Distracted Driving Can Lead to a Serious, if Not Fatal, Car Crash

In New Jersey and elsewhere, distracted driving is a major issue. Such behavior, which is far too commonly seen, often results is auto collisions. As such, after a car crash, it is standard procedure for authorities to investigate if phone usage or other distractions contributed to the event.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day approximately 1,161 people are injured and another eight are killed in collisions involving distracted drivers. This adds up to hundreds of thousands of injuries and many deaths every single year. That is a lot of people and families who suffer physical, psychological and/or even financial damages as a result.

What does distracted driving mean? Distracted driving occurs when a driver is focusing on anything that removes his or her attention from the road. According to experts, distractions come in three basic forms: manual, visual and cognitive. Meaning one’s hands may be removed from the wheel; one’s eyes may be removed from the road and one’s mind may be focused on personal concerns rather than operating one’s vehicle. Examples of these include:

• Texting
• Reading
• Grooming
• Engaging with passengers
• Thinking about work, school or other personal commitments

One who has been negatively affected by a distracted driver — either as a victim or the surviving family member of a victim — may have legal recourse. Civil claims, such as personal injury or wrongful death actions, may be filed in a New Jersey court in an effort to recoup any losses sustained in the car crash. If litigation proves successful, a monetary judgment for all recoverable damages may be awarded.

Source: cdc.gov, “Distracted Driving“, Accessed on Nov. 23, 2016