In today's fast-paced world, distractions abound, especially on the roads of Suffolk County. With the prevalence of smartphones, in-car entertainment systems, and other gadgets, the temptation to multitask while driving has become all too common.
However, the consequences of distracted driving can be severe, leading to accidents, injuries, and even loss of life.
Our mission is to advocate for the injured and strive for positive outcomes in every case we handle.
We recognize that distracted driving accidents can occur in various forms, and we could find different types of distraction, from texting while driving to adjusting the radio or GPS device. Regardless of the specific circumstances, if you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you deserve to have your rights protected and your voice heard.
Our team is here to provide the guidance and support you need to pursue justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.
At The Ward Law Group, we are committed to serving our community every day of the year. Whether you have been injured in a distracted driving accident on a busy highway or a quiet suburban street, you can count on us to be there for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and recover from your injuries. Together, we can work towards a safer and more just future. Do not keep your hands off the wheel! Let's build a safer community together!
Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer from The Ward Law Group, and let's dive into your case together!
Establishing Liability in Distracted Driving Cases
In the aftermath of a car accident, determining fault is crucial for pursuing a successful compensation claim. In Suffolk County, New York, the legal concept of pure comparative fault is applied, which means that a court will assign a percentage of blame to each party involved based on their actions leading up to the collision.
According to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules §1411, the plaintiff's award at trial may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.
At The Ward Law Group, our dedicated team of attorneys understands the intricacies of distracted driving cases. It is committed to helping our clients establish liability on the part of the distracted driver.
We recognize the importance of gathering compelling evidence to support our client's claims and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
How many accidents are caused by distracted driving?
Distracted driving continues to pose a significant threat to road safety, leading to thousands of fatalities and injuries each year. At The Ward Law Group, we recognize the devastating consequences of distracted driving and are committed to raising awareness about its dangers.
The following statistics shed light on the pervasive issue of New York distracted driving accidents and underscore the urgent need for preventive measures:
- 3,000 Lives Lost Annually: Each year, approximately 3,000 lives are tragically lost in auto accidents caused by distracted driving. These incidents account for 8% and 9% of all fatal motor vehicle collisions nationwide.
- 3,142 Fatalities in 2020: In 2020 alone, 3,142 individuals lost their lives in collisions involving distracted driving. Shockingly, 396 of these fatalities involved the use of a cell phone at the time of the crash, highlighting the widespread prevalence of this dangerous behavior.
- 2,880 Collisions Due to Distraction: Despite the high number of fatalities, there were 2,880 total crashes attributable to distracted driving in 2020. This discrepancy between the number of collisions and fatalities underscores the severity of some incidents, resulting in multiple lives lost in a single crash.
- Persistent Risk: Since 2016, distracted driving has consistently accounted for between 8% and 9% of fatal accidents. Although this percentage is lower than that of impaired driving, which comprises approximately 30% of all fatal crashes, it still represents a significant risk on our roads.
- Daily Toll: The toll of distracted driving is felt daily across the United States, with an average of nine lives lost every day due to this reckless behavior.
- Impact Beyond Drivers: Distracted driving affects motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. In 2020, 587 pedestrians and bicycle riders lost their lives as a result of distracted driving-related incidents.
- Thousands Injured: The consequences of distracted driving extend beyond fatalities, with 324,652 individuals sustaining injuries in distracted driving crashes in 2020 alone.
- Increased Phone Use: Alarmingly, drivers spend an average of 1:38 minutes on their phones per hour of driving, reflecting a 30.3% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. This rise in phone use while driving underscores the need for heightened vigilance and enforcement of distracted driving laws.
- Riskiest Hours: The hours between 6 and 11 p.m. pose the greatest risk for distracted driving, with drivers distracted for an average of 1:56 minutes per driving hour during this period.
- Morning Commute: Conversely, the morning hours between 6 and 9 a.m. see reduced distraction levels, with motorists distracted for only an average of 1:04 minutes per driving hour.
- Cell Phone Involvement: Cell phones or talking on the phone remain a leading cause of distracted driving accidents, with phone use implicated in 12% of all car accidents on U.S. roadways. Cell phones are also involved in visual distractions.
- Lengthy Distraction: Taking one's eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field without looking, highlighting the critical need for drivers to remain focused on the task at hand.
At The Ward Law Group, we advocate for safer roads and hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don't hesitate to contact us for experienced legal representation.
Together, we can work towards preventing future driving-related tragedies and ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact The Ward Law Group today to learn more about your case and receive advice from one of our personal injury lawyers.
Trends in Distracted Driving
Despite ongoing efforts to combat distracted driving, thousands of lives have been lost due to this perilous behavior over the past decade. Pain and suffering have been a direct consequence of this trend.
In Suffolk County alone, the impact of distracted driving has been significant, with thousands of fatalities recorded since 2012. However, there are some encouraging signs of progress amidst these sobering statistics:
- Over 29,000 Lives Lost Since 2012: Between 2012 and 2020, Suffolk County has witnessed over 29,000 fatalities resulting from crashes linked to driver distraction.
- Decrease in Fatal Crashes Since 2016: While distracted driving remains a pressing concern, there has been a modest 1% decrease in fatal collisions attributed to driver distraction since 2016.
While this reduction is encouraging, it is essential to recognize that the percentage of collisions related to driver inattention has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 8% and 9% in recent years.
Therefore, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to promote safer driving behaviors and prevent further road tragedies.
As advocates for road safety and justice, The Ward Law Group remains committed to addressing the scourge of distracted driving in Suffolk County. Through ongoing education, advocacy, and legal action, we strive to hold those responsible for causing harm through distracted driving accountable and to secure just compensation for victims and their families.
Together, let us work towards building safer roads and communities free from the devastating impact of distracted driving. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, do not hesitate to contact The Ward Law Group for compassionate and experienced legal representation from one of our personal injury attorneys.
Age Trends in Distracted Driving Fatalities
In 2020, drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 were involved in the highest number of fatal collisions attributed to distracted driving in Suffolk County. Here's a breakdown of the age groups involved in deadly crashes due to driver inattention:
- 25-34: 729 fatal crashes
- 15-20: 321 fatal crashes
- 21-24: 317 fatal crashes
- 35-44: 474 fatal crashes
- 45-54: 368 fatal crashes
- 65-74: 192 fatal crashes
- 75+: 156 fatal crashes
Young adults aged 15 to 19 are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of distracted driving, with technology, manual distractions, cognitive distractions, and electronic devices often playing a significant role in their lives:
- 6% of Fatalities Involve Teenagers: In 2020, 265 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents involving a distracted teenage driver. The prevalence of technology in the lives of young drivers may contribute to their increased susceptibility to distraction on the road and wrongful death consequences.
- 44% of Teen-Related Fatalities: Alarmingly, in 44% of distracted driving accidents resulting in fatalities, the victims were teenagers aged 15 to 19. These tragic incidents claimed the lives of 186 teens due to driver distraction in 2020.
As advocates for road safety and youth empowerment, The Ward Law Group is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of distracted driving among young drivers in Suffolk County.
Through education, advocacy, and legal action, we strive to protect our community's youth and prevent further tragedies on our roads.
Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Navigating the legal complexities of a distracted driving case requires expertise and experience. Here's how a lawyer from The Ward Law Group can support you:
- Legal Expertise: Our attorneys possess comprehensive knowledge of the laws surrounding distracted driving in Suffolk County. They will leverage this expertise to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, including cell phone records, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to establish liability and strengthen your case.
- Negotiation: Our legal team is skilled in negotiation techniques, advocating for your rights, and pursuing fair compensation from insurance companies or the at-fault party.
- Litigation: In cases where negotiation fails to yield a satisfactory outcome, our attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. We will present compelling arguments and evidence to secure the best possible result.
- Compassionate Support: Our team provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process, keeping you informed and empowered.
By entrusting your case to The Ward Law Group, you gain a dedicated legal advocate committed to achieving justice on your behalf.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation by calling 855-DOLOR-55 or contacting us online. Take the first step towards seeking the compensation you deserve for your distracted driving accident. The Ward Law Group is here to serve you!