According to New York Daily News, crash statistics released by the New York police department reveals an increase in driver distraction. In the month of August, there was an average of 541 car accidents per day, with many of these being the result of drivers talking on the phone, texting or even posting a status update to their Facebook page. Of the 16,784 crashes that occurred in August, 11% of them (1,877) were the result of driver distraction. With technology moving forward, it seems the distractions are as well. According to Motor Trend, when residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced an outage of their Blackberries for 3 days, there was a drop in the number of accidents. Dubai saw a 20% decrease in accidents, while Abu Dhabi saw 40% less accidents. In addition to driver distraction, the following are other causes of crashes that occurred in August.
- tailgating – 812;
- failure to yield – 629;
- speeding – 197;
- rowdy passenger – 19.
As of July, it is against the law in New York to text or use a hand-held device while driving. Drivers can lose points on their license and be fined for violations. If you were seriously injured because of a distracted driver, you should speak with a New York personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Contacting a New York Personal Injury Attorney
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved because of a distracted driver you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with a New York personal injury attorney can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing a personal injury claim is right for you. At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of personal injury attorneys that serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your personal injury claim, contact us today– 1-800-246-4878.
