Nashua Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Advocating for Victims of Distracted Driving in New Hampshire

Distracted driving is a serious problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting or talking on cell phones poses a substantial risk to others on the road, causing more than 3,000 deaths in the United States each year. If you or a loved one was injured due to distracted driving, call Gottesman & Hollis, P.A. for Nashua distracted driving accident lawyers with more than four decades of experience representing victims of distracted driving accidents.

Seemingly simple distractions, such as eating or glancing at a phone for even a few seconds, can result in tragedy. When driving at a speed of 55 mph, a vehicle will cover the length of a football field in five (5) seconds. If a distracted driver caused your traffic accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.

Please call (603) 506-4600 for a free and confidential consultation with our distracted driving accident attorney in Nashua.

Types of Distracted Driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes three (3) main types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. In visual distraction, the driver takes their eyes off the road with behaviors like looking at a cellphone or sending a text message. Manual distraction happens when drivers take their hands off the wheel, such as when eating or drinking. Cognitive distraction occurs when the driver takes their mind off the road in daydreaming or other mental activities.

Some common sources of driver distraction include:

• Cellphone use
• Texting or using an electronic device
• Eating or drinking
• Becoming lost in thought and not paying attention
• Smoking
• Adjusting the radio or climate controls
• Personal grooming
• Navigation systems

When distracted driving leads to a car accident, the distracted driver can be held liable for any injuries and damages the accident causes. Our Nashua distracted driving accident attorneys have more than 45 years of experience representing injured clients and helping them recover compensation for their injuries.

Accidents Involving Cell Phones in New Hampshire

Distracted driving affects many New Hampshire families, and the devastating consequences of distracted driving accidents have had an impact on Nashua and communities throughout the state. In response to the problems caused by distracted drivers, lawmakers in New Hampshire have taken action, specifically for cellphone use.

Like in many states, it is against the law to use a handheld cellphone or other electronic device when driving in New Hampshire. The cellphone ban is strictly enforced and there are consequences for violating the law, especially when an accident results from the use of a phone behind the wheel. New Hampshire state law covers both talking on a cell phone and texting.

Common Injuries from Distracted Driving Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: Sudden stops or collisions often lead to whiplash, a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. This can lead to chronic discomfort and limited mobility, requiring extensive physical therapy.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Distracted driving accidents frequently result in head trauma. This can vary from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which may cause long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A collision can lead to extreme damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often necessitate lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: An accident's impact can cause fractures in various parts of the body, which includes arms, legs, ribs, and more. These injuries could require surgery and extended recovery periods depending on the severity.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are common in high-impact crashes. These injuries can be life-threatening and often need quick surgery.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, debris, and metal can cause deep cuts and lacerations. While some may heal with stitches, others can lead to significant scarring and may require plastic surgery.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience emotional despair, like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an accident.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Including all current and future medical costs related to the injury. From emergency room visits to surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, you can seek compensation for all necessary treatments.
• Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes any future earnings you may lose if your injury prevents you from returning to work or requires a reduced workload.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims of distracted driving accidents often endure considerable physical pain and emotional suffering.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property had been damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for restoration or replacement costs.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident has lead to permanent disability or disfigurement, you could be qualified to additional compensation.
• Emotional Distress: The psychological effects of a distracted driving accident can be long-lasting. Emotional distress damages compensate for anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems caused by the accident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the distracted driver’s behavior was particularly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded.