Last year, one of the nation’s largest automobile insurers lost a significant amount of money for the first time. State Farm claims that it lost seven billion dollars in 2016 which has been driving the cost of insurance policies. In fact, the insurer says that it has had to pay out so many insurance claims that its underwriting loss increased three billion dollars in just one year and the blame is falling on distracted drivers.
Distracted Driving in New York
Texting while driving is one of the biggest distractions that has contributed to the increase in auto accidents. Alarmingly, text messaging can increase the risk of a crash by twenty-three times particularly because even though your eyes are diverted from the road for just a few seconds, it is long enough to cause a devastating accident.
Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts your attention from driving, including, making a phone call, checking your email, drinking and eating, conversing with passengers, tuning the radio, reading a map, or using a navigation system. In other words, any action that might take your attention away from driving safely.
Not only are insurance companies losing money, but many more lives are being lost because of distracted driving. The Centers for Disease control statistics have revealed that every day more than eight people die and approximately 1,100 individuals are injured in accidents that are thought to involve a distracted driver.
Driving While Text Messaging is Illegal in New York
Because of the prevalence of texting while driving accidents and the lives that have been claimed due to such crashes, New York has banned the use of any type of handheld device while driving, and has also banned texting while driving.
The injuries that occur from a distracted driving accident can range from minor to severe, and as mentioned above, some injuries can be fatal. No matter what your injuries are, if you believe that your accident was caused by a distracted driver, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer right away. Because it can be difficult to prove what the real distraction was that caused or contributed to your accident, and due to the complexities that can be involved when dealing with insurance companies, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side will only increase your chances of a favorable result in your case.
Call A Long Island Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a car accident in New York that was caused by a distracted driver, you should speak with a knowledgeable New York auto accident attorney as soon as possible. A seasoned and dedicated accident lawyer can discuss any and all options that are available to you and will make ensure that your rights are protected. Our injury lawyers have helped thousands of victims receive the compensation they deserved, and we’ll fight to do the same for you. Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP by calling (516) 358-6900 and learn how we can help you. We are available 24/7 so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time, day or night.
