Distracted Driving Accidents in Connecticut: Understanding Your Options After a Crash
Last updated on April 7, 2025
When a driver takes their eyes, hands, or mind off the task of driving, even for just a few seconds, the chances of an accident increase drastically. These accidents are often completely avoidable, and the people who suffer the most are rarely the ones who made the mistake.
At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we’ve seen firsthand the pain that distracted driving causes. Whether you were behind the wheel, riding as a passenger, crossing the street, biking on the shoulder, or riding your motorcycle to work, we know how disruptive these crashes can be.
Our goal is to help you focus on healing while we help you understand your rights under Connecticut law. And if you choose to work with us, we’ll do everything we can to help you recover physically, mentally and financially.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. In practice, this can mean a lot of things, from sending a text, to spilling coffee, to adjusting your navigation app. And while the act itself might seem small or momentary, the effects can be life-altering.
There are three broad types of distraction:
- Visual: Anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road.
- Manual: Anything that causes the driver to take their hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive: Anything that takes the driver’s mind off driving, even if their eyes are open and their hands are on the wheel.
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for 3,308 deaths in 2022 and an estimated 289,310 injuries. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.
Drivers aren’t the only ones at risk. A single moment of distraction can send a car into a pedestrian crosswalk or crashing into a cyclist. Even parked vehicles and roadside workers can be struck in these cases. Many of our clients come to us not because they made a mistake, but because someone else made a careless decision.
Who Gets Hurt: All Types of Victims Deserve Support
Distracted driving doesn’t just harm other drivers. We’ve represented a wide range of individuals who were injured in these types of crashes, and each case has to be handled differently. Distracted driving commonly affects:
- Drivers hit by another vehicle: many of our cases involve one driver who was simply driving and was hit by someone who was texting, adjusting their navigation, or otherwise not paying attention. These distracted drivers may have failed to yield, ran a red light, or veered across lanes. Rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and highway lane departures are often linked to distracted driving. These cases sometimes involve serious spinal injuries, head trauma, or broken bones that can take a long time to fully heal.
- Passengers injured in someone else’s car: it is also common to see passengers injured by a distracted driver. Whether you were riding with a friend, using a ride-share service, or traveling with a family member, you have the right to seek recovery if your injuries were caused by a distracted driver, regardless of who was behind the wheel. We’ve can help passengers injured in both single-car and multi-vehicle crashes caused by distraction.
- Pedestrians: pedestrians have no protection when struck by a car, which makes distracted driving especially dangerous in residential areas, crosswalks, and near schools. Parking lots, too.
- Cyclists: cyclists are expected to share the road but are at high risk when drivers drift into bike lanes or fail to check mirrors. Distracted drivers may not notice a cyclist until it’s too late. These crashes can result in severe injuries, including orthopedic damage and road rash, and may require extensive recovery time. Many injured cyclists also face difficulty returning to their jobs or hobbies.
- Motorcyclists: distracted drivers are also quite dangerous for motorcyclists. A quick lane change without checking blind spots or looking up from a screen can be catastrophic. Motorcycle riders are often thrown from their bikes, and the consequences can include spinal cord injuries, crushed limbs, or even death. We’ve helped clients and families who have faced these outcomes and needed both legal and emotional support.
- Roadside workers and utility crews: workers repairing roads, installing cables, or working in construction zones rely on passing drivers to be alert. Distracted drivers who ignore signs, swerve out of their lanes, or speed through construction zones can cause serious accidents. These cases are often complicated by employment-related questions, which our firm has experience addressing.
In all of these situations, the consequences of the crash go beyond the initial injury. Clients come to us struggling with long recovery periods, lost wages, anxiety about getting back on the road, and confusion about how to deal with insurers. Part of our job is helping to lift that burden, so you can focus on your health while we handle the legal side.
What Connecticut Law Says About Distracted Driving
Connecticut takes distracted driving seriously. It is one of the states that has adopted clear laws about cellphone use behind the wheel.
Drivers may not use handheld phones or other electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Those under 18 may not even use a handsfree device. If you hold your phone near your ear, you are presumed to be using it, although you can prove that you weren’t. https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/pub/chap_248.htm#sec_14-296aa.
These are primary enforcement laws, which means an officer can pull a driver over simply for violating them. No other infraction required. Penalties include fines, points on a driving record, and increased insurance costs. But the real damage is done when someone is hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver.
What Is Covered By A Claim
If you were injured because another driver broke these laws or otherwise failed to pay attention, you may be entitled to recover damages through a personal injury claim. These may include:
- The cost of emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment
- Lost income if you missed work or lost the ability to do your job
- Pain and emotional distress caused by the crash and its aftermath
- Future medical expenses or long-term care
You do not need to face this process alone. Connecticut’s legal system can be complex, especially when insurance companies are involved. Our team at Tremont Sheldon P.C. has spent decades helping people recover after serious crashes. We have recovered over $500 million for our clients and we understand how to document the cause of the accident, prove the severity of your injuries, and present your case clearly.
Recovery After a Distracted Driving Crash: Your Next Steps
Healing after a crash is a process. For some, the road to recovery is short. For others, it may take months or years to fully regain physical and emotional well-being. Wherever you fall, your focus should be on yourself and your family, not chasing paperwork or wondering if your rights are being protected.
If you believe the driver who hit you was distracted, there are a few key steps you can take:
- Get medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage may not show symptoms right away.
- Write down what happened as soon as you can. Include what you saw the other driver doing, where the accident happened, and any comments made at the scene.
- Request the police report, which may include witness statements or notes about driver behavior.
- Contact a law firm that knows how to handle these cases with care and experience. Try not to discuss your case with anyone, including insurance companies, until you speak with an attorney.
At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we don’t treat your case like a number. We start with a real conversation, learning what happened, how your life has been affected, and what outcomes matter most to you. From there, we build a case with one goal in mind: helping you move forward.
We understand that every injury and every person is different. Some clients want to make sure medical bills are covered. Others need help recovering lost wages or planning for a long-term disability. Some simply want accountability. No matter your situation, our attorneys will listen and help you make a decision that fits your needs.
Call Tremont Sheldon P.C.. Today
We know how difficult recovering from an accident can be. We are here to support you
We’d love to speak with you. We offer free consultations, and there is no fee unless we recover for you. Call 203-212-9075 today or reach out through our CLICK HERE to tell us about your case. You don’t need to go through this alone. We can help you take the next step toward recovery.
FAQs
Is texting and driving illegal in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut law makes it illegal to use a handheld mobile device to send or read text messages while driving. This law applies to all drivers, no matter their age or driving experience.
How can I prove the other driver was distracted?
Evidence can come from police reports, eyewitnesses, traffic camera footage, or phone records. While it can be difficult to get on your own, our firm knows how to gather and protect this kind of proof to support your case.
How long do I have to file a claim in Connecticut?
In most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the accident. There are some situations where this deadline can be shorter or longer. It’s a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if the driver who hit me was using a hands-free device?
Even hands-free use can be distracting. If a driver was cognitively distracted and caused a crash, they may still be held responsible, even if they followed the letter of the law.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Connecticut follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How much does it cost to hire Tremont Sheldon P.C.?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover for you. The consultation is free, and we’re here to help you understand your rights with no pressure.