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Manchester Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Kenison Law Office, PLLC Oct. 4, 2023

Car Crash Lawyers Representing Injured People Throughout New Hampshire

All motorists have an obligation to pay attention to the road and their surroundings at all times while driving. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a cause of countless accidents in New Hampshire and across the United States. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was texting or otherwise distracted behind the wheel, you need to reach out to a seasoned Manchester distracted driving accident lawyer who can help. At Kenison Law Office, we are committed to helping injured victims obtain the compensation that they deserve for their harm. We understand how to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and present strong arguments in litigation on behalf of our clients.

Distracted Driving Poses Serious Risks

Distracted driving is anything that diverts your attention from the primary task of driving. It takes place when a person is not entirely focused on operating his or her motor vehicle safely. Common examples of distracted driving include but are not limited to:

  • Talking or texting on your phone without a hands-free device;

  • Eating and drinking;

  • Adjusting the stereo;

  • Adjusting the navigation system;

  • Arguing with passengers;

  • Fiddling with the mirror or grooming; or

  • Reaching back to comfort a child or pet.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was the cause of 3,500 deaths and nearly 400,000 injuries nationwide in 2015. Cell phone-related distractions are the leading cause of distracted driving accidents. The NHTSA estimates that 660,000 drivers use electronic devices while driving during the day. New Hampshire law prohibits drivers from using hand-held devices while driving, including while halted in traffic for a momentary delay. They can, however, use Bluetooth hands-free connections to devices. In addition, a separate New Hampshire law forbids a driver from writing a text message while driving. Our distracted driving accident attorneys can help Manchester residents bring claims against careless drivers who struck them because of phone-related distractions.

Distracted driving accidents often result in serious injuries and even death. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you can typically recover damages through a negligence claim. Negligence occurs when a person fails to use reasonable care while driving, thereby causing harm to someone else. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would have behaved in the same situation. For example, a prudent driver would not be texting while driving, understanding the risks of accidents and injuries associated with such behavior. To establish negligence, you must prove that the defendant owed you a duty to pay proper attention to the road, the defendant breached the duty of care by getting distracted and failing to drive safely, and the defendant’s breach was a direct cause of the accident and your resulting injuries.

If your Manchester distracted driving accident attorney can successfully establish the negligence of the defendant, you will likely be able to recover a variety of damages, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability, costs of future care for ongoing conditions like brain injuries, and property damage. Of course, the types and exact amount of damages that you will be entitled to obtain will vary depending on the circumstances of your specific case.

Like every other type of personal injury claim, car accident cases must be filed within a certain time frame, known as the statute of limitations. Under New Hampshire law, a person has three years from the date of the accident or injury to file a claim in civil court for injuries to person or property. Failing to file within this time frame could mean losing your right to compensation altogether. Thus, it is important to work with an attorney who is well versed in this area of law and understands relevant deadlines in your case.

Contact a Knowledgeable Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Manchester or Beyond

While it does not receive as much attention as drunk driving, distracted driving is arguably just as dangerous and even more common. If you were injured or your loved one was killed in an accident caused by distracted driving, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. At Kenison Law Office, our dedicated car accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm that they cause. We represent injured people in Manchester, Bedford, Goffstown, Merrimack, Nashua, Keene, Concord, Hooksett, Derry, Exeter, Portsmouth, Claremont, and other areas of Hillsborough, Cheshire, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Sullivan Counties. For a free case evaluation, call us or contact us online.