Middletown Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is anything that diverts a motorist’s attention away from driving when they are on a roadway. Driving is a complex process that requires full engagement of the senses, fine and gross motor skills, and cognitive abilities. Examples of distracted driving include:

• Texting and smartphone use while driving, which is illegal in Connecticut
• Applying makeup while driving
• Eating and driving
• Fiddling with GPS or stereo settings
• Media consoles, such as on-board televisions and games
• Distractions from children or pets inside the vehicle
• Lack of sleep
• Reading while driving

Even glancing at a text message can have catastrophic results. The NHTSA found that a few seconds of driving at 55 mph while distracted is the equivalent of traveling across an entire football field while impaired. In Connecticut alone, there were over 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving in 2022.

Liability in Distracted Driving Accidents

In Connecticut, which utilizes a modified comparative fault rule for assigning liability to accidents, each party carries a percentage of negligence in any accident. However, in most distracted driving cases, the party who was driving distracted carries a higher degree of fault and must pay damages to the other party.

The burden of proof in a distracted driving accident claim falls to the plaintiff, who must show sufficient evidence that the other party carries a higher degree of negligence. It’s crucial to speak with an attorney who is knowledgeable about Connecticut distracted driving accident laws, as they know how to build an effective case.

A qualified attorney can gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records, police reports, and other documentation, to support your claim. When you hire a Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., distracted driving accident lawyer, you are gaining a trusted ally who can advocate for your rights during negotiation and litigation.

Damages Awarded in Distracted Driving Accident Cases

Once you have proven that the defendant carries a higher degree of fault in the accident, the Geographical Area Court in your jurisdiction will award damages. Compensation can take three forms in Connecticut:

• Economic damages encompass documentable expenses accrued because of the accident. These include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, such as the replacement cost of your vehicle or automotive repairs.
• Non-economic damages address intangible losses due to the accident, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and trauma. The traumatic effects of an accident can last for many years beyond the incident, which is why compensation for these damages can be significant.
• Punitive damages are only awarded when there is sufficient proof of malicious intent or egregious negligence. While these damages are more difficult to prove, punitive damages are a possibility when there’s evidence that the negligent party carries a high degree of fault.

A Middletown distracted driving accident attorney can determine the scope of the compensation you may be entitled to. Many times, accident victims are tempted to settle for the insurance company’s offer, but insurers prey on the vulnerability of accident victims. They prefer to settle claims quickly without negotiation and offer less than accident victims deserve. It’s crucial to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company.

At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we are skilled negotiators who can mediate with insurance companies on your behalf, securing you fair compensation for your suffering.

FAQs

Which Forms of Distracted Driving Are Illegal?

In Middletown, Connecticut, it’s illegal to use a handheld mobile device while operating a motor vehicle, even while stopped at a stoplight, unless there’s an emergency. For drivers under the age of 18, voice messaging and hands-free calls are also illegal while driving, but they are legal for drivers 18 and over. Even if specific laws do not address all forms of distracted driving, these factors still contribute to negligence in accidents.

How Much Is a Distracted Driving Ticket in CT?

Penalties for distracted driving depend on how many offenses are on record, but they begin at $200 for first-time offenders and go up from there. It’s important to obey Connecticut’s laws. If you receive a ticket for distracted driving, consider contacting an attorney if you feel that it is unwarranted. It will be necessary to have evidence to support your argument in court, and an attorney knows what evidence will be most useful.

What Are the 4 Types of Distracted Driving?

The four types of distracted driving include:

1. Visual distractions, which involve looking away from the road
2. Auditory distractions, including sounds, music, and conversations that impact driving ability
3. Cognitive distractions, which include mental activities, like reading or being distracted by passengers
4. Manual distractions, which can include eating and driving or applying makeup while driving

What Are the 3 Cs of Driving?

The three Cs of driving are care, courtesy, and caution. Care is taking personal responsibility for your actions behind the wheel. Courtesy is being aware of other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians and obeying all traffic rules. Caution is driving defensively, avoiding hazards, and adjusting for inclement weather and work zones.

Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

With decades of experience, the team at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., can steadfastly represent you. We offer initial consultations to assess the details of your distracted driving accident case. We work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, contact us to schedule your consultation today.

Middletown Distracted Driving Accident Resource:

• Distracted Driving Still Causes Thousands of Car Accidents Each Year