Woodbridge Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
Accidents Caused by Texting & Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most prevalent dangers on today’s roads. When a driver takes their eyes off the road for as little as five seconds—the average amount of time it takes to read or respond to a text message—they can drive the length of an entire football field without noticing other drivers, pedestrians, or potential hazards. This unsafe behavior leads to approximately 3,166 deaths per year.
If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted or texting driver, you could be entitled to financial compensation. At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., our Woodbridge distracted driving accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum recovery you are owed. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients; schedule a free initial consultation today to find out how we can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
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Damages in Distracted Driving Accident Cases
Distracted driving, including cellphone use and texting while driving, has caused countless car accidents in recent years. Drivers are well aware that talking on a phone, looking at a GPS device, or using a tablet or computer while at the wheel is dangerous—yet many continue to tempt fate.
When a distracted driver causes an accident, they can be held liable for neglecting the “duty of care” they owed to you and all other drivers on the road. In New Jersey, no-fault insurance automatically covers medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. However, you cannot recover compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless you meet the state’s “limited right to sue.”
To go outside the state’s no-fault insurance system and bring a claim directly against a negligent driver (or their insurance company), you will need to prove that your injuries caused one of the following:
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent scarring
- Permanent injury
- Loss of a body part
- Loss of a fetus
- A displaced fracture
Cases involving wrongful death also meet the state’s “limited right to sue,” meaning you can bring a lawsuit against an at-fault driver who caused the death of a family member.
If you are able to successfully prove fault in a courtroom or settlement negotiation, you may be able to recover the compensation you need for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
While some distracted driving cases are straightforward, others can be difficult to prove. That’s why you need the experienced legal assistance of Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. Reach out to our Woodbridge distracted driving accident attorneys today to set up a free consultation.
What Are the Three Types of Distractions?
Using cellphones and other electronic devices is not the only way drivers can become distracted behind the wheel. Operating a motor vehicle demands a driver’s full focus, meaning they must refrain from all types of driving distractions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main types of driving distractions:
- Visual distractions, which occur any time a driver takes their eyes off the road
- Manual distractions, which involve a driver taking their hands off the steering wheel
- Cognitive distractions, which happen when a driver focuses on anything other than driving
Even if a driver is not actively using their cellphone, they can be distracted by other things, endangering themselves and those around them. And, because it reduces the driver’s visual, manual, and cognitive skills, distracted driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Texting while driving is especially risky because it combines all three types of distractions and leaves drivers unable to respond to the road around them.
Examples of Common Driving Distractions
Distracted driving can be difficult to avoid for those who commute every day or take long trips. That’s because any non-driving activity you engage in has the potential to distract you. However, every driver should be aware of common driving distractions and take the necessary steps to avoid them.
Behaviors that can be considered distracted driving include:
- Talking or texting on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Grooming, applying makeup, etc.
- Talking to people in the vehicle
- Tending to children or animals
- Adjusting vehicle systems and controls
- Navigating or using a GPS device
- Daydreaming or zoning out
- Taking pictures or videos
- Looking at or posting to social media
- Browsing the internet
- Changing the radio station or music
- Looking at something outside the vehicle, such as an accident or billboard
It takes a great deal of care to avoid all of these behaviors, but this is the duty you owe every other driver on the road—and the duty that every other driver on the road owes to you. If someone else violated the duty of care they owed you by driving while distracted, resulting in a serious injury or the death of your loved one, we can help.
Reach Out to Palmisano & Goodman, P.A.
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, our firm is prepared to do whatever it takes to determine exactly how the accident happened and, most importantly, who is liable. Once we have this information, we will use it to build a strong case on your behalf.
You can count on our legal team to show how the driver was distracted or otherwise behaving negligently at the time of the crash. We are here to help you receive fair and complete compensation to account for the injuries you suffered in your accident. We do not charge any legal fees unless we win and recover compensation on your behalf, so you do not have to worry about the cost of hiring a law firm.
For a complimentary case consultation with one of our distracted driving accident lawyers in Woodbridge, contact us now at (732) 709-4400.
