From Central Avenue to Washington Avenue, distracted driving poses a severe threat to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists in Albany. Far too often, a moment of inattention behind the wheel leads to life-altering consequences.
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a distracted driving accident in the Capital Region, you need an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer who understands your plight and fights tirelessly for the justice you deserve after an Albany crash.
At William Mattar Law Offices, we stand ready to guide you through this challenging time with compassion and unwavering dedication. Don't face this ordeal alone—contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on the path to recovery.
Table of contents
- Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Albany Distracted Driving Accident Claim?
- What is Distracted Driving and How Dangerous is it?
- How Common is Distracted Driving?
- What Damages are Available in an Albany Distracted Driving Case?
- What Is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in New York?
- How Can a Lawyer Help With My Albany Distracted Driving Accident Case?
- Contact the Albany Distracted Driving Lawyers from William Mattar Law Offices Today
Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Albany Distracted Driving Accident Claim?
When seeking legal representation for your Albany distracted driving accident, you want a law firm that combines experience with a genuine commitment to your well-being. The team of experienced attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices, have extensive experience handling distracted driving cases throughout New York State, including the Capital Region.
We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have a proven track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for our clients. From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court, we have the knowledge and resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
We offer unwavering dedication to our clients. Our lawyers recognize that distracted driving accidents can have far-reaching consequences, impacting your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. That's why we provide personalized attention and support every step of the way.
Our compassionate team takes the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored legal strategy that aligns with your goals. We believe in open and frequent communication, ensuring that you are always informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
Moreover, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
When you choose William Mattar Law Offices as your Albany distracted driving accident lawyer, you gain an ally who will tirelessly advocate for your rights, allowing you to focus on your recovery and moving forward with your life.
What is Distracted Driving and How Dangerous is it?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors that endanger the driver, passengers, and others on the road, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Distracted driving can be categorized into three main types:
- Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving
Common examples of distracted driving can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or navigation system, and interacting with passengers.
The dangers of distracted driving cannot be overstated. Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, as it impairs a driver's ability to react to changing road conditions, traffic signals, and other vehicles. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to devastating consequences, causing injuries, property damage, and, tragically, loss of life.
The pervasive nature of smartphones and other electronic devices has only exacerbated the problem of distracted driving in recent years. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road. At 55 miles per hour, you can drive the length of a football field in five seconds.
Despite increased public awareness campaigns and stricter legislation, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents on our roads. The people they injure can hold distracted drivers accountable for the damages they cause.
How Common is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving has become a pervasive issue on roads throughout the United States, including in Albany and across New York State. According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022.
Additionally, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reports that distracted driving is the most common contributing factor in all car accidents in the state, contributing to over 27,000 crashes statewide annually, resulting in roughly 7,500 injuries and dozens of fatalities.
These statistics likely underrepresent the true scope of the problem, as many distracted driving accidents go unreported or resist easy proof. Some drivers refuse to admit fault in accidents caused by distracted driving, making it challenging to accurately assess the full impact of this dangerous behavior.
What Damages are Available in an Albany Distracted Driving Case?
In an Albany distracted driving case, several types of damages may reimburse accident victims. These damages compensate individuals for the losses and hardships they have endured due to the negligent actions of a distracted driver.
The specific damages pursued will depend on:
- Medical expenses: Victims can seek compensation for medical costs related to the accident which are not covered by no-fault insurance, including hospital bills, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If the accident causes the victim to miss work or lose earning capacity due to their injuries, they may recover lost wages and future income.
- Pain and suffering: This category encompasses the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced by the victim because of the accident and their injuries.
- Disability or disfigurement: If the accident leads to long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement, the victim may recover compensation for the impact on their quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities.
- Loss of consortium: This type of damage applies to the victim's spouse, compensating them for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy resulting from the accident.
Several factors can influence the value of a distracted driving accident claim, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on the victim's life and ability to work.
An experienced distracted driving accident lawyer can help assess the full scope of damages applicable to your case after an Albany accident and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in New York?
In New York State, the deadline for filing a car accident claim, also known as the statute of limitations, depends on the specific circumstances of your case. A lawyer can help make you aware of these time limits, as failing to file your claim within the prescribed period may result in losing your right to seek compensation.
After a car accident caused by another party's negligence, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to cases involving distracted driving, where the at-fault driver's inattention led to the crash and your resulting injuries.
Family members filing a claim on behalf of a loved one killed in a fatal car accident generally have two years from the date of the death to file a lawsuit. Additionally, families have 30 days from the date of the accident to apply for no-fault damages.
Other factors may shorten or lengthen this timeline, so consult a lawyer to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Otherwise, you may lose your opportunity to seek compensation through the court.
While these deadlines may seem distant after an accident, act promptly to protect your rights and ensure that you have sufficient time to build a strong case.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Albany Distracted Driving Accident Case?
An experienced car accident lawyer from William Mattar Law Offices can provide invaluable assistance with your Albany distracted driving accident case, helping you navigate the complex legal process and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
When you work with a William Mattar Law Offices lawyer, you can expect:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Our team will use available resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation into your accident, gather crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and cell phone records to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts to accident victims. Our experienced attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurers, working tirelessly to secure a fair settlement that covers pain and suffering and other damages.
Representation in Court, if Necessary
If negotiations cannot reach a satisfactory settlement, our trial-ready attorneys can take your case to court. We can present a compelling argument before a judge and jury, fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve under the law.
Personalized Attention and Support
At William Mattar Law Offices, we understand that each case is unique. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored legal strategy that aligns with your goals. Our compassionate team provides support and guidance throughout the entire process, informing and empowering you every step of the way.
Contingency Fee Representation
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That's why personal injury attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
Contact the Albany Distracted Driving Lawyers from William Mattar Law Offices Today
Distracted driving accidents can have far-reaching consequences, impacting your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Having a dedicated distracted driving accident lawyer from William Mattar Law Offices by your side can make all the difference in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you need to move forward with your life after an Albany crash.
At William Mattar Law Offices, our dedicated team understands the challenges faced by distracted driving accident victims and their families. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the full range of damages you deserve.
If a distracted driving accident injured you or a loved one, contact us today at or through our online form for your free consultation and let us help you navigate the path to recovery.