It’s important to stay alert while driving. When you are distracted behind the wheel, it can lead to catastrophic consequences. If you have been in an accident that involved distracted driving, you might be eligible for financial compensation. If you are seeking compensation for a distracted driving accident, a Woodbridge distracted driving accident lawyer can help.
Jacobs & Jacobs has been practicing law across Connecticut for over a century. Since 1918, we have focused on car accidents and personal injury law, helping people with cases just like yours. When you work with us, you will have someone experienced and knowledgeable fighting alongside you in the courtroom.
A Woodbridge distracted driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex litigation process for car accident claims. The right distracted driving accident lawyer will have extensive knowledge of local laws and experience fighting cases like yours in the courtroom. During your free consultation with us, you are welcome to share the details of your case and any questions you may have about the claims process.
There are many ways someone can become distracted when behind the wheel. The most common way is texting while driving. Looking away from the road for even one second can cause an accident. This can cause a lot of property damage or even injure or kill someone.
Ways someone can be distracted when driving can include:
Distracted driving is illegal in Woodbridge, CT. If you are caught driving while distracted, there are penalties that must be paid. Your first offense will cost $200, your second offense will cost $375, and your third or more offenses will cost $675.
Cellphone usage is prohibited when you are operating a motor vehicle, unless there is an emergency or, in some cases, the device is hands-free. Cellphone companies are able to track data usage and whether the cellphone is currently in use.
If you have been in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver, it is important to report the accident as soon as possible. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. In Connecticut in 2022, 5,318 crashes were caused by distracted driving. Of these crashes, 787 people were injured, and 8 people were killed.
If you decide to file a claim for a distracted driving accident, you must do so within two years of it happening, according to Connecticut’s Statute of Limitations. In order to win a distracted driving accident case, there must be proof of negligence in order to assign fault.
If there is a record of a cellphone being used for calling, texting, or using cellular data while you were behind the wheel, you will be assigned a percentage of fault for causing a distracted driving accident.
Connecticut is an at-fault state for distracted driving accidents and follows a modified comparative negligence law. This law states that someone can still recover damages if they are partially at fault for an accident. They can recover damages if they are up to 50% at fault for an accident. If you are 51% or more at fault for an accident, then you cannot recover damages.
Distracted driving laws make the practice illegal in Connecticut. You are only allowed to use a device while driving if it is hands-free and if you are over 18 years old. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a device at all when behind the wheel. Connecticut has fines for distracted driving offenses that increase with each subsequent offense.
The effectiveness of fighting a cell phone ticket in Connecticut depends on certain factors. If you know for a fact you were not using your phone, then you can try to appeal your cellphone ticket. Make sure you have solid evidence on your side proving you were not on your device when you received the ticket, so it does not get dismissed.
Connecticut is not a no-fault state for car accidents; it is an at-fault state. Based on the modified comparative negligence law, fault is assigned to all parties during the litigation process for a car accident claim. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault for an accident, you are able to recover damages. You cannot recover damages if you are 51% or more at fault.
You can prove you were not on your phone while driving if you obtain cellphone records from your provider. The cellphone record must show that there were no calls, texts, or data usage at the time when you were driving. If the record is able to show that you were not using your phone, then it can be permissible in court and show you were not using your phone when behind the wheel.
Distracted driving can lead to a lot of unintentional consequences. If you have been in a car accident as a result of someone’s distracted driving and are seeking compensation, Jacobs & Jacobs can help. For a free consultation with the team, give us a call or visit our office in New Haven. Don’t wait, hire a distracted driving accident lawyer today.