Despite technology's benefits, mobile phones are a major distraction in our society. Many distractions can cause drivers to crash their vehicles.
But since the rise of mobile phones and social media, we have created a more dangerous way of distracting while driving.
If you ever become a victim in a Bronx distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
It is unfair to deal with the consequences of somebody else's negligence. Call The Ward Law Group for distracted driving accidents to support and protect your rights while you heal from your injuries.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving
Distracted driving constitutes any activity that diverts a driver's attention from safely operating a vehicle.
Distractions can take many forms, and even a brief loss of focus can cause serious problems while driving.
Visual Distractions
These distractions cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. Examples include looking at a phone, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, GPS, or gazing at a scenic view.
Manual Distractions
These distractions involve taking your hands off the steering wheel. Texting, eating, drinking, or reaching for objects in the car are examples of manual distractions.
Cognitive Distractions
These distractions divert a driver's mental focus from driving. Daydreaming, engaging in deep conversations, or being preoccupied with personal matters can lead to cognitive distractions.
Auditory Distractions
It involves sounds that divert attention. Listening to loud music, podcasts, or phone conversations (without hands-free technology) can be an auditory distraction. Motorcyclists are known to perform this kind of distraction.
Talking to Passengers
Engaging in animated conversations with passengers, particularly if they require visual and cognitive attention, can contribute to distracted driving.
Eating and Drinking
Consuming food or beverages while driving necessitates taking your hands off the wheel and focusing on eating or drinking.
Grooming
Fixing your hair, applying makeup, or adjusting your clothing while driving can distract you from the road.
Reading
Reading materials such as maps, newspapers, or documents while driving is a significant visual and cognitive distraction.
Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Drivers must pay full attention to the road and minimize potential distractions.
Avoid using electronic devices, prioritize safe driving practices, and always stay vigilant.
Bronx-Specific Concerns and Data
How many car accidents are caused by distracted driving?
Back in 2021, distracted driving took the lives of 3,522 people nationwide. An alarming number of people are involved in many types of traffic accidents.
In July 2023, there were around 2,278 accidents in New York, of which 334 happened in the Bronx borough. These are concerning statistics, and authorities are trying to convince people not to engage in this dangerous behavior.
We have identified three significant areas where the Bronx's distracted driving accidents happen most of the time. They are:
- Henry Hudson Parkway
- Grand Concourse
- Cross Bronx Expressway
Regulations Addressing Distracted Driving
Distracted driving laws are primarily governed by Section 1225-d of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL).
This section explicitly addresses using mobile phones and portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. Here's an overview of the key points covered by this law:
- Use of Handheld Electronic Devices
New York law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. This includes texting, making phone calls, browsing the internet, playing games, and interacting with a handheld device.
- Hands-Free Communication
The law allows hands-free communication using Bluetooth earpieces or speakerphone systems. Drivers can use voice-activated commands to make calls, send texts, or use GPS navigation.
- Prohibition for Novice and Junior Drivers
People under 18 or with learner's permits cannot use mobile phones or portable electronic devices, even if the device is hands-free.
- Penalties for Violation
Violating the distracted driving law can result in fines and penalties. If you break the rule for the first time, you may have to pay up to $200. If you do it again within 18 months, the fine can be up to $250. If you keep breaking the rule within 18 months, the penalty can go up to $450.
- Points on Driver's License
Convictions for distracted driving also result in the imposition of points on the driver's license. Accumulating 11 points within 18 months can lead to the suspension of the driver's license.
Section 1225-d focuses on electronic device use, but distracted driving in New York involves more than just using electronic devices.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Accidents impact many families, not just the victim, who could be pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or drivers following traffic rules.
It also affects the wrongdoer. They may get injured too due to neglect. They can also lose their lives and leave their families unprotected.
Serious accidents can lead to long-term problems. Victims may become paralyzed or lose bodily functions due to spinal cord injuries.
The emotional trauma that accidents leave to victims is brutal to get rid of. They may need professional psychological help to overcome their fear and try to live a life with what they have.
If you're hurt in a Bronx car accident, a distracted driving accident attorney who deals with distracted driving can assist you. You should receive fair compensation to pay for your damages.
Professional Representation At The Ward Law Group
An experienced personal injury lawyer who knows a lot about personal injury cases involving distracted driving accidents. They understand the laws surrounding distracted driving and how they apply to your situation.
They provide clear and simple advice tailored to your situation. This advice helps you understand your rights, options, and potential outcomes in your case.
Building a solid case requires collecting evidence to establish fault and damages. A lawyer can help collect important evidence like accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
At The Ward Law Group, our distracted driving accident lawyers are highly skilled negotiators. We ensure you receive a fair settlement covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer can represent you in court. They'll present your case to a judge and jury, utilizing their legal expertise to fight for your rights and interests.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You won't have to worry about upfront costs or legal fees unless they successfully recover your compensation.
Navigating Insurance Claims After a Distracted Driving Accident
When these accidents occur, the involved parties must deal with what comes later. Remember that New York is a no-fault state.
No matter who caused the accident, both drivers' insurance pays for their medical bills and other damages.
Every driver is required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to an accident, regardless of who caused it.
If you have a distracted driving accident in the Bronx, get medical help immediately, even if your injuries seem small. Your PIP coverage will help cover immediate medical expenses, ensuring you get the care you need without delay.
PIP coverage has limits, and awareness of them is essential. It typically covers up to a certain amount for medical bills and a portion of lost wages. The most basic insurance coverage is $50,000.
If your expenses exceed these limits, you might need to explore other avenues for compensation.
If your injuries are severe and your expenses exceed PIP coverage limits, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This could allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, additional medical expenses, and lost wages.
You must quickly tell your insurance company about the accident, even if you think the other driver caused it. Delays in reporting could impact your ability to receive the benefits you're entitled to under your policy.
Keeping thorough records of medical bills, treatment plans, and expenses is essential. This documentation will be crucial when filing insurance claims and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Call a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in the Bronx
If you have a distracted driving accident, you'll need a skilled, trusted, and moral lawyer to help you. It is difficult for an injured person to deal with all the legal matters.
Our attorneys specialize in handling distracted driving accident cases. They have experience dealing with insurance companies that have expensive lawyers. These lawyers often try to minimize the money they pay policyholders.
The Ward Law Group is proud to provide its services to those who have been victims of traffic accidents in personal injury lawsuits for over 12 years. We are committed to bringing justice to our clients and their families. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation of your case.