Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Rockaway Beach
Texting while driving is a big problem these days. Texting while driving car accidents can cause serious injuries, such as head trauma, broken bones, and whiplash, not to mention significant property damage. Anyone who has been the victim of texting while driving car accidents in Rockaway Beach should call an experienced lawyer.
There are several ways a car accident attorney could assist with your case. In addition to investigating the accident to determine liability—which is essential to obtaining damages—the lawyer could argue your case in court or negotiate for a payout on your behalf with the insurance companies. When you call, one of our lawyers could discuss which steps to take to move your case forward.
Damages Available in Texting While Driving Car Crash Claims
The state allows for three different types of damages in personal injury cases—nominal, compensatory, and punitive. Nominal damages are a small amount of money to acknowledge a wrong was committed but no actual harm occurred. Punitive damages are meant to punish especially bad and egregious behavior by a defendant.
Compensatory damages are the primary type of damages and are split into two categories—general and special. General compensatory damages cover things like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life; special compensatory damages constitute what are often known as economic damages in other states—items such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damages. A skilled Rockaway Beach attorney could discuss which damages might be available based on the facts of a texting while driving car collision case.
State Laws Pertaining to Texting While Driving
Per New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1225-d, drivers are prohibited from using portable electronic devices while operating their vehicles—including to send or receive text messages. Not only could violation of this law lead to fines or points on a driver’s license—but it would also imply liability in any related injury case, such as a Rockaway Beach texting while driving vehicle crash case.
Additionally, New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1225-c prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving; and § 1128-d requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians. Violation of either of these laws could imply liability.
Investigating the Car Accident
Proving who is responsible for damages is necessary to obtaining payment for a person’s injuries. This often necessitates a thorough investigation of the accident in question. These investigations can be incredibly time-consuming and involve tasks such as reviewing photo and video evidence, consulting with experts, parsing the police report and witness statements, conducting new interviews, and examining medical reports.
Texting while driving car accident investigations often require the specialized knowledge and experience of a Rockaway Beach lawyer. There is no overstating how important this part of the process is to securing compensation down the line.
Contact a Rockaway Beach Attorney After a Texting While Driving Car Accident
Contact an attorney today for a free consultation and take step one towards getting the compensation you are owed for your injuries after texting while driving car accidents in Rockaway Beach. Call today for a free consultation. Hire a seasoned lawyer who could help you handle your case and put this accident behind you for good.
