Queens Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Representing Victims of Distracted Drivers in Queens & Throughout New York

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous activities a person can engage in—and yet, it is incredibly common. Any time a motorist turns his or her attention away from the road—even for a second—he or she is at risk of causing a serious crash. If you or someone you love was injured by a driver who was texting, talking on a cell phone, eating behind the wheel, or simply not paying attention, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences of this negligence on your own.

At Davidoff Law, we assist the victims of distracted drivers in Queens and throughout New York. Our Queens distracted driving accident attorneys have extensive experience in these types of cases; we know the law, and we know how to fight for you and your recovery. Our highly respected trial attorneys have secured millions of dollars for our clients, and we are ready to fight for you, too.

Put an experienced and trusted team on your side. Call Davidoff Law at (888) 211-1116 or (718) 268-8800 or contact us online today for a free initial consultation.

What Is Considered “Distracted Driving?”

While many people immediately think of texting and driving when they hear the term “distracted driving,” this is just one form of distracted driving. In fact, there are nearly countless ways in which a motorist can be distracted behind the wheel: looking down to change the radio station, concentrating on a GPS device instead of the road, even reaching back to pick up a toy a child in the backseat dropped—all of these constitute distracted driving.

Generally speaking, distracted driving is categorized into three types of distractions:

• Visual Distractions: These include anything that causes a driver to take his or her eyes off the road, such as looking at a cell phone, glancing at a map, turning to look at a passenger, etc.
• Manual Distractions: These are any distractions that cause the driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel, such as eating, changing the radio, or texting
• Cognitive Distractions: When a driver is daydreaming, engrossed in a conversation, or simply not focusing on the task at hand—driving—he or she is cognitively distracted

Any of these types of distractions can cause a driver to make a careless or reckless mistake, ultimately leading to a collision. That being said, it can be incredibly difficult to prove that a motorist was cognitively distracted when other forms of distraction are not present. In most car accident claims involving distracted driving, your attorney will look for evidence that the at-fault driver was visually and/or manually distracted in addition to not focusing on the road.

How Dangerous Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving, including texting while driving, is incredibly common, likely because people don’t realize just how dangerous it is. In fact, some studies have shown that driving while distracted is just as dangerous as driving while drunk.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2,841 Americans were killed as a result of distracted driving in 2018 alone. The NHTSA also notes that taking your eyes off the road for as little as five seconds (the average amount of time it takes to read or send a text message) while traveling at 55 mph is the same as driving a full football field with your eyes closed. Even reading or sending a text message at a stop sign or red light is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction which could cause you to make a serious mistake once you start driving again. According to the AAA, drivers who text are eight times more likely to be involved in a crash, and those driving while talking on the phone are four times more likely to be involved in a collision.

Distracted driving is so dangerous, in fact, that in 2019 law enforcement officials in Minnesota made news by going undercover to fight distracted driving. They did this by having officers pose as construction workers, utility workers and even panhandlers located at stoplights. They would watch passing drivers to see where their eyes focused and issue tickets if eyes wandered to their laps at stoplights. Another method involved an officer riding a school or MTA bus where they could look down into the cars around them — the officers would then radio partners in patrol cars to pull over the driver.

For your own safety, as well as the safety of your passengers and everyone else on or near the road, never drive while distracted. It’s simply not worth it. If you have been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you already know just how devastating distracted driving can be. Davidoff Law is here to help you fight to hold the at-fault driver accountable for your injuries and other damages.

Young Adults and Teens Are Most At Risk

The CDC says drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of fatal distracted driving crashes, nearly one out of every 10 accidents involving teens. The agency conducted a 2017 survey where 42% of the high school students taking part said they had sent and read texts or emails while driving in the past 30 days. The study also found that students who routinely texted or emailed:

• Were less likely to wear their seat belts
• Were more likely to ride with someone else who was drinking
• Were more likely to drink and drive themselves

Drivers Can Avoid This Behavior

Drivers can make a conscious decision not to be distracted while driving. Simple solutions include:

• Turn off the device or install software that holds incoming messages when the user is driving.
• Preprogram the map app so the driver can check routes in a split second.
• Adjust climate control, seats, mirrors, and sound systems while still parked.
• Use hands-free technology.
• Refrain from grooming, eating or drinking when driving.

Request a Free Consultation Today

Since 2012, our firm has been representing injured individuals in Queens and throughout New York. We focus nearly all of our practice on personal injury law, which allows us to dedicate all of our resources and time to helping you seek fair and rightful compensation. Our Queens distracted driving accident attorneys are prepared to aggressively pursue the maximum recovery you are owed for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Reach out to us today at (888) 211-1116 or (718) 268-8800 for a free and confidential consultation. Se habla español.