One of the most serious dangers to motorists in New Jersey and across the country is the threat of distracted drivers, or drivers who are texting or talking on their handheld cell phones. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2010 over 416,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver, and 3,092 people were killed in such accidents. Eighteen percent of all roadside injuries reported that year involved a distracted driver.
An example of the danger posed by distracted driving can be seen in a recent car accident. A 22-year old New Jersey woman was texting while driving in New York, and as a result, her vehicle jumped a car rail and collided with oncoming traffic, striking three other cars and injuring eight people. The passengers in the three cars suffered non-life threatening injuries. The distracted driver herself sustained injuries to her head and neck.
In New Jersey, motorists injured by negligent drivers have several options for holding the responsible parties accountable. A person who has suffered because of another driver’s negligent behavior has recourse to New Jersey’s personal injury laws, by which an injured party can obtain fair compensation for medical bills and lost wages, as well as for any pain and suffering resulting from the accident. These payments can be obtained by filing a personal liability lawsuit against the distracted driver.
Our readers in the Moorestown area who want to know more about the rights of injured motorists may want to visit our New Jersey personal injury site. There you’ll find important information about the monetary remedies available to victims who have been injured by another person’s distracted driving.
Source: lohud.com, “N.J. woman, 22, who caused Thruway crash that injured 8 was texting while driving, troopers say,” July 16, 2012