Distracted Driving Accidents

It is important that drivers remain vigilant at all times, since even a moment’s distraction can result in an accident. All drivers are obligated to drive in a responsible manner, and drivers who breach that duty by allowing themselves to become distracted may be held responsible for any harm that they cause. If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, you should consult an experienced car accident attorney to analyze whether you may have legal recourse for your injuries. The New Hampshire car accident lawyers at Peter Thompson and Associates have more than 60 years of experience representing injured victims in seeking damages for harm caused by car crashes.

Technology arguably accounts for the majority of distractions encountered while driving. Cell phones allow for constant communication, and drivers can become distracted by incoming telephone calls or text messages. Additionally, drivers may try to read or respond to an email while driving, taking their attention away from the road. While GPS systems are very useful, they can also be extremely distracting, especially if a driver is confused about the directions given. Technology is not the only source of distraction for drivers, however, and something as simple as the radio or passengers in a vehicle can cause a driver to lose focus and unfortunately cause an accident.

Car accident cases are typically pursued under a theory of negligence. Recovering on a negligence claim in New Hampshire requires a party to show that the defendant breached a duty that he or she owed the injured party and that the breach resulted in an accident that caused the injured party to sustain harm. In cases involving distracted drivers, the duty would be the duty to operate a vehicle with the care that a reasonable person would use, and the breach would be failing to drive safely due to a distraction.

Successfully proving that a driver was distracted at the time of an accident and therefore should be responsible for any harm caused by the accident hinges on the evidence available. Cell phone records can be helpful to infer that a driver was distracted, but not all cell phone providers are able to pinpoint the exact times when calls or text messages were received. Similarly, while you may be able to obtain documentation of any emails sent or posts made on social media, it may be difficult to identify the exact time that an accident occurred and correlate the distraction with the accident. In addition to any records that may document distractions, the testimony of any passengers who were in the car with the distracted driver or eyewitnesses who saw the accident can be essential to developing a timeline of any potential distractions prior to the accident that may have contributed to the accident. A car accident lawyer will be able to uncover evidence via discovery that can support a claim that a driver was distracted at the time of the accident and should therefore be held liable for any harm caused by the accident.

Car accidents caused by distracted drivers can result in significant property damage and injuries. If you were involved in a collision with a distracted driver, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing any damaged property and the cost of any medical bills incurred for treating any injuries that you sustained. Additionally, if you were unable to work following the accident, you may be entitled to damages for any wages lost. If you are permanently impaired, you may be able to recover damages for loss of future earnings. Generally, in personal injury cases, in addition to any economic damages awarded, injured parties may be able to recover damages for any pain and suffering or mental anguish caused by the accident. An attorney experienced in handling car accident cases can thoroughly explain the full extent of the damages that you may be able to pursue.

Distracted drivers pose a serious danger to themselves and everyone around them. If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, the attorneys at Peter Thompson and Associates can analyze the facts surrounding your accident and develop a strong case that will help you in your pursuit of damages. Our hard work has allowed us to maintain a history of successful outcomes and favorable verdicts. We have offices in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester, New Hampshire, and we assist clients throughout the state. Contact us at 800.804.2004 or via our online form to arrange a meeting.