Distractions abound today, whether it is on the road or the sidewalk. They can be a serious problem for drivers. If a driver's distraction on the road in New Jersey causes an accident, and you get injured, you may have a personal injury claim to file.
At Mongiardo Law Group, our personal injury lawyers in Passaic County will review your case and help identify whether a distraction was the cause or a contributing factor to an accident, and then lay out your options for you. Making sure you get the compensation you deserve is the best way to recover from the losses you endured. Contact Mongiardo Law Group today at (973) 298-4557 or online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and to protect your rights.
Is Distracted Driving in New Jersey Considered Negligence?
The short, unsatisfying answer to this question is: maybe. In order to understand when and how distracted driving can be considered negligence, it is important to understand what, exactly, comprises negligence.
Negligence is a theory in tort law that allows people to obtain compensation if four specific elements are present and proven: duty, breach, causation, and damages. First, the other party must have a duty to act in a certain way. (Drivers owe everyone on and around the roadways a duty of care to drive safely and in accordance with the law.) Next, they must have breached this duty, and the breach must have led to your injury and the damages flowing from the injury. Finally, the party seeking compensation must have actually incurred damages.
Common Distractions while Driving
Anything that takes your attention away from the road while driving can be considered a distraction. However, different types of distractions can impact drivers in different ways.
Visual
Visual distractions are anything that takes a driver's eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include the following:
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Texting or using smartphones in any other capacity
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Changing the radio station
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Trying to manage pets that are not in a carrier or otherwise restrained
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Turning around to communicate with someone in the backseat, especially children
It is obviously critical for drivers to be able to see what is going on on the road in front of them, which means that seemingly minor visual distractions can have devastating consequences.
Manual
Manual distractions are anything that makes a driver take their hands off the wheel while driving. Manual distractions may seem less dangerous than visual distractions if a driver still has their eyes on the road. Some situations, however, require split second reactions, and so not having hands on the wheel to immediately react can be the difference between a close call and a serious accident.
Cognitive
Cognitive distractions are anything that takes a driver's mind off the road. They are similar to manual distractions in that they can seem more benign than visual accidents, but can have the same catastrophic consequences. Cognitive distractions can be anything from chatting with a friend to simply thinking hard about an emotional situation.
Compensation You Can Expect after a Distracted Driving Accident in Passaic County
One of the main concerns many car accident victims have is being made financially whole after their accident. There are many things that an accident victim could potentially be eligible to seek compensation for, and they generally fit into a couple of main categories.
Economic damages are financial losses that victims incur, which include medical bills, replacing a car, and even lost wages from being unable to work. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intended to compensate a victim for the pain and suffering that they experience as a result of their accident.
Why You Need an Auto Accident Attorney in New Jersey
After making sure that your medical needs are taken care of, it is important to make sure that your legal interests are protected. Having an attorney by your side is critical to make sure your interests and rights are upheld. The evidence can fall on highly technical or hard to prove claims, so you want the experience an attorney has to offer. You do not want to settle for less than what is owed.
Contact an Auto Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer in Passaic County Today
At Mongiardo Law Group, it is our job to make sure you get the representation you need in your personal injury claim. Contact Mongiardo Law Group today at (973) 298-4557 or online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and to protect your rights.
