New Jersey Car Accident: Big Consequences for Small Activities

People in New Jersey and across the country often get distracted by a number of small activities while in their vehicles. While there is only one thing a driver should be focused on, diverting one’s eyes from the road is something most seem to do for one reason or another. A seemingly small and insignificant activity can have big consequences, such as causing a car accident.

The collisions that result from driver distractions are often severe in nature. Thousands are killed and hundreds of thousands are injured over the course of a year because of the inattentiveness to the most important task at hand. So, what are some of these small activities that can result in so much damage and heartache? Common distractions include:

• The use of cell phones and other electronic devices
• Grooming
• Talking to, or otherwise interacting with passengers
• Eating and/or drinking
• The use of navigation systems

It is not uncommon to see people completing any one of these tasks everyday. With the use of cell phones and other electronic devices being a major concern on a national level, and the cause of various public safety campaigns, the other distractions may not seem as significant. However, any activity that diverts one’s eyes from the road for any amount of time can have severe consequences.

An individual, whether residing in New Jersey or elsewhere, who has been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident due to the actions of a distracted driver may seek compensation for his or her losses. Civil claims, such as those filed for personal injuries and/or wrongful deaths and survival actions, may be pursued in court. If, after a complete investigation into the cause of a collision, proof of negligence can be established in court, financial reparations may be awarded.

Source: aaafoundation.org, “Distracted Driving“, Accessed on July 24, 2015