
While all forms of distracted driving can be dangerous, texting is one of the most deadly distractions. If you were in a crash and the other driver was texting, you are likely suffering from injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. A New London texting while driving accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver to pursue fair compensation for these damages.
At Suisman Shapiro, our personal injury lawyers in New London have been helping victims of texting while driving accidents for over 80 years. Founded in 1950, we have extensive experience with Connecticut’s texting while driving accident laws and skills for analyzing evidence to prove a distracted driver’s fault in a crash. Though filing a claim may seem overwhelming, our guidance and legal knowledge can make the process easier while also leading to recovery for your damages.
Cell phone use, like texting, is one of the most dangerous distractions. At 55 mph, reading or sending a text for five seconds leads to a driver taking their eyes off the road for the distance of a football field. There were over 100,000 car accidents in Connecticut in 2024, many of which involved a distracted driver.
Texting while driving is always a risk, no matter where you are driving. However, some situations may lead to a higher number of distracted drivers. In New London, some drivers may use stop-and-go traffic on I-95 or long red lights on Route 1 as an opportunity to send a quick text.
Connecticut prohibits adult drivers from using hand-held cell phones. Texting while driving accident laws require drivers to use hands-free accessories to use cell phones legally. Even typing a quick text or picking up your phone to read a text can violate this law. Despite the risk involved with texting, 34% of drivers report reading a text or email in the last month.
By filing a claim after a texting while driving accident case, you can recover damages the accident caused. A New London texting while driving accident attorney can identify what losses you have faced and include a comprehensive list in your claim. Some of the most common damages we help victims recover at Suisman Shapiro are:
A New London texting while driving accident lawyer can create a claim unique to your case. This involves proving that the distracted driver was handling their cell phone and thus responsible for the crash. It also involves understanding your injuries and other damages. To do this, a lawyer can analyze and present evidence, including:
Beyond building a strong claim with a personalized legal strategy, a New London car accident lawyer can help you during negotiations or a trial. They can communicate on your behalf and negotiate for increased compensation. Their advocacy can reduce the risk of errors when presenting your claim and prevent you from settling for a recovery that doesn’t fully reflect your losses.
Police can use a variety of methods to prove texting while driving. They can use witness statements and personal observations of seeing someone texting. Forensic evidence of phone records can be used to time-stamp when texts were sent compared to the time or location of a crash. To obtain records of cell phone logs, officers can subpoena the service provider. If you hire a texting while driving accident lawyer, they can use police reports as evidence in a claim.
If you see someone texting while driving, take precautions to avoid a crash. This includes increasing your following distance, changing lanes, and staying alert to their location and actions. Avoid directly confronting them to avoid further distraction or road rage. If the distracted driver is endangering others by recklessly driving, report their vehicle details to the police.
The three types of distractions are visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Visual distractions cause a driver to take their eyes off the road, such as looking at passengers. Manual distractions require a driver to take their hands off the wheel, such as adjusting the radio, eating, or drinking. Cognitive distractions take a driver’s focus away from driving, such as daydreaming or having a conversation. Texting is all three, making it one of the most dangerous distractions.
Yes, insurance generally does cover accidents caused by a driver who is texting while driving. Texting while driving is considered negligent behavior, similar to other forms of negligence covered by insurance. Insurance can cover damages such as bodily injury, property damage, or pain and suffering. However, insurance does not protect against Connecticut’s penalties for texting and driving, which may include fines or license suspension.
The damage caused in a texting while driving accident case can be devastating. Contact Suisman Shapiro to learn how we can help you file a claim that holds the distracted driver accountable while advocating for a full recovery from your damages.