What Are Connecticut’s Distracted Driving Laws?

Every driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle attentively, but distracted driving is a commonly cited cause of accidents throughout Connecticut each year. While it’s vital to know what you can do after a distracted driver has injured you in an accident, every driver should know the state’s distracted driving laws and uphold their responsibilities at all times behind the wheel.

Understanding Connecticut’s Distracted Driving Laws

A few seconds of inattention behind the wheel could easily result in a serious accident. Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving responsible for crashes throughout Connecticut, and eating while driving, conversation with passengers, or simple cognitive distractions that draw a driver’s focus away from the road are other common examples.

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, proving that they were distracted can be challenging. It’s a good idea to consult a New London distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. Under Connecticut’s fault rule for vehicle accidents, you will need to prove fault for your accident before you can recover any compensation, and your attorney will know what evidence you need.

When it comes to the distracted driver in your case, they may not only face civil liability for the damages they caused to you, but also criminal penalties from the state. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, there were 5,318 crashes statewide in 2022 caused by distracted driving, and these accidents resulted in about 787 injuries and eight deaths. Almost 290,000 people nationwide were injured in distracted driving accidents that year.

Under Connecticut law:

• Drivers may not use cell phones while driving, including when stopped in traffic or at an intersection. If a police officer observes a driver using their phone behind the wheel, this is justification for a traffic stop and a citation.
• Drivers over the age of 18 may use cell phones while driving, but only if they have a hands-free attachment that allows use of the phone without the driver taking their hands from the steering wheel.
• Distracted driving can result in a ticket. This is usually $200 for the first offense, $375 for a second offense, and $625 for subsequent offenses.

While a driver may face liability for the damages they caused if they were negligent behind the wheel, causing a crash because of intentional misconduct like distracted driving could lead to enhanced penalties. They may not only face a traffic ticket, but they could also be required to pay punitive damages, especially if they have a record of multiple distracted driving citations.

A distracted driver may also have their insurance rates increased in response to causing a distracted driving accident, especially after multiple citations. Insurance companies assign premium rates based on policyholders’ perceived level of risk of causing accidents, so higher-risk policyholders have higher rates. Ultimately, it can be very costly for anyone to drive while distracted in Connecticut.

How a Connecticut Distracted Driving Attorney Can Help

A New London car accident lawyer can assist you with proving liability for your recent accident, accurately calculate your damages, and guide you through your recovery efforts efficiently. The right attorney can make every aspect of your case a bit easier to manage, and you are more likely to reach a favorable conclusion to your case with their assistance.

Recovering from a distracted driving accident will likely require filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, and resolving your claim will be much easier with an attorney’s help. Most insurance companies try to settle claims for as little as possible, but they are more inclined to offer fair settlements to claimants with legal counsel.

Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law has decades of proven experience handling a wide range of complex car accident cases for injured drivers throughout the state, and we can assist with your recovery. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how Connecticut’s distracted driving laws apply to your case and how an attorney can assist you.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Fault for a Distracted Driving Accident?

The evidence needed to prove fault for a distracted driving accident could include various physical and digital pieces of evidence. The at-fault driver’s cell phone records could prove that they were texting while driving. Traffic camera footage may show that they were not looking where they were going through an intersection. Witness testimony may help prove that they were paying more attention to a conversation with their passenger than the traffic around them.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Distracted Driving Accident?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a distracted driving accident depends on the severity of your damages. If you can prove liability, the driver who caused the accident is liable for all of the economic and non-economic damages you suffered from their actions. Your attorney may help you recover vehicle repair costs, medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering.

Can a Driver Go to Jail for Distracted Driving in Connecticut?

A driver could potentially go to jail for distracted driving in Connecticut if they are cited for this offense in an active highway work zone. This would escalate the offense from a traffic citation to a criminal misdemeanor. Penalties can increase significantly if they cause a serious accident and/or have a record of previous offenses.

Why Should I Hire a Distracted Driving Lawyer?

You should hire a distracted driving lawyer to have a better chance of success with your claim. Proving that the other driver was distracted can be more challenging than you expect, and you will have a better chance of proving fault and recovering suitable compensation for your damages within a reasonable timeframe.

The team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law can explain Connecticut’s distracted driving laws and how they influence your case. The aftermath of a distracted driving accident can be frustrating and confusing, but our team can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate your case with confidence. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with a Connecticut distracted driving attorney.