Victims of distracted drivers can suffer serious damages and harm. To help keep everyone safe, distracted driving is prohibited but it remains important for victims of distracted drivers to be familiar with legal protections available to them when harmed by a distracted driver.
Distracted driving protections for victims
Distracted driver includes any visual or manual distraction the driver engages in while driving or any distraction that removes the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway. Driver distractions include using a cell phone while driving; eating and drinking while driving; talking to passengers while driving; grooming while driving; reading while driving; using a navigation system while driving; watching a video while driving; or adjusting a radio other electronic device while driving. Texting while driving is also the most dangerous form of distracted driving.
Distracted driving was a major contributing factor in nearly 800,000 car accident in New Jersey from 2021 to 2016. During 2017 alone, 3,166 victims were killed in distracted driving car accidents.
Distracted drivers in New Jersey face a progressive set of penalties for distracted driving offense. In addition, they may face civil liability to victims for the damages their careless behavior has caused. When a driver decides to drive while distracted, and cause an accident that results in injuries, they may be liable to compensate the victim for their physical, financial and emotional harm suffered.
A personal injury claim for damages can help victims recover compensation for medical expenses and other financial and emotional damages. Victims should be familiar with legal remedies at their disposal when they have been harmed by a distracted driver’s negligence.
