Distracted driving is a problem throughout the country. In a recent year, it caused 3,275 fatalities nationwide. If you have been in a distracted driving crash in Syracuse, New York, knowing what your legal rights are can help you decide what to do next.
At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, our team of Syracuse car accident lawyers has assisted people throughout the state who have suffered because of another’s negligent conduct. Contact us today at (315) 500-6425 for a free consultation with a Syracuse distracted driving accident lawyer.
If you have been in a car accident and suffered injuries, filing a personal injury claim could be an option. New York has no-fault laws for traffic accidents, so whether you can pursue this option or not will depend on the severity of your injuries.
At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, our team of Syracuse car accident attorneys provides the guidance you need.
Our Syracuse personal injury attorneys offer numerous services, including:
Our team of attorneys has 50 years of combined experience helping accident victims throughout Syracuse, NY. We know exactly the type of evidence that can support your case most effectively. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Syracuse distracted driving accident attorney.
Any time a driver’s attention deviates from the road and the act of driving, they’re distracted. There are various types of distractions.
Visual distractions occur when the driver looks somewhere other than the road. These can include actions like looking down at a cell phone or even checking GPS directions.
There are also manual distractions, which require the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel. Changing radio stations or reaching for an item fit into this category.
Cognitive distractions are a problem, as well. These cause the driver to take their mind off driving. Getting into an argument with a passenger and daydreaming are examples of this.
A driver who’s distracted will not be able to react quickly enough if something changes on the road. Distractions slow reaction time while impairing decision-making. Distracted drivers struggle to make the fast decisions needed during heavy traffic situations.
Additionally, distracted drivers tend to miss cues. They may not spot a stop sign or could run through red lights without realizing it. Some drivers even end up entering one-way streets incorrectly, causing wrongful deaths because of their conduct.
Distracted driving accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, costly bills, and long recoveries. If you were hurt in Syracuse, you may be entitled to pursue compensation beyond your no-fault benefits.
In New York, you can only step outside the state’s no-fault insurance system if you suffered a “serious injury.” These are injuries that go beyond what your own insurance can cover. Meeting this threshold allows you to seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, through a personal injury claim.
To recover damages, you must prove that the other driver was responsible for the crash. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation even if you were mostly at fault.
However, your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. Insurance companies will often try to place as much fault on you as possible to avoid paying full damages.
Evidence is key to proving your case.
Important documents may include:
Strong evidence not only shows how the accident happened but also proves how it has affected your life financially, physically, and emotionally.
New York law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Acting quickly and working with a lawyer helps ensure your claim is filed on time.
With assistance from a car accident lawyer, you can begin legal action against the parties that caused the crash. You can receive damages to cover your medical expenses and lost wages, as well as compensation to address the pain and suffering you experienced.
At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, our team can guide you through this difficult time. Contact us for a free consultation with a Syracuse distracted driving attorney.
Passalacqua & Associates, LLC provides legal representation for individuals facing personal injuries and criminal charges. Our attorneys offer compassionate guidance and aggressive strategies, and we’re committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. We’ll protect your rights and navigate legal complexities on your behalf.
Passalacqua & Associates, LLC proudly serves clients in Utica, Syracuse, and the surrounding upstate New York communities. We are dedicated to providing accessible and effective legal services to those in need of experienced personal injury and criminal defense representation within these regions.