Bridgeport Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Lawyers Helping People Who Have Been Injured by Distracted Drivers in Bridgeport, CT

Driving can be dangerous, and even if a person takes care to stay safe, other drivers can cause serious harm because of carelessness or other forms of negligence. Many of the most common issues that can increase the chances of car accidents involve distracted driving. When a person does not fully pay attention to the task of driving, even for just a few seconds, the chances of an accident can increase drastically. These accidents are often completely avoidable, and a driver who acts irresponsibly can cause others to suffer serious harm.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., know the pain that distracted driving can cause. Whether you were involved in an accident with a distracted driver while behind the wheel, riding as a passenger, crossing the street, biking on the shoulder, or riding your motorcycle to work, we can help you address the injuries you have suffered and hold a negligent driver responsible. Our goal is to help you focus on healing while we do everything we can to help you recover from an accident physically, mentally, and financially.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road. Distractions may involve anything from sending a text to spilling coffee to adjusting a navigation app. While distractions might seem small or momentary, their effects can have a huge impact on the lives of victims.

There are three general types of distractions that can lead to car accidents:

• Visual: Activities that take a driver's eyes off the road, like looking at a phone.
• Manual: Actions that cause a driver to take their hands off the wheel, like eating food or changing stations on the radio.
• Cognitive: Anything that takes the driver's mind off driving, even if their eyes are open and their hands are on the wheel.

Victims of Distracted Driving

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have represented a wide range of people who have been injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers, and we understand that each case has to be handled differently. Distracted driving may affect people in a wide variety of situations, including:

• Drivers Hit by Other Vehicles: When driving, a person may be involved in a collision with someone who was texting, adjusting their navigation systems, or was not paying attention for other reasons. Distracted drivers may fail to yield, run red lights, or veer across lanes. Rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents at intersections, highway lane departures, and other types of accidents can be caused by distracted driving. These collisions may lead to spinal cord injuries, head trauma, broken bones, or other injuries that may take a long time to fully heal.
• Passengers: People riding in vehicles may also be injured in collisions with distracted drivers. Whether a person was riding with a friend, using a ride-share service, or traveling with a family member, they can take steps to recover compensation for injuries caused by a distracted driver, regardless of who was behind the wheel. We can help passengers injured in both single-car and multi-vehicle crashes that were caused by distractions.
• Pedestrians: People on foot who are crossing streets or walking near the road have no protection when struck by a car. Distracted driving can be especially dangerous in residential areas, crosswalks, and near schools. Distractions can also lead to accidents in parking lots or driveways when a person fails to look behind their vehicle before backing up.
• Cyclists: Drivers are expected to share the road with bicycles and take care to protect the safety of cyclists. Distracted drivers may not notice a cyclist until it is too late, or they may drift into bike lanes or fail to check their mirrors. These crashes can result in severe injuries, including orthopedic damage and road rash, and they will often require extensive recovery time.
• Motorcyclists: Distracted drivers can put motorcyclists at risk of serious harm. A quick lane change without checking blind spots or looking up from a screen can be catastrophic. Motorcycle riders may be thrown from their bikes when they are hit by a distracted driver. The consequences of these accidents can include spinal cord injuries, crushed limbs, or even wrongful death.
• Roadside Workers and Utility Crews: Workers who are repairing roads, installing cables, or working in construction zones are at serious risk of harm when passing drivers are not fully alert. Distracted drivers who ignore signs, swerve out of their lanes, or speed through construction zones can cause serious accidents.

In all of these situations, the consequences of the crash can extend beyond the initial injury suffered in a collision. Victims may struggle with long recovery periods, lost wages, anxiety about getting back on the road, and confusion about how to deal with insurance companies. Our goal is to help lift those burdens so injury victims can focus on their health while we handle the legal aspects of their cases.

Recovering Compensation After a Distracted Driving Accident

People who have suffered harm due to the negligence of distracted drivers may be entitled to recover damages through personal injury claims. These damages may include:

• The costs of emergency medical care, surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment
• Future medical expenses or other costs involved in providing long-term care
• Lost income during periods of missed work and the loss of future income due to injuries that have prevented a person from returning to work and maintaining employment
• Pain and emotional distress caused by a crash and its aftermath

Connecticut's legal system can be complex, especially when insurance companies are involved. Our team at Tremont Sheldon P.C. has spent decades helping people recover after serious crashes. We know how to hold distracted drivers responsible for causing accidents. We can negotiate with insurance companies and make sure injury victims receive the full coverage they deserve. We understand how to document the causes of an accident, prove the severity of a victim's injuries, and present cases clearly. Through our efforts, we have recovered more than $500 million for our clients.

Steps to Follow After a Distracted Driving Crash

Healing after a crash can be difficult, especially when also dealing with legal and financial issues. For some, the road to recovery may be short. For others, recovery may take months or years, and the effects of an accident can persist, impacting a person's physical and emotional well-being. As you work to recover, your focus should be on yourself and your family, rather than dealing with complicated paperwork and wondering whether your rights will be protected.

As you respond to an accident caused by a driver who was distracted, there are a few key steps you can take:

• Get medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage may not show symptoms right away.
• Write down what happened as soon as you can. Include what you saw the other driver doing, where the accident happened, and any comments made at the scene.
• Request a police report, which may include witness statements or notes about the other driver's behavior.
• Contact a law firm that knows how to handle these cases with care and experience. Try not to discuss your case with anyone, including insurance companies, until you speak with an attorney.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we will not treat your case like a number. We will start by discussing your case through a real conversation, learning what happened, how your life has been affected, and what outcomes matter most to you. From there, we will build a case with one goal in mind: helping you move forward.

We understand that every injury case is different, and every person will have their own unique concerns to address. Some people may want to make sure their medical bills will be covered. Others may struggle financially due to lost wages and other expenses. Some may need to plan for a long-term disability, making sure their needs will be met in the years to come. Some simply want accountability. No matter your situation, our attorneys will listen to you and provide you with legal guidance and representation that fits your needs.

Distracted Driving Car Accident FAQs

Is Texting and Driving Illegal in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut law makes it illegal to use a handheld mobile device to send or read text messages while driving. This law applies to all drivers, no matter their age or level of driving experience.

How Can I Prove That a Car Accident Was Caused by Distracted Driving?

Evidence can come from police reports, eyewitnesses, traffic camera footage, phone records, or other sources. It can be difficult to obtain the proper evidence on your own, but our attorneys know how to gather and protect the necessary information. We will make sure you have the proof needed to support your case and secure financial compensation for your injuries and damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Distracted Driving Accident Claim in Connecticut?

In most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the accident. There are some situations where this deadline may be shorter or longer. It's a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to make sure all available evidence is preserved while protecting your rights.

What if the Driver Who Hit Me Was Using a Hands-Free Device?

Phones and other devices can be distracting, even when they use hands-free technology. Phone calls may lead to cognitive distractions that take a driver's attention away from the road. If distracted driving led to a crash, the driver may still be held responsible, even if they followed the letter of the law.

Can I Still Recover Compensation for a Distracted Driving Accident if I Was Partly at Fault?

Connecticut follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney in a Distracted Driving Accident Case?

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not be required to pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Your consultation is free, and we are here to help you understand your rights with no pressure.

Contact Our Bridgeport, Connecticut Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

After suffering injuries in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you deserve to be compensated for the injuries and damages you have suffered. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we will provide you with a free consultation, and there is no fee unless we obtain financial compensation for you. Call 203-335-5145 today or contact our Bridgeport distracted driver liability attorneys online to set up your consultation today. We serve all of Connecticut, including Stratford, Shelton, and Fairfield.