Distracted driving accidents can happen anywhere in Syracuse, from busy thoroughfares like Erie Boulevard and Interstate 81 to residential streets in Eastwood and Tipperary Hill. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you need the experienced Syracuse distracted driving accident lawyers from William Mattar Law Offices.
Our experienced Syracuse car accident lawyers understand the devastating impact these crashes can have on victims and their families. We're here to fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Don't wait—contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Distracted Driving Car Accident Claim?
When you choose William Mattar Law Offices for your Syracuse distracted driving accident claim, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated team of experienced attorneys fighting for your rights. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of New York State traffic laws and the strategies insurance companies employ to minimize settlements. We'll thoroughly investigate your case, gather crucial evidence, and consult with experts to build a compelling argument on your behalf.
At William Mattar, we prioritize personalized attention and aggressive representation. We take the time to listen to your unique story, address your concerns, and develop a tailored legal strategy that meets your specific needs. With offices conveniently located throughout New York State, including Syracuse, we're always close by when you need us. Plus, you won't pay any upfront costs – we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we win your case.
Don't settle for less than you deserve after a distracted driving accident. Choose an experienced car accident attorney from William Mattar Law Offices and let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life. Contact our Syracuse car accident attorney today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you seek the compensation you're entitled to.
Should I Accept the First Offer From the Insurance Company?
No, you should not accept the first offer from the insurance company without consulting a Syracuse distracted driving accident lawyer first. Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their own bottom line than fairly compensating accident victims. As a result, their initial settlement offers are typically much lower than what you may be entitled to.
There are several reasons why accepting the first offer can be detrimental to your case:
- Inadequate compensation: The first offer may not fully account for all of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- Incomplete investigation: Insurance companies may make an offer before thoroughly investigating your claim, leading to an undervaluation of your case.
- Waiving your rights: By accepting a settlement offer, you may be required to sign a release that waives your right to pursue further compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought.
- Lack of leverage: Accepting the first offer removes any leverage you have to negotiate a higher settlement amount.
Instead of accepting the first offer, it's crucial to have an experienced lawyer review your case. A lawyer can help you understand the true value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your rights.
Distracted Driving Statistics
With the widespread use of cell phones, distractions from electronics are becoming a growing issue on the roadways, increasing the risk for serious injuries from car accidents. Alarming distracted driving statistics continue to illuminate the issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Roughly 2,800 people were killed and over 400,000 people were seriously injured in accidents involving a distracted driver.
- About 1 in 5 people killed in distracted driving crashes were not in vehicles (e.g., pedestrians and bicyclists).
- Approximately 25% of distracted drivers involved in fatal accidents were aged 20-29.
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), there were a total of 876 fatal crashes in New York. Many motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver error. One type of error that can contribute to a serious crash is driving while distracted — whether by a cell phone, dashboard, or passenger.
Examples of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can come in many forms. Any action that takes your attention away from the road can be considered a distraction. Some examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting: Some drivers text behind the wheel. Use of cell phones in any capacity is very dangerous. In just a split-second, a driver glued to their phone, or another electronic device, can cause a driver to drift out of their lane or into another motorist.
- Eating: Some drivers, whether in a hurry during their morning commute or traveling cross country, may eat and drive. Eating often requires you to take at least one hand off the wheel, limiting your driving capabilities. A simple error in judgment while eating and driving can lead to a serious collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.
- Using navigation: GPS navigation is widely used by motorists today. Fiddling with a navigational system or the dashboard to plot directions can be a distraction, especially if you are mid-drive.
- Talking to other passengers: Vehicle occupants can also be a distraction to the driver. A driver who is focused on their front seat passenger or a child in the back seat can become easily distracted, losing focus behind the wheel.
Those who drive with distractions can endanger others on the road and inflict severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and whiplash.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim after a Distracted Driving Accident
After a distracted driving accident, victims can have serious car accident injuries that require hospitalization, medical care, and other long-term treatment. Medical bills, along with loss of income from missed time from work, can put a financial strain on anyone, especially when taking into account the enormous physical pain and emotional stress an individual can experience. Car accident claims provide a way for car accident victims and their families to seek and recover compensation.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Syracuse Distracted Driving Accident Case?
A lawyer from William Mattar Law Offices can provide invaluable assistance with your Syracuse distracted driving accident claim. Our experienced attorneys will:
Evaluate Your Case
We'll review the details of your accident, assess the strength of your claim, and advise you on the best course of action.
Gather Evidence
Our team will collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other crucial evidence to support your case.
Identify Liable Parties
We'll determine who is responsible for your accident, which may include the distracted driver, their employer, or even a third party.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
We'll handle all communication with the insurance companies involved and work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Represent You in Court
If a settlement cannot be reached, we'll be prepared to file a car accident lawsuit on your behalf, take your case to trial, and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Maximize Your Compensation
Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Provide Support and Guidance
Throughout the legal process, we'll keep you informed, answer your questions, and offer the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Contact Our Syracuse Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured by a distracted driver in Syracuse, contact us today. Our accident lawyers are dedicated to helping innocent accident victims get maximum compensation. We can assist with every aspect of your case, while you focus on recovery. At William Mattar, we offer No Fee Until We Win.