Manhattan Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
In Manhattan, distracted driving car accidents are all too common. People are always on the move in Manhattan and along the way, they conduct business, chat with friends, check their schedules, and perform other tasks. When these daily tasks are conducted while one is behind the wheel, it can have catastrophic effects.
All drivers have a legal obligation to focus on the road and to act in a reasonable manner that keeps other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists safe. When they fail to do this, they can be held liable for paying damages. If you or someone you love has been hurt, our Manhattan distracted driving accident lawyer can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Distractions Do Drivers Face?
Under New York law, motorists are prohibited from using a handheld device while they are behind the wheel. Although drivers can use a device such as a phone hands-free, texting, playing games, and otherwise using a device with one’s hands is prohibited. Unfortunately, many drivers violate this law and use their phone while holding it, causing serious accidents. While texting and driving is often the first type of distraction people think of, it is not the only one. Other types of distractions include:
- Eating,
- Drinking,
- Grooming, such as brushing hair or applying makeup,
- Rowdy passengers
- Loud music
- Adjusting systems within the vehicle, such as the heat or air conditioner, and
- Environmental distractions, such as rubbernecking to see another crash.
The above are only a few of the most common types of distractions drivers face. Any time a motorist takes their eyes off of the road, their hands off of the wheel, or their focus from operating their vehicle safely, they are distracted. While there may not be laws on many of the above distractions as there is with texting and driving, motorists can still be held liable if they caused a crash while distracted.
Distracted Driving and Comparative Negligence
It is not uncommon for two or more drivers to be at fault for a distracted driving accident. For example, a driver may be distracted and therefore, not see another motorist change lanes, essentially cutting them off. The distracted driver may then rear-end the other vehicle. In these cases, the distracted motorist would be at fault for not paying attention to the road while the other driver would be at fault for an improper lane change.
New York is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that accident victims can still claim compensation if they were 99 percent or less at fault for the crash. A percentage of fault is assigned to each driver and any damages they receive are reduced by their same percentage of fault. A distracted driver may try to argue that you were entirely at fault, though, so it is important to obtain legal representation when filing a claim.
Our Distracted Driving Lawyer in Manhattan Can Prove Your Case
While you can hold distracted drivers liable for their negligent actions, these cases are not easy to prove. At Cohan Law Firm, our Manhattan distracted driving lawyer can collect the evidence necessary to support your claim so you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us now at 855-855-0321 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.
