Distracted driving makes our roads unsafe and can lead to serious car accidents which can result in injuries and death. For that reason, drivers should refrain from driving while distracted and victims should know how they can hold distracted drivers accountable for their negligence.
New York distracted driving laws
In New York, it is illegal for drivers to use hand-held cell phones or other portable electronic devices while they drive. Illegal distracted driving activities include talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving; composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving or retrieving electronic data while driving including emailing, text messaging or visiting webpages; taking, viewing or transmitting images while driving; or playing games while driving.
Drivers who decide to disregard this may be held accountable in different ways. A driver who violates distracted driving laws may face a fine and a citation and other possible penalties. In addition, they can face a personal injury claim for damages brought by those their careless and negligent behavior harmed. Distracted drivers may be required to compensate victims for the damages they suffered in a distracted driving-related car accident through a personal injury claim for damages.
Distracted driving activities include using a cell phone while driving, texting while driving, operating a radio or navigation device while driving or grooming while driving which are some examples of distracted driving. A personal injury claim for damages can be brought against a negligent driver by the victim for the harm they have suffered and is another way that distracted drivers can be held accountable that car accident victims should be familiar with.
