What Are the Top Causes of Distracted Driving?
Every year, distractions while driving cause car accidents that can injure or kill drivers and passengers. In Connecticut, distracted driving is caused by various factors, such as:
- Talking on cell phones
- Texting while driving
- Using social media
- Accessing websites and email
- Eating fast food
- Applying makeup
- Adjusting music devices like phones or the radio
- Interacting with passengers or children in the back seat
If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., can help. Our experienced Connecticut car accident lawyers are ready to pursue the full compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
Distracted Driving Facts in Connecticut
Staying informed about the hazards of distracted driving can help you drive more safely and avoid accidents.
Distracted Driving Causes Fatal Crashes
In 2020, 8% of all fatal car crashes involved distracted drivers. That year, approximately 250 people in Connecticut lost their lives due to driver distractions.
Texting and Its Dangers
Texting while driving typically takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Connecticut Distracted Driving Statistics
In 2022, distracted driving caused 5,318 crashes in Connecticut, leading to eight fatalities and 787 injuries.
Crashes caused by driver distraction are more common on smaller roadways than major highways. From 2017 to 2021, one-third of distracted driving crashes in the state occurred in broad daylight between 2 and 5 p.m.
More distracted driving crashes happen on smaller roadways vs. major highways.
1/3 of distracted driving crashes take place between the hours of 2pm and 5pm. (2017-2021)
More distracted driving crashes happen on smaller roadways vs. major highways.
What Are Some Connecticut Distracted Driving Laws?
In addition to general laws on car accidents, Connecticut has specific laws against distracted driving. These laws primarily address using electronics while on the road.
Using Phones While Driving
State law prohibits most uses of cell phones and other electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. Key rules include:
- No device use while stopped: Using any mobile electronic device while your vehicle is in motion or temporarily stopped in traffic or at an intersection is illegal.
- Hands-free only for adults: Drivers age 18 and older may use phones only with a hands-free accessory.
- No phone use for minors: Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all, even with a hands-free device.
- Broad device definition: “Mobile electronic devices” include cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, portable gaming systems, digital video players, and digital cameras.
- Limited exceptions: Use is allowed only in true emergencies or by on-duty first responders.
What Are the Penalties for Distracted Driving in Connecticut?
Legal penalties for distracted driving in Connecticut generally include fines.
Fines for Distracted Driving Offenses
In Connecticut, fines for distracted driving depend on the number of prior offenses:
- First offense: $200
- Second offense: $375
- Third and subsequent offenses: $625
These penalties apply statewide and may be higher if the violation results in injury, death, or other traffic offenses.
How Can You Stay Safe on the Road While Driving?
Knowing how to avoid distracted driving in Connecticut before getting behind the wheel is important.
Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving
Tips to avoid distracted driving include:
- Pull over: Pull over in a safe place and come to a full stop before checking your phone.
- Have a designated texter: Assign a passenger to answer important texts while you drive.
- Put it out of reach: Reduce the temptation to use your phone by putting it somewhere inaccessible.
- Be a role model: Model good driving habits for young passengers and new drivers.
- Be a good friend: Friends don’t let friends use phones while driving.
- Use hands-free technology: Use speakerphone or text-to-voice to play messages out loud.
- Don’t tempt drivers: Never text someone who is driving or try to show drivers your phone.
- Wait: It’s that simple—save phones for later!
What To Do if You Have Been Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident in Connecticut
If you are hurt in a distracted driving crash, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Ensure Your Safety and the Safety of Others
After a car accident, the most important thing to do is ensure you and other people involved in the crash are safe. Move your car to the safest possible location before taking any other action.
Call Emergency Services
Call emergency services as soon as it’s safe to do so. Ensure that anyone injured receives immediate medical care and that the police are contacted so you can file a report.
Gather Evidence From the Scene
It’s critical to document your injuries and the details of your accident at the scene of the crash. If possible, take photos and get witness statements from anyone who saw the crash happen. These forms of evidence become much harder to secure once the accident scene is cleared away.
Why Should I Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney?
Hiring a distracted driving attorney can be key to the success of your case. An attorney will manage filing deadlines, help collect evidence, and give you the best chance at maximizing compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Connecticut?
At KJSR, we represent clients exclusively on contingency. This means that hiring our personal injury attorneys costs nothing upfront or in surprise fees. We only get paid if you win—if we can’t secure a favorable result, you don’t owe us anything.
Why Choose KJSR for Your Distracted Driving Lawsuit?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Connecticut, KJSR is the firm for you. Our attorneys’ knowledge and extensive legal experience place our firm head and shoulders above the rest. We’ve represented Connecticut clients in car accident cases for decades and built proven, personalized strategies behind our record of success. Our client testimonials attest to our top-notch legal services to personal injury plaintiffs.
Millions Recovered for Car Accident Victims
At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., our proven results show what is possible when experience meets dedication. We have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients injured in motor vehicle accidents across Connecticut, including:
$7.9M
Trucking accident resulting in serious injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
$2.4M
Settlement for claim resulting in leg amputation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
$2M
Death of a 38 year old male, involving workers’ compensation claim and negligence of elderly driver.
Workplace Injuries
These results reflect our ability to handle complex cases and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. When you choose KJSR, you gain a team with a history of success—and a commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome for you.
Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C.—Your Connecticut Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been hurt by a distracted driver, you deserve a legal team with the experience, resources, and results to protect your future. At KJSR, we have a proven record of securing substantial recoveries for car accident victims across Connecticut—and we handle every case with the personal attention it deserves.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win for you. Call 203-865-8430 or contact us online today for a free consultation and start pursuing the justice and compensation you need.
Distracted Driving FAQS
Common questions we receive about distracted driving in Connecticut include the following.
Is Distracted Driving Illegal?
Yes, distracted driving is illegal. Connecticut fines distracted drivers $200 for a first offense, $375 for a second offense, and $625 for any subsequent offenses. You may face additional legal penalties if your distracted driving causes property damage, injury, death, or other traffic crimes.
How Can a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Prove Distracted Driving Caused My Accident?
A distracted driving accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, eyewitness accounts, and other facts of your accident to prove it was caused by driver inattention.
Should I File a Police Report After My Accident?
It’s always best to file a police report after an accident. In Connecticut, you’re legally required to file a police report within five days of the accident if anyone is hurt or killed, or if the accident causes property damage exceeding $1,000.
How Much Can a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Help Me Recover?
The amount of money you can recover in a distracted driving case varies depending on your circumstances. Generally, the more severe your injuries, the higher the money you may recover in court. Your attorney will assess your potential settlement value before filing a claim.
What if My Loved One Was Killed in a Distracted Driving Car Accident?
If your loved one was killed in a distracted driving accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Eligible family members, such as a spouse, child, or in some cases, other close relatives, can seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages. KJSR can guide you through this process with compassion and legal skill.