accounts for a significant percentage of accidents, with over 15,000 crashes attributed to driver inattention in 2022. These numbers highlight the urgent need to address this dangerous behavior.
Common Types of Driver Distractions
Distracted driving takes many forms, increasing the likelihood of an accident. As your trusted distracted driving car accident attorney in Queens, we’ve seen accidents caused by:
- Texting or using a smartphone: Texting while driving is particularly dangerous as it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. In New York, using a handheld device while driving is prohibited under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1225-d. Violators face fines and points on their licenses.
- Adjusting controls: Changing the radio, GPS, or climate controls can take a driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.
- Eating or drinking: Many drivers multitask by eating or drinking while driving, which significantly reduces their reaction time.
- Talking to passengers: Engaging in deep conversations or turning to address passengers can divert a driver’s focus.
- Daydreaming: Cognitive distractions, such as zoning out or thinking about unrelated matters, can be just as dangerous as physical distractions.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
The Impact of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents often result in severe injuries due to the driver’s delayed reaction time. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: Paralysis or chronic pain may result from damage to the spinal cord.
- Broken bones: Fractures are common in high-impact collisions.
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash and other muscle injuries can cause lasting pain and limited mobility.
- Emotional trauma: Surviving a serious accident often leaves victims with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, our team of Queens accident lawyers is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
New York Distracted Driving Laws and Liability
New York has enacted strict laws to deter distracted driving and protect road users. Drivers caught using a handheld electronic device face significant penalties, including:
- Fines range from $50 to $200 for a first offense.
- Five points added to their driving record.
- Increased insurance premiums.
Despite these laws, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents. When a distracted driver causes a crash, they can be held liable for the damages.
As a top-rated auto accident lawyer in Queens, we leverage New York’s comparative negligence laws to maximize compensation for our clients. Even if you share some fault for the accident, you can still recover damages proportional to the other party’s liability.
How We Prove Distracted Driving
Establishing that the at-fault driver was distracted requires thorough investigation and evidence collection. Our team takes a proactive approach, using resources such as:
- Phone records: These can show if the driver was texting or making a call during the accident.
- Eyewitness testimony: Witnesses can confirm if the driver was distracted.
- Traffic camera footage: Video evidence may reveal the driver’s actions leading to the crash.
- Accident reconstruction experts: Specialists can analyze the scene and determine whether distraction played a role.
With our experience as a car wreck attorney in Queens, we have the tools and resources to build a strong case for our clients.
Compensation for Distracted Driving Accidents
Victims of distracted driving accidents in Queens may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll fight for compensation to cover your lost income.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages account for your injuries’ emotional and physical toll.
- Property damage: We’ll help you recover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence, we may pursue additional damages to punish the at-fault driver.
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we’ll ensure no aspect of your claim is overlooked.
Why Choose Us as Your Queens Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer?
With decades of experience handling car accident cases, our firm has a proven track record of success. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Personalized attention: We treat every client like family, providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.
- Aggressive advocacy: As a top-rated auto accident lawyer in Queens, we aren’t afraid to take on insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation.
- No upfront fees: Our services are contingency-based, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Local experience: As Queens accident lawyers, we know New York’s traffic laws and court system.
Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being come first. A prompt medical evaluation also establishes documentation of your injuries.
- Contact law enforcement: A police report is crucial evidence in any car accident claim.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Obtain contact and insurance details from the at-fault driver.
- Call us: As your distracted driving car accident attorney in Queens, we’ll handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we are here to provide compassionate, results-driven representation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Queens distracted driving car accident lawyer. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
By working with us, you gain an advocate who will stand by your side every step of the way. Don’t face the aftermath of a distracted driving accident alone—reach out to the trusted accident attorney near me and start your journey to recovery today.
“Joseph J Perrini, esquire and his staff were top-notch and extremely caring and professional from the inception to the conclusion of my case. They got me so much more money than I expected and I strongly recommend anyone injured in an accident to use their”
- Margaret H.