Car accidents are the leading cause of injury in New York State, with Buffalo having over 10,000 accidents on average each year. If you have been injured while traveling around Buffalo, you may be unable to pay your utility bills or put food on the table. Financial hardship is only one piece of the puzzle, with accident victims suffering long-term physical and emotional trauma.
At Campbell & Associates, our Buffalo car accident lawyers know that you are going through a challenging time. If you or a loved one has been harmed while traveling around The Queen City, we would like to discuss your options.
Distracted Driving
More than 3,200 people are killed in distracted driving accidents each year. Rear-end accidents are the most common type of accident caused by distracted driving. Distracted or inattentive driving involves anything that takes your attention away from your driving, your hands off the wheel, or your eyes off the road. Common examples include texting, having a conversation with passengers, or eating and drinking.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a leading cause of car accidents, killing more than 12,000 people each year. The legal limit in New York State is 0.08%. With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, individuals have been shown to experience sensory impairments, a reduction in fine motor skills, and an inability to assess risk.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving leads to more than 50,000 injuries annually. Fatigued drivers are shown to have reduced reflexes, impaired visual acuity, and decreased cognition. Fatigued driving is comparable to operating a vehicle intoxicated, especially on only four to five hours of sleep. When sharp reflexes and quick thinking are essential, driving fatigued severely impacts your ability to safely navigate traffic.
Reckless Driving
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1212 defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle in a way that “reasonably interferes with the free or proper use of the public highway” or endangers others. Reckless driving may encompass excessive speeding, drag racing, tailgating, honking, and/or yelling profanities. Under New York law, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense, resulting in a criminal record.
Vehicle Defects
In some cases, neither driver may be to blame, but rather a mechanical failure. Accidents caused by a vehicle defect comprise about 13% of all crashes. Common defects include steering system failure, brake failure, and tire blowouts or tread separation. If a vehicle operator applies the brakes and the vehicle does not stop, this is likely to cause a rear-end crash.
Determining Liability in Buffalo Car Accidents
Liability examines which party is legally responsible for your injuries. Vehicle owners have a legal duty to keep their vehicles in a safe operating condition. If a vehicle defect is caused by a lack of maintenance, then the vehicle owner may be held accountable. However, if an individual part fails, then you may file a claim against the vehicle manufacturer.
If your accident was caused by a failed part that you recently had repaired, you may be able to sue the auto repair shop. To prove negligence, you will need to show that the repair shop had a duty to repair your vehicle, that they failed to uphold the duty, and you suffered actual losses due to their carelessness. If you are unsure of which party to hold liable for your collision, you should speak with our Buffalo car accident attorneys.
Reach Out to Our Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers Today
Car accident injuries can lead to physical, emotional, and financial damages. Even after your physical injuries have healed, you may find it difficult to move forward. If you have recently been in a crash caused by another’s oversight or ineptitude, contact our Buffalo car accident attorneys. Our legal team is happy to review your case and discuss your options for recourse. To schedule your free consultation, contact Campbell & Associates online or by calling (716) 992-2222 today.
