Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Uniondale

Distracted driving continues to be a concern along the roadways of America. It comes as no surprise that it’s one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in the country. With Uniondale as one of the most traffic-heavy communities in Long Island, the likelihood of incidents related to distracted driving continues to increase. It takes one second to look away from the road to check your phone, adjust the radio, or anything else that may take your eyes off what’s ahead.

This legal guide covers what needs to be done in the aftermath of a texting while driving car accident in Uniondale. A car crash attorney can also assist you in exercising any legal options you have. Especially if you have been the victim of a car crash where the other party may have been texting while driving.

Why Is Texting While Driving Dangerous?

Did you know that drivers who text while driving are engaging in three different types of distractions? That’s right, there are these types of distractions include the following:

• Visual distractions: When your eyes are off the road
• Manual distractions: Your hands are not placed on the wheel
• Cognitive distractions: You lose focus on the road ahead of you

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that a driver who sends or reads a text is taking their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. If you are traveling at 55 mph, you have already driven 100 yards (which is the length of a football field). Imagine doing that blindfolded.

Even if you are traveling at a much lower speed, distractions that take your eyes off the road can cause dangerous accidents. You may miss a stop sign or a red light, drift into another lane that has oncoming traffic, strike a pedestrian or cyclist, rear-end another vehicle, or cause a multiple car pile-up (especially on Uniondale Avenue or the Hempstead Turnpike).

Texting While Driving Laws in New York

New York State knows that distracted driving poses a serious safety risk for motorists. Given the fact that this is an epidemic, there are laws that have been implemented to curb distracted driving. According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 1225-d, driving while using a handheld electronic device is prohibited. Meaning you cannot text, email, browse the internet, or use apps.

Violations can include fines of $200 along with five points on your driver’s license. Despite the laws being enacted, numerous drivers continue to drive while using their phones. They may seem like they might never get caught. However, they may cause an accident where they may be found liable for their distracted driving. As a result, they may face a personal injury claim and perhaps criminal penalties as the ones mentioned above.

What Are the Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Car Accidents?

Distracted driving accidents in Uniondale can lead to injuries. At higher speeds, the impacts can be devastating. Here are some of the common injuries that are typical in distracted driving accidents:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Facial trauma (airbags or broken glass)
• Emotional distress and PTSD

Even if the injuries or the accident itself seems minor, the important thing to remember is that no medical examination should ever be refused. Delayed symptoms can occur in a span of days or weeks. Not to mention, a medical evaluation from a doctor can ensure documentation should you decide to work with a Uniondale car accident attorney to file a claim.

Who is Liable in a Texting While Driving Crash?

The driver at-fault in these situations will likely be the one who was texting at the time of the crash. What may seem like a challenge is to determine which driver was at fault. For this reason, that’s where an experienced Uniondale distracted driving accident attorney can be of excellent use. They can gather the following information and evidence to prove liability, including:

• Cell phone records that may indicate the messages that were sent or received around the time of the accident
• Surveillance and dashcam footage
• Eyewitness testimonies
• Accident reconstruction analysis
• Police accident reports
• App activity logs or social media posts

Other parties could also be held liable as well. If the driver at fault was working as a driver for their company, their employer can also be held at fault. However, if a vehicle had a defect that led to the crash, the manufacturer may also be liable.

Once fault has been established, your attorney can fight to make sure you get maximum compensation. This means you’ll want to consult with them as soon as possible before any settlement or paperwork is agreed to.

What Steps Should Be Taken After a Distracted Driving Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident caused by distracted driving in Uniondale, make sure you take the necessary steps as soon as possible. This is important for both your health and your legal rights. Here are the steps that you’ll want to take immediately:

• Contact authorities immediately: Call 911 immediately and request police and medical personnel.
• Seek medical attention: Even if the injuries are minor or non-existent, you’ll need to consider getting examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Not only may they examine you for possible internal injuries, but it can also be used for documentation should you consider legal action in the future.
• Document the scene: This includes taking pictures of any vehicle damage, injuries, the road conditions, and anything that may be relevant.
• Exchange information: You’ll want to include contact and insurance details from the other driver. Also, get the name and contact information from other witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident.
• Request the police report: This will be useful for when you are consulting with a distracted driving lawyer in Uniondale.
• Avoid speaking with insurers: Do not discuss the incident with the insurance companies. Not only may they attempt to settle with you quickly, you may also be considered liable even if it isn’t your fault.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer: They are your advocate for when you may consider filing a personal injury claim. Duffy & Duffy can fight on your behalf for maximum compensation if there is solid evidence that the other party was indeed texting while driving.

With an experienced car accident lawyer working for you, they’ll handle everything from the full investigation of the accident, collect evidence to support your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and if necessary represent you in court.

Injured in a Car Accident Due to Distracted Driving in Uniondale? Call Us Today

If you are a victim of a texting while driving car accident in Uniondale, it may be time to take the necessary steps. As your attorney, Duffy & Duffy can be able to help with your case. Our consultation is free, and we are ready to listen to the facts and details you may have. Call us today for more information at our Uniondale office at (516) 394-4200.