Hartford Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Advocating for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents in Connecticut
The prevalence of distracted driving poses a significant threat to road safety. At David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC, we recognize the devastating impact that distracted driving accidents can have on individuals and their families. Our Hartford distracted driving accident attorney is committed to delivering unwavering support and legal expertise to those who have fallen victim to such incidents.
Distracted driving appears to be an epidemic in the twenty-first century. According to one statistic, 10% of all drivers on the road are distracted in some way. In other words, one in every 10 cars that you pass contains a distracted driver.
When someone is distracted while driving, they are much less likely to focus on other cars, traffic signals, pedestrians, and everything else around them. Distracted drivers often pull dangerous moves, such as cutting across traffic late to make their exit, or they miss important activity around them, like a car that just changed lanes or a car that just hit the brakes in front of them.
Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident? Call 860-431-2102 anytime or contact online 24/7 to speak with our Hartford attorneys!
The Legal Process for Distracted Driving Accidents
After being involved in a distracted driving accident, it is critical to understand the legal process for filing a claim. Our Hartford attorneys can help you through every step of the process, from gathering evidence and submitting a claim to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.
Key aspects of the legal process for distracted driving accidents include:
- Evidence collection, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records
- Negotiating with insurance companies to seek fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- Seeking damages for physical, emotional, and financial losses resulting from the accident
We are committed to giving you individualized legal counsel and pursuing the damages you are due. For a consultation, get in touch with our Hartford distracted driving accident lawyer right now.
Connecticut Laws on Distracted Driving
In Connecticut, distracted driving laws are as follows:
- No one can use a hand held mobile device while driving- adults must use hands-free devices while talking on phones
- No bus driver can use a cell phone while driving
- No driver under 18 can use a hand held or wireless mobile device while driving
- No driver is allowed to text while driving
- Use of video game players and DVD players are banned for drivers
- No person is to engage in any activity not related to driving that interferes with driving safely
Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving encompasses a range of activities that divert a driver's attention from the road. Whether it's texting, adjusting the radio, or engaging in a conversation, these distractions can lead to severe accidents, resulting in various injuries. Some of the most common injuries may include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden impact of a distracted driving collision can cause the head to jerk violently, leading to whiplash and other neck injuries. These injuries can result in long-term pain and discomfort, affecting the victim's overall quality of life.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries are common in accidents where a driver is not fully focused on the road. TBIs can vary from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage, impacting cognitive functions, memory, and emotional well-being.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a distracted driving collision can lead to broken bones and fractures. Victims may demand extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and rehabilitation, to recover fully.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine is particularly vulnerable in high-impact accidents. Spinal cord injuries often lead to paralysis or loss of motor function, significantly affecting the victim's independence and quality of life.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in distracted driving accidents. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, needing ongoing medical care.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?
Potential damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Recovering the costs associated with medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for the income lost due to time away from work during recovery, as well as possible future earnings if the injuries result in a reduced capacity to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Seeking damages for the physical and emotional pain endured as a result of the accident and subsequent injuries.
- Property Damage: Restitution for repairing or replacing damaged vehicles and personal property.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In instances where a distracted driving accident leads to the tragic loss of a loved one, pursuing compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
Connecticut's Modified Comparative Negligence in Distracted Driving Cases
In Connecticut, modified comparative negligence means you can recover damages in a distracted driving accident case as long as you are less than 51% at fault. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 30%. Our attorneys can help navigate these complexities to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific situation.
More Car Accidents Statistics
In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each day more than 15 people are killed and more than 1,200 people are injured in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver. With the invention of the smartphone, we constantly hear news about accidents that were caused by an individual texting or updating their Facebook page as they drove.
Government Statistics
According to
- 18% of injury crashes in 2010 were distraction-affected crashes
- 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash
- 45% of American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger
- Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted
- Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%
Get the relentless representation you deserve with our Hartford distracted driving accident lawyer—Attorney Zipfel is available 24/7 to support your case!
Contact Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Hartford Today
At David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC, our Hartford distracted driving accident lawyer, is committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. We understand the complexities of these cases and are prepared to leverage our expertise to build a robust case on your behalf. Time is of the essence, so don't delay – let us help you on the road to recovery and justice. Call us today for a confidential consultation.
Preventing Distracted Driving
While our Hartford distracted driving accident attorney can assist you in recovering damages following an accident, it is critical to take preventative measures to avoid distracted driving.
Here are some strategies to help you keep your focus on the road:
- Avoid using your phone while driving.
- Set your GPS and music before you begin driving.
- Pull over to a safe place if you need to make a call, send a text, or change your GPS.
- Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel!
- Be careful of other distractions like eating, grooming, or adjusting the controls in your car.
Keeping attention on the road might help you avoid accidents and keep yourself and others safe.
Why You Can Always Count on Us
At David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC, I personally handle each case and can provide the experience and knowledge necessary to build a strong case.
I have been in practice for over 40 years, so you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands should you choose to retain me as your Hartford car wreck lawyer. Learn more by calling one of my two convenient offices in the Hartford area today to speak with an attorney about your case.
Our Personal Injury Attorney in Hartford Can Help
A Hartford injury lawyer can help you prove your case, acquiring such important pieces of evidence as phone records. Examining the cars involved and the police report can also help establish liability. A personal injury lawyer can help you fight for the damages you deserve such as hospital bills, medical bills, living expenses, lost wages and damages sustained to your vehicle or other personal property. If you contact David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC, the firm can determine whether any laws were broken by the person who hit you.
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They will go the extra mile for you and your family on what ever legal situation you bring them. Call them for a consultation today.- Catherine T.
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I watched Dave take on the insurance company and aggressively pursue and protect all my interests.- Jeffrey J.
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Attorney Dave Zipfel is a super lawyer and I would refer him to any person of color. He is a talented and skillful lawyer.- Ronald J.
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I would highly recommend the law office to friends and family. 5 stars!- Patricia N.
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They are honest, straightforward people who put in the extra effort to make sure their clients get satisfactory results.- Paul A.
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Thank you so much and will recommend this firm to family and friends should the need be. Five stars!- Former Client
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They settled my case even when I thought things were looking bleak but they kept me informed and did everything in their power to have the case be resolved in my favor! Thank you!- Deja V.
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Zipfel & Associates are knowledgeable and hardworking people who never quit until the desired results are delivered.- Michael F.