Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
At Kelner & Kelner, we understand the devastating impact a distracted driving accident can have on your life. Whether you’ve suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one due to a driver’s negligence, our experienced New York distracted driving accident lawyers are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients, we are dedicated to holding distracted drivers accountable. Contact Kelner & Kelner today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
Financial Compensation Available To Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers fight to secure every form of compensation available under New York law for victims who have suffered due to another driver's negligent phone use or other distractions.
- Medical expenses: Our NYC car accident lawyers pursue compensation for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and all future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers calculate and demand payment for income lost during your recovery period, including salary, commissions, bonuses, and other employment benefits.
- Diminished earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or working at full capacity, your NYC distracted driving accident lawyer will fight for compensation covering this long-term financial impact.
- Pain and suffering: Beyond economic damages, our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers secure compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you've experienced and may continue to endure because of the distracted driver's negligence.
- Emotional distress: Your NYC personal injury lawyer will document and pursue compensation for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other psychological effects resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers help quantify and recover damages when your injuries prevent participation in hobbies, recreational activities, and other pleasures you enjoyed before the accident.
- Permanent disability: For catastrophic injuries causing permanent impairment, your NYC distracted driving accident lawyer will demand substantial compensation reflecting the lifelong impact.
- Disfigurement and scarring: We pursue additional compensation when accidents cause visible scarring or disfigurement, especially affecting the face or other prominent body areas.
- Loss of consortium: Your spouse may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from your injuries.
- Property damage: Our NYC car accident lawyers ensure you receive full compensation for vehicle repair or replacement and any valuable personal property damaged in the collision.
- Rehabilitation costs: We pursue funding for specialized rehabilitation services, including occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment.
- Home modification expenses: If your injuries require wheelchair accessibility or other home modifications, your NYC distracted driving accident lawyer will include these costs in your compensation demand.
- Transportation costs: We seek reimbursement for medical transportation needs and costs associated with traveling to medical appointments.
- Household assistance: When injuries prevent you from performing household tasks, we pursue compensation for necessary cleaning services, childcare, and other domestic help.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, such as texting while driving at high speeds, your NYC personal injury lawyer may seek punitive damages to punish the offender and deter similar conduct.
If you've been injured by a distracted driver in New York City, don't settle for less than you deserve. Contact Kelner & Kelner today for a free consultation with a NYC distracted driving accident lawyer who will thoroughly assess your case and pursue every dollar of compensation you're entitled to receive.
How a NYC Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers work diligently to secure the maximum compensation possible for victims of negligent drivers who text, call, or engage in other distracting behaviors behind the wheel.
- Thorough evidence collection: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers obtain cell phone records, surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle data to build an irrefutable case against the distracted driver.
- Expert witness testimony: We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic analysts who provide compelling testimony about the cause and impact of your accident.
- Comprehensive damages calculation: Your NYC car accident lawyer will meticulously document all economic losses including current medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, and diminished earning potential.
- Documentation of non-economic damages: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers effectively demonstrate pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life through detailed medical records, personal journals, and testimony from family members.
- Aggressive insurance negotiation: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers know insurance companies' tactics and counter lowball offers with compelling evidence and unwavering advocacy.
- Strategic lawsuit timing: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers understand when to file a lawsuit to apply maximum pressure without rushing critical investigation and evidence gathering phases.
- Trial preparation from day one: Even while pursuing settlement, your NYC personal injury lawyer builds your case as if it will go to trial, motivating insurance companies to offer fair compensation.
- Countering comparative negligence arguments: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers anticipate and refute attempts to shift blame to you, preserving your right to full compensation.
- Identification of all liable parties: Beyond the distracted driver, we investigate potential claims against employers, vehicle owners, and manufacturers to maximize available compensation sources.
- No-fault insurance navigation: We help clients overcome New York's no-fault insurance limitations by thoroughly documenting "serious injuries" that qualify for pain and suffering damages.
- Future needs projection: Your NYC car accident lawyer consults with medical and economic professionals to accurately calculate lifetime care costs for permanent injuries.
- Statute of limitations management: We track all deadlines and filing requirements, ensuring your claim proceeds without procedural obstacles that could limit compensation.
- Liens and subrogation negotiation: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers work to reduce medical liens and insurance subrogation claims, maximizing your net recovery.
- Alternative dispute resolution: When beneficial, we utilize mediation and arbitration to resolve claims efficiently while still securing substantial compensation.
- Persistent follow-through: We maintain regular communication with insurers, pushing your claim forward and preventing unnecessary delays that might pressure you into accepting less.
- Settlement evaluation: Your NYC personal injury lawyer provides clear guidance on settlement offers, helping you make informed decisions about whether to accept or continue fighting.
- Contingency fee structure: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers only collect payment when you receive compensation, aligning our interests with your goal of maximum recovery.
- Punitive damages pursuit: In cases of egregious distraction (like commercial drivers texting or intoxicated driving combined with phone use), we aggressively seek punitive damages beyond compensatory awards.
When you've been injured by a distracted driver in New York City, the financial impact can be as devastating as the physical injuries. Contact Kelner & Kelner today to speak with a NYC distracted driving accident lawyer who will fight relentlessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Distracted Driving Accident Cases We Take
At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC distracted driving accident lawyers have extensive experience representing victims injured by drivers engaging in all forms of dangerous distracted behavior throughout New York City.
- Texting while driving accidents: Our texting and driving accident lawyer will investigate phone records to establish the exact timing of messages sent or received in relation to your crash, creating irrefutable evidence of negligence.
- Social media distraction crashes: Our social media distraction lawyer will subpoena app usage data to prove the at-fault driver was scrolling, posting, or streaming content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook instead of watching the road.
- GPS and navigation system accidents: Our GPS distraction accident lawyer will examine device records and witness statements to demonstrate how the driver's focus on their navigation screen rather than traffic conditions led directly to your injuries.
- Eating and drinking while driving collisions: Our eating while driving accident lawyer will gather evidence like food wrappers, beverage containers, and eyewitness accounts to show how manual distractions compromised the driver's vehicle control.
- Passenger distraction incidents: Our passenger distraction lawyer will interview witnesses and analyze vehicle recordings to establish how interactions with passengers drew the driver's attention away from safe driving.
- Grooming-related crashes: Our grooming while driving lawyer will document evidence of makeup application, shaving, or hair styling that occupied the driver's hands and visual attention when they should have been focused on the road.
- Cell phone conversation accidents: Our cell phone distraction lawyer will obtain call logs and hands-free device records to prove the driver was engaged in conversation that cognitively impaired their driving ability and reaction time.
- Reaching for objects accidents: Our NYC car accident lawyer will recreate how the driver's attempt to reach for fallen items or objects in other areas of the vehicle caused them to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.
- Vehicle technology distraction crashes: Our in-car technology distraction lawyer will analyze evidence showing how the driver's interaction with entertainment systems, climate controls, or other dashboard features contributed to your accident.
- Distracted commercial driver accidents: Our NYC distracted driving accident lawyer will investigate trucking companies' policies and driver logs to establish negligence when professional drivers cause crashes while distracted.
- Rubbernecking accidents: Our rubbernecking accident lawyer will gather evidence showing how the driver's visual focus on roadside incidents or attractions rather than the traffic ahead resulted in your collision.
- Employer liability distraction cases: Our NYC personal injury lawyer will pursue claims against employers who encourage or require employees to take calls, respond to messages, or perform work while driving.
- Multi-distraction accidents: Our multi-distraction accident lawyer will document cases where drivers were engaged in multiple distracting behaviors simultaneously, such as eating while talking on the phone or texting while adjusting vehicle controls.
- Drowsy driving with distractions: Our fatigued driving lawyer will demonstrate how fatigue combined with distractions created a particularly dangerous situation that directly contributed to your accident and injuries.
- Electronic billboard distraction cases: Our roadside distraction lawyer will establish how attention-grabbing electronic advertisements or roadside distractions pulled the driver's focus from safe driving, causing your accident.
If you've been injured in any type of distracted driving accident in New York City, contact Kelner & Kelner today for a free consultation with an NYC distracted driving accident lawyer who understands the specific challenges of your case and will fight relentlessly for the compensation you deserve.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is taken away from the primary task of operating a vehicle. In New York, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, often resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Distractions can fall into three main categories:
- Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road. Common examples include looking at a phone, GPS device, or even other passengers in the car.
- Manual Distractions: Removing your hands from the wheel. This could involve texting, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object.
- Cognitive Distractions: Letting your mind wander from driving. Daydreaming, talking to passengers, or being preoccupied with personal stress are all forms of cognitive distractions.
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction—visual, manual, and cognitive. However, distracted driving isn’t limited to phone use. Any behavior that diverts attention from the road can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
At Kelner & Kelner, we are committed to holding distracted drivers accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, contact our experienced team today to discuss your legal options.
The Growing Epidemic of Distracted Driving in NYC
Distracted driving has become one of the most dangerous threats on New York City streets. Despite strict laws prohibiting texting while driving and requiring hands-free phone use, many drivers continue to engage in these dangerous behaviors.
The statistics are alarming:
- Approximately 3,000 people die annually in the United States due to distracted driving crashes
- In New York City alone, distracted driving contributes to thousands of injuries each year
- A driver using a phone is four times more likely to be involved in a crash
- Taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded
As NYC distracted driving accident lawyers, we've seen firsthand how these split-second distractions change lives forever. Our team remains committed to holding negligent drivers accountable while fighting for the compensation our clients deserve.
Common Injuries from Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which are severe and life-altering. Because distracted drivers often fail to react in time to avoid or minimize collisions, these crashes frequently occur at high speeds, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes. Common injuries in distracted driving accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of impact can cause concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain injuries, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or other debilitating conditions.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in high-impact crashes, often affecting the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries may require extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden jolts to the head and neck can cause soft tissue damage, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, or nerve issues.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Lacerations and Burn Injuries: Shattered glass, debris, or fire resulting from the crash can leave victims with deep cuts, scars, or severe burns.
- Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many victims suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the accident.
Contact Our New York Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver in New York, don't face the legal challenges alone. At Kelner & Kelner, our experienced personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for distracted driving accident victims. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. Time limits apply to filing your claim, so don't wait to get the legal representation you deserve.
NYC Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer FAQs
What is considered distracted driving in New York?
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from operating the vehicle. This can include texting, eating, adjusting the radio, using a GPS, or engaging in conversations with passengers.
Is texting and driving illegal in New York?
Yes, texting while driving is illegal in New York. State law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, including texting, emailing, or browsing the internet. Violators face fines, points on their license, and other penalties.
How can I prove the other driver was distracted?
Proving distracted driving may involve obtaining cell phone records, surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, or police reports. Our attorneys have extensive experience in gathering evidence to build a strong case.
What should I do if I’m injured in a distracted driving accident?
After seeking medical attention, document the scene, take photographs, collect witness information, and report the accident to the police. Then, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What types of compensation can I recover in a distracted driving accident case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a distracted driving accident in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline.
Do I need a lawyer for a distracted driving accident claim?
While you’re not required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and a lawyer can fight to protect your interests.
How much does it cost to hire Kelner & Kelner?
At Kelner & Kelner, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free.
What makes Kelner & Kelner the right choice for my case?
With decades of experience and a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, our firm is dedicated to providing personalized, aggressive representation for accident victims. We are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.