Distracted Driving Crashes in Burlington, VT

Distracted driving is more than a bad habit—it’s a danger that changes lives in an instant. Whether someone's checking their phone at a red light or grabbing a coffee on Shelburne Road, a moment of inattention can lead to life-altering consequences. It's scary to think how quickly things can spiral out of control when a driver isn't fully focused on the road.

If you have been hurt because someone was careless, you know just how overwhelming this can be. Suddenly, medical bills start accumulating, your everyday life becomes turned upside down, and you're likely wondering where to even begin. That is where Horn Wright, LLP comes in. Our Vermont distracted driving accident attorneys understand just how tough this is and are here to make sure that you are not walking through it alone.

What is Distracted Driving?

We can't help but be distracted at times, but for a driver to take his eyes off the road, his hands off the steering wheel, or his mind off driving will only take a split second. There are many ways people are distracted while driving. It might be texting, eating, changing the station, or even turning to speak with a passenger.

In a vibrant city like Burlington, with its busy intersections near Church Street Marketplace or the winding streets around Lake Champlain, there’s no room for divided attention. Sadly, accidents caused by distracted drivers happen more often than you’d think. Vermont has seen its share of tragic outcomes, and the ripple effects hit families hard.

What Vermont Law Says About Distracted Driving

There were often signs along I-89 reminding people to put their phone away. Vermont's laws against distracted driving are pretty rigorous. Texting while operating a vehicle? That's strictly illegal. Using a handheld device at all? Not a chance. And should someone be operating a motor vehicle, then the law of the state requires he mind the driving and forget all the rest.

But here is the thing: laws cannot stop every driver from making dangerous choices. So, when someone ignores such rules and causes an accident, that's not just breaking the law; it's risking his and other people’s lives. And that is where accountability comes in.

The Toll of Distracted Driving Accidents

Let's talk about what happens when distracted driving leads to a crash. The injuries? Often serious, even life-changing. Whiplash, broken bones, concussions, and even traumatic brain injuries are just the start. For some, recovery means months—or years—of physical therapy and lost time at work. For others, it means never getting back to the life they once knew.

But physical pain is also not the only real one; this means that psychological pain is every bit true. After an accident people could be stressed, anxious and even angry. You surely are asking yourself questions. Why did this happen to me? How am i supposed to get over all this?

How We Prove Fault in Distracted Driving Crashes

Evidence is everything when it comes to holding a distracted driver liable. It's not enough to simply say, "They weren't paying attention." This takes proof. And this is where we come in. We dig through phone records, dashcam footage, and police reports. Perhaps there's a witness who saw the driver texting, or perhaps someone noticed that she was eating while cruising down Main Street.

Even here in Vermont, there are more things. There's something called comparative negligence. Okay, let's just suppose that the other guy was most to blame, but you might have had one seatbelt on when driving. Vermont comparative negligence holds your share of the guilt for lessening your award, no matter how complex the fact. That's why hiring someone who knows every nut and bolt of the issue will make all the difference.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

This is where you can regain control. Right after the accident, your mind is racing, but there are some steps you can take for self-protection. First, be sure to get medical attention-even if you're feeling fine at the moment. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and you don't want to discover something serious later without a medical record.

Take some pictures of the scene, if that is possible. Take photographs of the vehicles, the skid marks, etc., and anything that may relate to your case. Be sure to speak to witnesses and find out their information; it may come in handy to secure evidence for your case. Fill out a police report: last, but certainly not least.

Last but certainly not least, call us. We will take all that tension off your shoulder so you can get on with healing.

Compensation: What Do You Get Back?

This section is large: you deserve to be compensated for what you have lost. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering-all add up. When one is dealing with the aftermath of a crash, it's easy to feel like the system is stacked against one. Insurance companies? They'll try to downplay your injuries or argue that you're asking for too much.

That's not what happens. We are here to fight for you to get what justly yours is. We'll take you through negotiations, and even all the way to court, so you do not lose a penny.

We're Here to Help Burlington Distracted Driving Accident Victims

Distracted driving is dangerous, and the aftermath of it for victims is disastrous. In case you are experiencing such a fall out of the accident, you don't have to do it by yourself.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we are lawyers who care. We will listen to your story, guide you through this and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Let's face this together. Contact us at (802) 328-9098 today and let us start turning things around for you.