Distracted driving is a leading cause of automobile accidents. Because such incidents continue to occur at an alarming level – often due to cell phone-related distractions – it’s essential to fully grasp their consequences and potential legal ramifications.
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s distracted driving in Freehold, NJ, you may have legal recourse. Clark & Noonan, LLC can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under New Jersey law. Our legal team has 40 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact our law firm at (732) 303 7857 to schedule a free consultation with a Freehold distracted driving accident attorney.
How Clark & Noonan, LLC Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in Freehold, NJ
After experiencing an accident in Freehold, New Jersey, you need a trusted team of experienced personal injury attorneys on your side.
At Clark & Noonan LLC, we offer dedicated and steadfast legal support through these tough times.
Here’s how we can help:
Free Initial Consultation
Our team will provide an initial no-cost consultation where we will listen to what happened to get an understanding of your case and how best to proceed.
Investigate Your Claim
We’ll carry out a detailed investigation, collecting relevant evidence such as accident scene photos, surveillance footage if available, witness testimonies, and anything that helps build a strong case for you.
Deal with Insurance Companies
You won’t need to have frustrating conversations with insurance adjusters. Our team will manage all communications and negotiations, ensuring you aren’t manipulated into accepting less compensation than what your claim is truly worth.
No matter the complexity of your case, our skilled legal team is prepared to give you the care and attention you deserve, working tirelessly for fair compensation and justice. Contact Clark & Noonan, LLC to schedule a free consultation with a Freehold car accident lawyer.
Overview of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving incidents are motor vehicle accidents that occur when the person behind the wheel is not giving their full attention to the task of safe driving. As a result, they endanger everyone else on or near the road – including bicyclists and pedestrians.
How Do Distracted Driving Accidents Happen?
Distracted driving accidents occur when a driver is engaged in an activity that diverts their attention. This can happen in a split second, such as glancing at a text message, or over a more extended period, like having an in-depth conversation on the phone or with a passenger. The distraction reduces the driver’s ability to react to changes or hazards on the road, leading to accidents.
Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents can result from many different activities that draw attention away from responsible vehicle operation. Common causes often include:
Texting or Talking on the Phone
With the rise of smartphones, this has become one of the leading distractions. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or scrolling through social media, this can be a significant distraction, leading to serious injuries and fatalities in some cases.
Use of a GPS
Although navigation devices are helpful, they can also be a source of distraction. Drivers may look away from the road to set or change destinations while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
Eating or Drinking
The act of eating or drinking can involve taking your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and attention away from driving, creating a risk of accidents.
Distractions Outside the Vehicle
Drivers need to be aware of external distractions, such as advertisements or roadside accidents, as these can increase the risk of a collision as well.
Passenger Distractions
While interacting or communicating with passengers is often enjoyable, it simultaneously demands attention that should be dedicated to safe driving, which in turn can easily lead to an accident.
Understanding and avoiding common distractions has the potential to significantly reduce accidents, contributing to safer roads.
Common Injuries Sustained in Distracted Driving Accidents
Car accidents can lead to many types of injuries, varying significantly in severity depending on factors such as speed and the type of collision.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns from explosions or fires
- Spinal cord damage
- Nerve damage
Understanding the potential for severe injury underscores the importance of safe driving habits, alertness behind the wheel, and adherence to road rules at all times.
Who Could Be Liable For a Distracted Driving Accident in Freehold?
When it comes to automobile accidents, New Jersey is classified as a no-fault state. This means that after an accident, regardless of who was at fault, each driver’s own PIP insurance policy typically covers their medical expenses.
However, when injuries are severe, the injured party may be able to hold an at-fault party accountable. In these cases, it’s helpful to understand who could possibly be liable for these accidents. Here’s a look at who could be held responsible:
The Distracted Driver
It is typically the driver engaged in distracting behavior who is found responsible for an accident.
The Driver’s Employer
In certain situations, if the distracted driver was on duty performing work-related tasks at the time of the accident, their employer may also assume some legal liability according to vicarious liability principles.
A Vehicle Manufacturer
In situations where a vehicle defect contributed to causing an accident despite the driver being distracted, liability may extend to the manufacturer of that flawed component as well.
The Victim’s Role – Sharing Blame
Even victims can bear some degree of responsibility under comparative negligence law. If you’re found to share any percentage of blame for what happened, your compensation will be reduced proportionately. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t collect any compensation.
While your PIP insurance may be the first line of financial recovery in New Jersey, this doesn’t always protect others from their potential liability, especially when dealing with serious injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Freehold Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
Navigating the aftermath of a distracted driving accident can be overwhelming and confusing. When facing significant injuries and damages, it’s important for victims to have quality legal representation.
If you or your loved one has suffered from such an incident in Freehold, NJ, or a surrounding area, don’t hesitate to reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney who can advocate effectively on your behalf. Contact Clark & Noonan, LLC, at (732) 303 7857 to schedule a free consultation with a Freehold car accident attorney.