Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the United States, and New York is no exception. Every year, thousands of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians suffer severe injuries due to drivers who take their attention off the road for just a few seconds. Whether it is texting, browsing social media, or adjusting the GPS, any distraction can lead to life-altering accidents. As experienced Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys, we at Griss Law Group, PLLC are committed to educating the public about New York’s distracted driving laws and helping accident victims seek justice.
This blog explores New York distracted driving and texting while driving laws, the penalties associated with violations, how these behaviors affect personal injury claims, and why you need skilled New York Personal Injury Lawyers to fight for your rights after an accident.
Understanding Distracted Driving in New York
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from safely operating a vehicle. In New York, distracted driving includes but is not limited to:
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Texting or emailing while driving.
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Browsing the internet or social media apps.
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Adjusting navigation systems or music playlists.
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Eating, drinking, or grooming behind the wheel.
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Talking to passengers or handling children or pets.
While any distraction can increase the risk of an accident, texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions simultaneously. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
New York Laws on Texting and Driving
New York has some of the strictest distracted driving laws in the country. Under state law, it is illegal to use any portable electronic device while driving unless it is hands-free. The law prohibits drivers from:
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Holding a cellphone to talk or make calls.
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Composing, sending, or reading text messages or emails.
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Browsing the internet or social media.
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Taking photos or videos.
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Playing games on mobile devices.
Violating these rules can result in heavy fines, points on your driver’s license, and even license suspension for repeat offenses.
Penalties for Texting While Driving in New York
The penalties for texting while driving in New York can be severe, especially for repeat offenders. The current penalties include:
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First Offense: A fine of $50 to $200 and 5 points on your driver’s license.
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Second Offense (within 18 months): A fine of $50 to $250 and 5 points.
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Third or Subsequent Offenses (within 18 months): A fine of $50 to $450 and 5 points.
In addition to fines and points, young drivers with a learner permit or junior license may face suspension or revocation of their driving privileges.
Accumulating 11 points within 18 months may lead to a driver’s license suspension. For many drivers, these penalties can also result in increased insurance premiums.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Accidents
Distracted driving significantly reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and makes it difficult for drivers to respond to unexpected hazards. Common types of accidents caused by distracted driving include:
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Rear-end collisions – A distracted driver may fail to notice traffic slowing down ahead.
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Side-impact crashes – Drivers who fail to observe traffic signals or stop signs can cause dangerous T-bone accidents.
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Pedestrian and bicycle accidents – A moment of distraction can result in a driver failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists.
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Multi-vehicle pileups – Distracted drivers on highways can trigger chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Victims of these accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal organ damage.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation under New York personal injury law. New York is a no-fault state, meaning that your own insurance policy will typically cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages.
A skilled Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney can help you pursue compensation for:
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Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation).
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Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
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Pain and suffering.
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Emotional distress.
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Property damage.
Proving Distracted Driving in a Personal Injury Case
Proving that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident can be challenging. At Griss Law Group, PLLC, we use various strategies and resources to build strong cases, including:
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Obtaining phone records to show texting or calling during the time of the crash.
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Reviewing traffic camera footage or dashcam recordings.
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Interviewing witnesses who saw the driver using their phone.
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Analyzing police reports for evidence of distracted behavior.
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Hiring accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
By gathering compelling evidence, we ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions.
Why Choose Griss Law Group, PLLC?
Our law firm has a proven track record of helping accident victims across Brooklyn and New York City obtain the compensation they deserve. As experienced Injury Attorneys NYC, we understand the complexities of New York traffic laws and how insurance companies operate. We take an aggressive approach to negotiating settlements and are always prepared to take a case to trial if necessary.
When you hire our Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firm, you get:
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Personalized attention: We treat every case with care and dedication.
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Proven results: We have recovered millions for our clients.
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No fees unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis.
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24/7 availability: Our attorneys are here to answer your questions anytime.
Preventing Distracted Driving
While legal penalties help deter distracted driving, the most effective way to reduce accidents is through prevention. Here are a few safety tips:
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Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving.
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Use hands-free devices if you must make calls.
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Set your GPS and music playlist before starting your trip.
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Avoid eating or drinking behind the wheel.
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Pull over to a safe location if you need to send a message or check directions.
How Our Attorneys Help Victims of Distracted Driving
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, our legal team will guide you through every step of the claims process. We handle everything from filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements and pursuing litigation. Our Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys are relentless in ensuring that negligent drivers and their insurance companies are held fully accountable.
Take Legal Action Today
Distracted driving accidents can leave victims with mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain and suffering. You do not have to face this battle alone. The New York Personal Injury Lawyers at Griss Law Group, PLLC are ready to fight for your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and create a winning strategy tailored to your situation.
Final Thoughts
New York’s distracted driving and texting while driving laws are designed to keep our roads safe, but negligent drivers continue to put lives at risk. If you have been harmed due to another driver’s distraction, it is critical to take immediate action to protect your rights. With the help of a dedicated Brooklyn Personal Injury Law Firm, you can pursue the compensation you deserve and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Call Griss Law Group, PLLC today at (718) 561-1111 for a free, no-obligation consultation or fill out our online contact form to get started with a Free Case Evaluation. Let us stand by your side and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
