Drivers are more distracted than ever due to increased stimuli inside and outside of their vehicles. These distractions can cause collisions in an instant and considerable harm to other motorists. When a driver’s inattention causes an accident, victims have the right to sue for negligence and, perhaps, recklessness.
At Wofsey Rosen, we fight for our clients’ rights to justice and compensation. With over a century of experience, our firm provides valuable support and solutions when clients need those services most. Our Connecticut personal injury lawyers protect the rights of our clients, allowing them to focus on recovery.
Drivers Today Face Several Common Distractions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for 3,275 deaths in the most recent reporting year. Distractions are a common cause of vehicle collisions as they reduce focus on the road and decrease reaction times. Distractions can come in many forms:.
Cell Phone Use
Cell phone use is one of the most common causes of distraction among drivers. According to the most recent data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, cell phone use contributed to 402 deaths in 2023. Mobile devices impede a driver’s ability to react and avoid potential hazards. Even a brief distraction can be detrimental, as it can take the length of a football field to come to a stop when traveling at 55 mph.
Connecticut has laws prohibiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving or stopped at a light. While hands-free phone devices are allowed, their use is prohibited for drivers under the age of 18.
Vehicle Occupants
Talking with other passengers in the car or caring for children or pets in the back seat are also significant distractions for motorists. Conversations or reactions to sudden noises and actions by other parties can divert a driver’s attention long enough that he or she is unable to avoid a hazard, or causes a collision by overcompensating trying to react to a hazard.
GPS Use
GPS is beneficial for navigation, but it can draw attention away from the road long enough to cause a collision. Looking at the screen, muting the device, placing the device in a poor location, and adjusting settings while driving can increase the risk of GPS distractions and delayed reactions. Distractions that include GPS use contributed to more than 3,300 fatalities and 290,000 injuries in the most recent year reported.
Multitasking
Drivers who engage in other tasks while behind the wheel can pose a significant risk to other motorists. Putting on makeup, adjusting vehicle settings, or reaching for personal belongings are distractions that reduce a driver’s alertness and ability to react to his or her surroundings. Any amount of focus pulled from the road can have dangerous consequences.
External Stimuli
Distractions may come in the form of external stimuli. Examples include diverting one’s attention from the road while passing an accident, trying to view a landmark, participating in an activity while driving, navigating heavy pedestrian and cyclist activity, and more. These external distractions pull focus from the road, reducing the driver’s  ability to avoid potential collisions.
Eating and Drinking
Individuals lead busy lives and often eat and drink in their vehicles while on the go. Not only does this behavior impact a driver’s ability to identify a potential collision, but it may also pull hands away from the steering wheel. This can affect the driver’s ability to avoid oncoming hazards or cause the driver to veer from the lane.
Wofsey Rosen Secures Compensation for Clients After a Distracted Driving Accident
Distracted driving can cause serious injury and loss during a collision. Victims may require extensive medical care and incur significant expenses. Many of our clients are unprepared to handle the burden they face. Recovering compensation from the at-fault driver can provide the necessary relief to secure the care victims need to rebuild their lives. Some common losses that Wofsey Rosen clients may claim include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment related to the accident
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Repair and replacement costs for vehicle damage
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life and enjoyment
- Loss of companionship or consortium
The value of a settlement will vary based on the details of your case and these categories of damages do not represent an exhaustive list, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can identify recoverable losses and calculate an estimated value of a settlement or verdict.
The Personal Injury Lawyers at Wofsey Rosen Are Ready to Help
Wofsey Rosen represents a wide range of injury clients, including those involved in accidents caused by distracted driving. We understand the devastating and long-term impact these collisions can have, and our attorneys fight to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team to get started on your legal claim.