Distracted driving is involved in an estimated 25 percent of all auto accidents in the U.S., making it one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths on our nation’s roads. If you’ve been hurt in a crash where the other driver may have been distracted and you are pursuing compensation, you’ll need to do more than cite general statistics. You’ll need to be able to prove that the driver who struck you wasn’t paying enough attention to the road.

The evidence required to prove a distracted driving in a Connecticut car accident case comes in many different forms. Here are examples of evidence that can help establish the other driver’s liability:

• Police reports — Responding police officers make a report detailing the circumstances surrounding an auto accident. The report could include observations indicating that a driver was distracted or falling asleep in the moments leading up to the crash. If you saw the other driver texting or otherwise distracted, be sure to tell the officer at the scene.
• Statement by the driver — The driver who struck you may apologize or make another statement, like “I am so sorry! I just looked at my phone for a second and this happened!” Statements like these, if they can be confirmed, constitute admissions that the driver was distracted.
• Witness statements — Bystanders, other drivers and even passengers in your own vehicle may be able to give statements to police at the scene. If necessary, your attorney can hire a private investigator to obtain witness statements, and subpoena witnesses to testify at your trial.
• Cell phone records — Your lawyer can obtain these records and analyze the driver’s phone activity leading up to the accident. Records that show calls or texts in the moments before the crash can be powerful evidence of distracted driving. Texting while driving is illegal in Connecticut, as is talking on the phone unless using a hands-free device.
• Videos and photos — A security camera or traffic camera may have captured the other driver talking on the phone or turning their head away from the road. Police dash cams or bystander cell phone videos could also exist and be used in court.
• Data recorders in trucks — If you were hurt in a crash involving a tractor trailer or semi-truck, the vehicle may have a data recorder that can be analyzed to determine whether the driver was speeding or applied the brakes too late.

These and other forms of evidence can help to prove distracted driving caused your crash. You should reach out to an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as you can after the incident so evidence can be gathered while it is still fresh.

Based in Hamden and East Haven, Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. handles all types of auto accident lawsuits in Connecticut. We are experienced in distracted driving cases and know how to win compensation for victims. To arrange a meeting with one of our lawyers, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online today.