Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous and preventable. When drivers make careless choices, they can cause serious harm. If you or a loved one were injured by another person’s distracted driving, a Connecticut car accident lawyer with Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC can help you navigate the claims process to recover compensation. Contact our office for a free case review with a distracted driving accident attorney in Connecticut.
Seeking Compensation for Distracted Driving Accident Victims in Connecticut
If you were injured because of a distracted driver’s negligence, Connecticut law allows you to seek compensation. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s Connecticut distracted driving attorneys can help you hold the at-fault party accountable through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Our team can help you seek compensation for damages that include but are not limited to:
- Medical costs, including immediate treatment, medical supplies, and long-term care
- Income loss, such as lost earnings or diminished future earning potential
- Property damage to your vehicle and belongings
- Non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and emotional distress
Recovering Wrongful Death Damages After a Distracted Driving Collision
If you lost someone you love because of a distracted driver, our wrongful death attorneys can help you seek justice. We know that money does not make up for the loss of your loved one. However, a monetary settlement can help reduce the financial stress of burial and funeral expenses, medical bills, and loss of companionship.
Understanding How Distracted Driving Happens
Distracted driving occurs when a driver performs non-driving activities while operating a vehicle. Distractions fall into three categories:
- Cognitive distractions remove your attention from the act of driving.
- Visual distractions take your eyes away from the road.
- Manual distractions interfere with manual control of the vehicle.
Distracted driving causes thousands of crashes every year. Although the overall rate of accidents decreased in 2023, distracted driving is contributing to an increase in fatalities on the road. The NHTSA reports that approximately 8% of fatal crashes and 12% of injury collisions in 2022 involved distracted driving. In Connecticut alone, 5,318 crashes were attributed to distracted driving that same year.
Penalties for Driving Distracted in Connecticut
Many crashes caused by distractions involve mobile electronic devices, such as cell phones or navigational equipment. Connecticut statutes prohibit using handheld devices, such as cell phones or GPS devices, while driving. Drivers under the age of 18 are also prohibited from using hands-free devices. Those violating distracted driving laws may be fined hundreds of dollars. They may also face criminal charges if someone was severely injured or killed.
These fines and penalties are handled in separate legal proceedings from a civil claim for damages. A driver who fails to responsibly operate their vehicle in compliance with distracted driving laws can be held liable for medical bills and other damages they caused through negligence.
Trantolo & Trantolo can help you seek compensation for your losses after an accident caused by a distracted driver.
Our Firm Handles Every Aspect of Your Distracted Driving Case
While you take the time you need to focus on your recovery, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC takes care of all the legal work. As soon as you hire us, we assign a dedicated personal injury team that will:
- Answer your questions
- Keep you in the loop with constant communication
- Collect evidence to prove fault and determine liability
- Document your damages
- Secure a letter of protection (LOP) so you can get timely medical care
- Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance adjusters
- File a lawsuit, as needed
Connecticut laws place a time limit on filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, it could compromise your ability to secure compensation. When you reach out to us promptly, we can preserve time-sensitive evidence, build a compelling legal case, and protect your right to compensation.
Experience and Results for No Upfront Cost
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has been helping injury victims get compensation for more than 85 years. We have established a reputation for successful litigation, recovering millions of dollars for accident victims across Connecticut. Our firm is determined to take on negligent drivers and their insurance carriers to secure the compensation you deserve.
When you hire us for your distracted driving collision case, you receive:
- Attentive legal assistance: We treat our clients like family, offering personalized legal support and tireless advocacy throughout each case.
- Free consultations: Every client receives a free, no-obligation initial consultation, during which we review your case and provide an honest assessment of your legal options.
- Contingency fees: We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.
Next Steps After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you suffered injuries in a collision with a distracted driver, report the accident to the local authorities and get medical care as soon as possible. After you are safe and in stable condition, you can take the following steps to support your claim for damages:
- Listen to your doctor’s orders. Follow their treatment instructions, attend follow-ups, use assistive equipment, and avoid activities as ordered.
- Avoid social media. Don’t post on social media or discuss your case with anyone, as anything you say can be used to diminish your claim.
- Consult with a lawyer. Hire an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and avoid common missteps.
Don’t Trust Insurance Companies to Act in Your Interests
Insurers are typically motivated to reduce your settlement as much as possible. You can protect your legal rights by contacting your lawyer before you talk to an adjuster.
If you must give a statement to insurance or law enforcement, remember these tips:
- Avoid claiming fault or even apologizing, which could be taken as an admission
- Stick to the facts and do not speculate about who was responsible
- Do not downplay or diminish your injuries, as this could reduce your compensation
- Do not sign a medical records release or discuss any prior medical conditions
Let Our Team Defend Your Rights After a Distracted Driving Accident
Insurance representatives are often pushy, and they will not hesitate to take advantage of your confusion after an accident. You have the right to speak with your lawyer before you give any statements or discuss the case with an insurance carrier. Our attorneys have experience navigating insurance claims and pushing back against aggressive insurers.
Don’t fight solo – let our team fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC today for a free consultation with a distracted driving lawyer.
