By now, most of us realize that driving while texting is not a good idea. However, although people know that distracted driving is risky, a significant number of drivers still engage in this behavior while on the road. It’s easy to assume that taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds to read a text is relatively harmless, but the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that even a five-second distraction while traveling at a speed of 55 miles per hour means that you’ve traveled the length of a football field essentially blind. If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of a distracted driver’s negligent behavior in Westchester County, here’s what you need to know about your options for securing the compensation you are owed.
Gather Whatever Evidence You Can From the Scene of the Accident
Immediately following the auto collision, you should assess yourself and others for any injuries that may require medical attention. Even if you don’t think you need to visit the emergency room right now, it’s still a good idea to make an appointment with your physician within the next day or so to determine whether you’ve suffered any injuries that could be harder to detect. At the scene, make sure that you gather any relevant information you can, such as the contact and insurance information of the other party and photos of the damage. You should contact the local authorities so that the responding officers can create a police report. In many personal injury cases, police reports provide important information that could strengthen your claim.
Establishing That the At-Fault Driver was Distracted
In the aftermath of the collision, all involved parties will likely refrain from admitting fault. Even if you are confident that the other driver was on their phone or otherwise distracted, supporting this claim will take time and effort. It’s in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer and share your suspicions with them; from there, your attorney will create an effective legal strategy aimed at proving that the other driver was responsible for the accident due to their distracted behavior. For instance, your attorney may obtain a copy of the police report that indicates that the other party was likely distracted. Footage of the accident from nearby traffic cameras or local businesses may reveal that the other driver was texting or distracted. In some cases, it’s possible to obtain copies of the driver’s cell phone records to determine whether they were texting or talking at the time of the accident. Depending on the specifics of your case, your personal injury attorney will determine the most strategic course of action.
Recovering the Compensation You Deserve
If you have suffered an injury at the hands of a distracted driver in Westchester County, you are likely struggling with costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected financial hardships. It’s important to remember that you have the right to pursue compensation that can help you cover these unanticipated costs so that you can get your life back on track. Rather than battling with insurance companies that attempt to discredit or deny your claim, let your knowledgeable car accident lawyer step in to handle these communications and negotiations on your behalf.
Need help recovering compensation following an auto accident in Westchester County? Contact Gash & Associates, P.C. today at (914) 328-8800 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
