Ridgefield Distracted Driver Accident Attorney
More than 3,000 successful personal injury claims. Over 30 years of experience seeking justice and compensation for injured victims and their families throughout the Danbury area.
Cell phone use and other forms of distracted driving are becoming a serious problem, not only in Connecticut, but also across the United States. In 2009, more than 5,000 people were killed as a result of distracted drivers across the country. There is now movement in Congress to ban all types of cell phone use while driving, including the use of Bluetooth headsets.
Distracted driving is equivalent to falling asleep at the wheel, drunk driving or driving blind. A driver taking his or her eyes off the road for just one second can lead to a devastating head-on collision or other serious accident.
Danbury Lawyer Handling Texting While Driving Cases
If you were injured by a distracted driver, contact me, Ridgefield distracted driver accident lawyer Harvey Kulawitz, for a FREE CONSULTATION. I help clients who were injured by drivers distracted by:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Texting while driving
- Reading e-mails on a smart phone or other device
- Changing GPS settings
- Changing the music on an MP3 player, radio or CD player
- Eating in the vehicle
- Changing the temperature or other vehicle controls
In addition to changes in cell phone technology, cars have become more complicated and distracting in recent years. Many newer models have computers on the dashboard to control music or the temperature. A driver must navigate computer menus to change a song while trying to navigate the road at the same time. This kind of innovation is creating new problems on the road, as more drivers are distracted while driving.
Punitive Damages in Distracted Driving Cases
When distracted driving rises to the level of reckless driving, as it often does, a judge has the discretion to award punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the person who is at fault. They can be as much as two to three times greater than general, compensatory damages. This means that if you are awarded $100,000 in compensatory damages, the judge may award you $300,000 on top of that amount.
With compensatory damages such as medical expenses, lost wages and damages of pain and suffering, the negligent driver's insurance company is responsible. This is not the case with punitive damages. The negligent driver is directly liable for punitive damages. This provides leverage in settlement negotiations with the insurance company. The insured may wish to settle in order to avoid becoming solely liable for punitive damages.
If you are injured by a negligent driver and are awarded punitive damages, you want an attorney who knows the laws regarding distracted drivers. I am experienced at negotiating and litigating distracted driver claims in Connecticut. I can help you investigate your case and pursue compensatory and punitive damages from the negligent driver and his or her insurer.
I can answer your questions about cell phone accidents and distracted driving cases as well as explain your legal options. Contact me, personal injury attorney Harvey Kulawitz, for a FREE CONSULTATION.