Waterbury Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving is a common hazard on the roads of Connecticut. Every day, thousands of drivers use their cell phones when they should be paying attention to the road. If you believe that a distracted driver caused your recent car accident in Waterbury, the Law Offices of James A. Welcome can help you move forward. We will use our legal experience and resources to help you build a claim and pursue the financial compensation that you deserve, starting with a free case consultation.
Why Choose Our Waterbury Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers?
- At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we treat our clients like family. We understand the obstacles that come with distracted driving accident claims and how to overcome them.
- We have over 17 years of experience representing clients throughout Connecticut in different types of car accident claims. Our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable.
- Our distracted driving accident lawyers have obtained outstanding results for past clients. We will use our experience in car accident law to help you achieve your case goals.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to a driver dividing his or her attention between operating a motor vehicle and another task, such as reading a text message or eating and drinking. It is a dangerous practice that can significantly increase the risk of car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted drivers took 3,142 lives and seriously injured thousands of others in 2019. A distracted driver will have delayed reflexes and may not notice changing roadway situations until it’s too late. Driver inattention can lead to a rear-end collision, intersection accident, crosswalk accident or bicycle collision.
What Is the Most Dangerous Type of Driver Distraction?
A driver needs his or her full attention to safely and properly control a motor vehicle. Any type of distraction, no matter how small, could be enough to cause an accident. Some distractions, however, are more dangerous than others. Statistically, the deadliest type of driver distraction is cell phone use. While many drivers believe that they can safely read texts, check their emails or use mobile apps while driving, this is not the case. Reading a text message while driving 55 miles per hour, for example, is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Connecticut Distracted Driving Laws
The amount of danger that comes with cell phone use behind the wheel has led to many states, including Connecticut, passing related laws. In Connecticut, no driver can use a handheld electronic device while driving. Drivers also cannot text or transmit electronic messages while driving. However, drivers may use hands-free technology to make phone calls if they are over the age of 18. Any driver under the age of 18 (as well as bus drivers) may not use a cell phone in any regard. Illegal use of a cell phone behind the wheel in Connecticut is a moving violation. If distracted driving results in reckless driving behaviors, this can lead to additional penalties.
Who Is Liable for a Distracted Driving Accident?
Connecticut is a fault-based insurance state. This means that after an automobile accident, injured victims seek financial benefits from the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver. The victim must prove that the other driver caused the crash, such as with evidence of distracted driving. This evidence may include cell phone records, eyewitness statements, a police report and surveillance footage.
Contact a Waterbury, Connecticut Distracted Driving Attorney Today
An accident involving a distracted driver can result in life-changing injuries, such as broken bones and spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving car accident in Waterbury, contact our Waterbury personal injury lawyers for a free case evaluation. We can help you protect your rights and seek fair financial compensation from an at-fault driver’s insurance company. Attorney James A. Welcome and his legal team are compassionate and committed to securing justice. Find out how we can help today – call (203) 753-7300 or contact us online for a free consultation.