In recent years, hand-held devices that allow people to send and receive text messages and emails have become more and more popular to the point where they are ubiquitous in nature.  While people are free to use such devices as they please, this has been a continuing problem when people use them behind the wheel.  While New York is one of many states to have passed legislation making it an offense to text while driving, the state legislature appears to be working to raise the stakes for those who are caught doing so.

As it stands now, people who are using hand-held devices while driving face the potential for being cited, but only as a secondary offense.  What that means is that police cannot pull people over for texting alone.  Instead, these motorists need to be stopped for some other reason, such as running through a red light.  Only then can a citation be issued.  However, if a new bill passes, using a hand-held device would become a primary offense, allowing police to pull people over and issue citations for that act alone.

New York Car Accident Statistics

Many people are already aware of the fact that distracted driving has always been one of the leading causes of both New York car accidents and accidents across the United States.  Clearly, this problem contributes heavily to the statistics regarding New York car accidents.  Every year, more than 187,000 people are injured and more than 1,200 people are killed in these occurrences, and governments on all levels are looking to turn these statistics downward.

New York Car Accident Lawyers

If this legislation passes, it could make the roads in the state safer.  However, even if it does not pass, those who have been harmed in a New York car accident that was caused by someone who was distracted by a hand-held device can still file a New York personal injury lawsuit against that driver.  If such a lawsuit is successful, the plaintiff could recover damages that compensate for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a crash, you need to seek the help of New York car accident lawyers who have been holding those responsible for injuries accountable for 40 years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation..