Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in Buffalo, NY

Why Inattentive Drivers Are Everyone’s Problem

Driving while distracted. It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a real danger that impacts lives every single day. Think about it: one quick glance at your phone, and everything changes. In Buffalo, with our busy streets, unpredictable winters, and active neighborhoods, the risks are even higher.

When someone else’s inattention causes a crash that turns your life upside down, it’s not your fault. That’s where our team of lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, comes in. Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys are here to handle the legal side of things so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery and peace of mind.

You deserve having one of the best law firms in America working on your case to get you the justice you deserve.

What You Need to Know About Driving Distractions

Let’s break it down. Inattentive driving happens whenever a driver’s mind, eyes, or hands are somewhere else instead of on the road. It’s not just texting—though that’s a huge problem. New York state issues thousands of traffic tickets for distracted each year during its awareness campaigns. Distractions come in all shapes and sizes:

• Manual distractions: Eating fries, changing the radio station, or reaching for something in the backseat takes your hands off the wheel.
• Visual distractions: Checking your GPS, gawking at a billboard, or glancing at your phone pulls your eyes away from the road.
• Cognitive distractions: Daydreaming, replaying a stressful conversation, or even singing along to your favorite song takes your focus off driving.

In Erie County, driving with divided attention is a leading cause of accidents. Think about busy streets like Elmwood Avenue, where pedestrians, cyclists, and cars all share the road. Just one moment of inattention can lead to a devastating crash.

Hidden Dangers on Buffalo’s Streets

The local roads aren’t easy to navigate, and lack of focus behind the wheel makes them even more dangerous. Here’s why:

• Heavy traffic near landmarks: From the KeyBank Center to Delaware Park, these crowded areas demand a driver’s full attention. Not everyone gives it.
• Tourists glued to GPS: Out-of-towners often focus more on their phones than the road. Intersections like Main Street and Hertel Avenue become accident hotspots.
• Winter’s icy grip: Our winters? They’re brutal. Add snow, sleet, and ice to a careless driver, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

These aren’t just statistics or hypotheticals. These are the risks we face every day. While you can control your own driving, you can’t control the person checking their texts behind you at a red light. Our Buffalo injury attorneys are ready to pursue justice against those that fail to pay attention.

The Heavy Costs of Distracted Driving Accidents

There’s no sugarcoating this—the effects of a careless driving accident can turn your world upside down. It’s not just about repairing your car. The ripple effects hit every part of your life:

• Physical injuries: Broken bones, concussions, whiplash… or worse. Some injuries take months or even years to heal.
• Emotional trauma: Feeling scared to get behind the wheel again or reliving the crash over and over isn’t uncommon.
• Financial stress: Medical bills covered by your No-Fault insurance, lost wages, and car repairs add up fast. It’s overwhelming.

And let’s not forget the impact on the community itself. Our local hospitals, like ECMC, feel the strain. First responders work tirelessly to handle accidents that never should’ve happened in the first place. Distracted driving affects all of us.

Know Your Rights: New York's Laws on Driving Distractions

New York takes irresponsible driving seriously. The laws are clear:

• Texting or using a handheld device while driving? Illegal.
• Using your phone at a red light? Still illegal.

If you’re caught, you could face fines, points on your license, or even a suspension. But what about the people these drivers hurt? That’s where things get a little more complicated.

New York’s comparative negligence rule means you can still seek compensation even if you’re partially at fault. Let’s say you’re 20% responsible for the crash. You can still recover 80% of your damages. Victims are often entitled to:

• Medical expenses, including surgeries, rehab, and ongoing care.
• Getting lost wages paid, or diminished earning capacity if you can’t work.
• Pain and suffering, because your life quality matters.

It’s a lot to navigate, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Buffalo car accident lawyers can take over the fight for you.

Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Accident

The moments after an accident can feel like a blur. Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself:

• Get medical help right away. Some injuries don’t show up immediately. Most will take getting an MRI to truly document fully.
• Document the scene. Take photos of the cars, road conditions, and your injuries. If you’re near a landmark, use it for context. You may be able to use these details as you complete your MV-104 form.
• Gather information. Get the other driver’s details and talk to witnesses. Their statements could make or break your case.
• File a police report. Contact the police department to ensure the accident is officially recorded.
• Call an attorney. The sooner you get legal advice, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. It’s rarely too late to hire an attorney after a car crash.

These steps aren’t just about building a strong case—they’re about giving yourself the best chance to heal and move forward.

Horn Wright, LLP: Standing with Victims of Distracted Drivers

We know how devastating vehicle collisions can be. That’s why we fight tirelessly for our clients. You’re not just a case to us—you’re a person who deserves justice.

We know Buffalo like the back of our hand. We understand its roads, its people, and the unique challenges you face. From gathering evidence to negotiating with tricky insurance companies, we handle it all so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Call us today for a FREE consultation to get started on your case.