Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in Linden, NJ
According to New Jersey’s Attorney General, distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on the state’s roadways. The issue is cited as a major contributing factor in nearly 800,000 motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey from 2012 to 2016. Across the nation, roughly 3,200 people lost their lives as a result of distracted driving collisions in 2017 alone.
Distracted driving is a dangerous situation that has caused state lawmakers to impose strict laws in an attempt to circumvent drivers from distracted driving. Pursuant New Jersey’s distracted driving law, NJ Rev Stat §39:4-97.3 (2013), it is a ticket-able offense to use a handheld phone while driving. Even as the state works toward imposing harsher consequences for those who choose to engage in distracted driving, the law does not impose consequences for other types of distractions, such as eating or grooming.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident that was caused as a result of a suspected distracted driver, it is important to seek the legal guidance of an experienced auto accident attorney.
Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys With More Than a Decade in Legal Experience
The experienced attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC are highly regarded in the field of auto accident cases involving negligent drivers. For more than a decade, the dedicated law firm has helped injured auto accident victims obtain the compensation they deserved. The firm is highly experienced in working with difficult insurance agencies. Before accepting a low balled settlement offer, allow the proficient team at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC advocate on your behalf. Consider scheduling a no-obligation consultation with the law firm today.
What Is Considered as Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving occurs when the driver does any activity that diverts his or her attention from the road or from driving. The agency has categorized distracted driving into the following segments:
- Manual Distraction – This occurs whenever the driver takes his or her hands off the steering wheel.
- Visual Distraction – Visual distraction occurs when the driver takes his or her eyes off the road ahead.
- Cognitive Distraction – This can occur when the driver is not paying attention to his or her surroundings and may be thinking of other things except the driving.
Common Actions That Constitute Distracted Driving – Any action that distracts a driver can place that driver and others on the road at serious risk of injury. The following common tasks that can lead to distracted driving accidents: Reading, Texting, Talking to passengers, Talking on the phone, Watching videos on the phone, Using the rear view mirror to groom, Checking emails, and Adjusting the air conditioner or radio.
The Continued Issue With Texting While Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that texting is still the most alarming distraction. Any time a person reads or sends a text message, the driver diverts his or her attention from the road for a minimum of five seconds. Even when traveling at the moderate speed of 55 miles per hour, the length of time the driver will be focused on the phone instead of the road can run the length of an entire football field.
Based on the agency’s traffic safety fact sheet, Driver Electronic Device Use in 2018, the amount of passenger vehicle drivers talking on handheld phones has increased in the last few years. The fact sheet adds that the amount of drivers talking on handheld phones between 2017 and 2017 amounted to approximately 472,486. Other notable data reported in the fact sheet indicates that:
- Female drivers were more likely to use a handheld cell phone while driving than male drivers.
- The use of handheld cell phones continues to be the highest among those between 16 to 24 years of age.
- The use of handheld cell phones continues to be the lowest among drivers between the ages of 70 and older, although their use of a device has increased in the last few years.
Auto Accidents Involving Distracted Drivers Can Be Challenging – Obtain the Proficient Legal Guidance
Being involved in an auto accident that was caused as a result of a distracted driver can be a terrifying experience. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in serious injuries that require expensive medical treatments. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that was caused by a negligent driver, seek the legal guidance of a proficient law firm.
Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC is a results-driven law firm, determined in securing a maximum compensation for their clients. They have an established reputation in handling complex auto accident cases that arise from another’s negligent actions. After suffering a car accident, obtain the legal representation of Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Consider scheduling a no-obligation consultation with the law firm today.
