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Connecticut Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Were you injured in a distracted driving accident? McCoy & McCoy represents victims injured in accidents caused by distracted driving.
Advocates For Injury Victims
With over five decades of proven results, our distracted driving attorneys in Connecticut continue to deliver results by holding negligent parties accountable. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
A distracted driver can travel the length of a football field in only a few seconds without fully watching the road. During that time, the driver may fail to notice stopped traffic, a changing traffic signal, a pedestrian in a crosswalk, or another vehicle entering an intersection.
If you were injured because another motorist was texting, using a phone, adjusting a navigation system, eating, or otherwise failing to pay attention, a Connecticut distracted driving accident lawyer can help you investigate what happened and pursue compensation.
McCoy & McCoy has represented injured people throughout Connecticut since 1960. Our personal injury attorneys can examine phone records, witness statements, police reports, vehicle data, surveillance footage, and other evidence that may demonstrate that distraction contributed to your crash.
Contact us for a free consultation. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
What is Considered Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs whenever a driver’s attention is diverted from safely operating the vehicle. Although cellphone use is one of the most recognizable examples, many different actions can cause a driver to lose focus.
Driving distractions are generally divided into three categories:
- Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions: Taking one or both hands off the steering wheel
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving
Texting is particularly dangerous because it can involve all three forms of distraction at the same time.
How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in Connecticut?
Distracted driving continues to cause thousands of preventable crashes in Connecticut.
According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Connecticut recorded 5,202 crashes caused by distracted driving in 2023.
Those crashes resulted in 731 injuries and 12 fatalities. Nationwide, distracted-driving crashes killed 3,275 people in 2023.
These numbers may not reflect every distracted driving accident. Drivers do not always admit that they were using a phone, looking at a GPS, or otherwise distracted immediately before a collision. Establishing distraction may therefore require an independent investigation.
Distracted Driving Lawsuits We Handle
Not every distracted driving crash happens the same way. At McCoy & McCoy, we represent clients injured in a wide variety of accidents caused by drivers who take their attention off the road. Whether the distraction involved texting, using GPS, eating, or interacting with passengers, our attorneys investigate the evidence needed to prove negligence and pursue maximum compensation.
Our attorneys have experience representing victims injured in accidents involving drivers who were distracted by:
- Texting or reading messages
- Making phone calls
- Using social media
- Taking photos or recording videos
- Entering information into a GPS
- Looking at navigation directions
- Changing music or podcasts
- Eating or drinking
- Applying makeup or grooming
- Reaching for an object
- Turning around to speak with children or passengers
- Interacting with pets
- Looking at a crash or roadside event
- Using an in-vehicle touchscreen
- Driving while mentally preoccupied or fatigued
No matter how the distraction occurred, drivers have a legal duty to pay attention and operate their vehicles safely. A distracted driver does not have to receive a cellphone citation or traffic ticket for you to have a valid personal injury claim. Our attorneys gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, cellphone records, and vehicle data to demonstrate how the driver’s distraction contributed to the crash.
What Does Connecticut Law Say About Cellphone Use While Driving?
Connecticut prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. The restriction applies even when the driver is stopped in traffic or waiting at a red light.
Drivers who are 18 or older may generally use a phone with a hands-free accessory. Drivers who are 16 or 17 are prohibited from using a cellphone or mobile device while driving, even with a hands-free accessory, except in limited emergency circumstances.
Connecticut’s distracted driving fines are:
- $200 for a first offense
- $375 for a second offense
- $625 for a third or subsequent offense
A traffic citation can provide useful evidence, but an injured person may still have a claim even when the distracted driver was not ticketed.
How Can You Tell if the Other Driver Was Distracted?
Distracted driving is not always obvious at the accident scene. A driver may deny using a phone or claim that the crash happened for another reason.
Evidence used to investigate a distracted driving accident may include:
Cellphone Records: Call logs, text-message timestamps, app activity, and cellular data records may help determine whether a driver was actively using a phone around the time of the crash. Obtaining detailed records may require a subpoena or formal discovery request after a lawsuit is filed.
Witness Statements: Passengers, pedestrians, and drivers in nearby vehicles may have seen the motorist looking down, holding a phone, eating, or engaging in another distracting activity.
Police Reports: The investigating officer may document admissions, observations, witness accounts, citations, skid marks, vehicle positions, and other relevant information.
Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage: Businesses, homes, intersections, parking lots, dashboard cameras, and doorbell cameras may have recorded the driver’s actions or the collision itself. Because recordings are frequently deleted or overwritten, it is important to identify and preserve video evidence quickly.
Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles may contain event data recorders and infotainment systems that store information about speed, braking, steering, phone connections, navigation use, or other activity.
Social Media and App Activity: A social media post, photograph, delivery app, streaming service, or navigation history may establish that the driver was interacting with an application shortly before the collision.
The Driver’s Own Statements: A driver may admit at the scene that they were looking at directions, reaching for something, speaking with a passenger, or checking a phone. Avoid relying exclusively on verbal admissions. Whenever possible, tell the responding officer and obtain contact information for anyone who heard the statement.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident?
Compensation depends on the circumstances of the crash, available insurance coverage, the severity of the injuries, and the effect those injuries have on the victim’s life.
A distracted driving accident claim may seek compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages
An insurance company may attempt to minimize your injuries, dispute the cause of the crash, or argue that some of your medical treatment was unnecessary. A lawyer can document your losses and evaluate whether a settlement offer adequately addresses your current and future needs.
What If the Distracted Driver Was Working at the Time of the Accident?
When a driver causes an accident while performing job-related duties, the employer may also be legally responsible.
This issue commonly arises in accidents involving:
- Delivery drivers
- Commercial truck drivers
- Sales representatives
- Construction vehicles
- Utility vehicles
- Rideshare drivers
- Company-owned vehicles
- Employees responding to calls, messages, or dispatch instructions
The employer’s phone policies, training records, GPS information, dispatch logs, employment records, and vehicle data may become relevant.
Claims involving commercial vehicles can provide additional insurance coverage, but they may also involve aggressive insurers and corporate defense attorneys. Evidence preservation letters should be sent as early as possible.
How a Distracted Driving Injury Attorney Can Help
McCoy & McCoy has represented people injured in Connecticut accidents since 1960. We understand that a serious crash can affect every part of your life, including your health, employment, finances, mobility, and family responsibilities.
Our attorneys can:
Investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to see if distraction caused the collision
Preserve phone, video, vehicle, and electronic evidence
Gather evidence
Identify all responsible parties
Review accident reports
Obtain witness statements
Preserve critical evidence
Consult with medical specialists
Work with accident reconstruction experts
We represent clients throughout Connecticut, including those seeking a Hartford car accident lawyer, New Haven car accident lawyer, Torrington car accident lawyer, or Glastonbury car accident lawyer.
Why Choose McCoy & McCoy?
Choosing the right law firm after a distracted driving accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At McCoy & McCoy, we understand that you are not just dealing with an injury—you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost work time, uncertainty about the future, and pressure from insurance companies. Our team of Connecticut car accident lawyers are committed to providing personalized legal representation and direct support throughout every stage of your claim.
Over 50 Years of Serving Connecticut Injury Victims
Our firm has been helping injured individuals and families throughout Connecticut since 1960. We have decades of experience handling motor vehicle accident claims and understand the challenges accident victims face.
Recognized and Respected in the Legal Community
Our attorneys have earned recognition from some of the most respected organizations in the legal profession for their dedication to personal injury law and commitment to achieving results for clients.
Our accolades include:
Recognition in Best Lawyers in America
Included in Best Law Firms rankings
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer (Attorney Frank McCoy)
Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars selections
Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
AVVO Highly Rated Attorney Profiles
Decades of recognition for excellence in personal injury litigation
Trial-Ready Advocacy
The “Insurance Insider” Edge
We know their playbook. Attorney Brian Parrott previously worked as an insurance adjuster, so he knows exactly how they evaluate claims and minimize payouts, giving our firm a unique advantage
Proven Results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Connecticut. We know how to build strong cases, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation when litigation becomes necessary. Because the insurance companies know our record, they are forced to take your case seriously from day one.
Limited Caseload & Direct Attorney Access
When you hire McCoy & McCoy, you will have direct access to the attorney handling your case. Unlike high-volume firms that handle hundreds of cases at a time, we intentionally limit the number of cases we accept. This allows us to devote more time, attention, and resources to every client we represent.
Attorney Frank McCoy is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the NBTA. This rigorous credential is held by fewer than 0.5% of Connecticut lawyers, signifying the highest level of courtroom expertise. Insurance companies know which law firms settle for the first offer and which law firms – like ours – have the credentials to take a case to trial. Our courtroom reputation gives our clients a level of leverage that most firms simply cannot provide.
After an accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you will afford an attorney. Focus should be on recovering from your injuries and taking care of yourself and your family – not paying legal fees.
At McCoy & McCoy, we offer free legal consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. If we agree to represent you, you do not pay any upfront costs, retainers, or hourly fees. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is paid only if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Under Connecticut law, contingency fees in personal injury cases are regulated by statute and are based on a percentage of the recovery obtained. If there is no recovery, you do not owe us an attorney’s fee.
We believe every injury victim should have access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.
Learn All About The Distracted Driving Attorneys
Frank McCoy
Attorney
Brian Parrott
Attorney
Angela Edwards
Attorney
When you choose McCoy & McCoy, your case is handled by experienced Connecticut personal injury attorneys who are committed to helping injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our legal team has earned a reputation for delivering results, providing personalized attention, and fighting tirelessly for clients throughout Connecticut.
Attorney Frank McCoy: Frank McCoy is a Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of attorneys nationwide. With decades of experience representing injury victims, Frank has successfully handled complex personal injury and wrongful death cases and is recognized for his trial advocacy, legal knowledge, and commitment to achieving justice for his clients.
Attorney Brian Parrott: Attorney Parrott has spent more than two decades helping individuals navigate insurance claims and personal injury matters. Before becoming an attorney, Brian worked as an insurance adjuster for nearly 10 years, giving him valuable insight into how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims. Brian is a member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, honors reserved for attorneys who have achieved significant results for their clients.
Attorney Angela Edwards: Attorney Edwards has more than 20 years of legal experience and has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for injured individuals and consumers. Known for her compassionate approach and relentless advocacy, Angela has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate difficult circumstances while pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.
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