West Haven Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Skilled West Haven Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

A distracted driver can cause devastating injuries in just a few seconds. Whether they are texting, adjusting a GPS, eating, or talking to other passengers, their actions put other road users at risk. If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident, a West Haven distracted driving accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Work With Us?

Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law brings over 10 years of legal experience to every case. Attorney Brad Sorrentino and his team are dedicated to helping accident victims recover and work tirelessly to achieve fair compensation. Some examples of recent settlements and verdicts we have secured for traffic accident victims include:

• $300,000 settlement for a car accident victim who was T-boned by another driver
• $250,000 settlement for a rear-end car accident victim who suffered back and spinal injuries
• $250,000 settlement for a car accident victim struck by a driver who lost control of their vehicle

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

How Distracted Driving Accidents Happen

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of traffic accidents. In 2024, 3,208 people died due to distracted driving accidents. Drivers who take their eyes, hands, or minds off driving can easily fail to notice stopped traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists, changing road conditions, or traffic signals. In West Haven, these crashes often happen on busy roads such as Boston Post Road, Campbell Avenue, or Saw Mill Road, where traffic increases the need for attentive driving.

Nearly anything can become a distraction if it takes a driver’s focus away from driving. The three categories of distractions include:

• Visual distractions. Visual distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road. Examples include looking at roadside signs or buildings, looking at a GPS, or looking at passengers.
• Manual distractions. Manual distractions take a driver’s hands off the steering wheel. This can include eating, drinking, personal grooming, or adjusting the radio or temperature controls.
• Cognitive distractions. Cognitive distractions take a driver’s mind and attention away from driving. This could mean listening to music or a podcast, speaking with passengers, or taking a phone call.

Many distractions fall into more than one of these categories, making them particularly dangerous. For example, texting is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Despite the risk, survey results show that 23% of drivers have manually typed or sent an email or text message in the past thirty days.

Why You Should Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a distracted driving crash, one of your first steps should be to reach out to a West Haven distracted driving accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you build a strong claim that holds the distracted driver liable for your damages. This can bring you financial compensation and justice after a crash.

When building a strong case, a lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and evaluate the applicable distracted driving accident laws. Ultimately, their help can help you make a full financial recovery.

Damages You Can Recover in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim

Connecticut’s distracted driving accident laws allow accident victims to file a claim against a distracted driver. A distracted driving accident claim can allow you to recover financial compensation for the losses you have suffered, which may include:

• Medical expenses. Medical bills can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with severe injuries. Compensation can cover the cost of medical care for your injuries, including things such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation services, and other treatments.
• Lost wages. If you had to take time off from work due to your injuries or medical treatments, you are likely missing out on wages. Compensation can cover the cost of lost income.
• Property damage. Compensation can cover the cost of repairs to damaged property, including your vehicle, clothing, personal electronics, glasses, and any other items.
• Emotional distress. The mental and emotional impact of distracted driving is not to be overlooked. Compensation can be increased to account for the impact of a crash on your mental health and well-being.
• Wrongful death damages. If you lost a loved one due to distracted driving, you may be able to recover compensation for their estate and surviving family members. This includes damages such as funeral and burial expenses, medical bills from their final injuries, loss of financial support or household services, and loss of companionship.

FAQs

What Is the Statute for Cell Phone Use While Driving in Connecticut?

Connecticut General Statutes § 14-296aa prohibits drivers from using cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices while driving. This law was put in place to discourage distracted driving, as cell phone use is one of the most common, yet dangerous, distractions. Under this law, drivers under 18 cannot use any mobile device, while adult drivers may use hands-free accessories such as Bluetooth features.

Is Connecticut a No-Fault State for Accidents?

No, Connecticut is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Connecticut has an at-fault insurance system. This means that rather than filing a claim through their own insurance provider, crash victims can file a claim against the individual responsible for the crash. However, they must be able to prove that the other party’s actions led to the accident.

How Many Crashes Are Attributed to Distracted Driving?

Thousands of crashes are attributed to distracted driving every year. In 2024, 3,208 people were killed, and 315,167 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Furthermore, distractions likely contributed to many additional accidents in some capacity, even if it was not the main cause of the crash.

What Are Common Distractions for Drivers?

Many everyday activities, objects, or environments are distractions for drivers and increase the likelihood of a crash. Common distractions include:

• Texting
• Making phone calls
• Using social media
• Adjusting or setting up a GPS
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio or climate controls
• Personal grooming
• Talking with passengers
• Listening to or watching videos
• Daydreaming

Contact a West Haven Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law is ready to help you recover after a distracted driver causes a crash. Contact us to begin the process of filing a claim.

Bridgeport Office