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Distracted Drivers
Bhatt Law Group has experienced car accident attorneys in Jersey City with decades of combined experience helping people with their car accident claims. Call us for a free consultation on your legal options.
Book a Free Consultation You pay nothing until we win.Cellphones and Mobile Devices
Each year more states pass restrictions on cell phone use while driving. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that 14 states, including New Jersey and New York, ban the use of cellphones while driving. A recent study by the American Journal of Public Health links the passage of these bans to a significant decrease in car accident injuries. The study shows that hospitalizations from car accidents declined between 2003 and 2010 in states that passed restrictions on the use of mobile devices while driving.
Despite restrictions on mobile device use while driving, distracted driving continues to be a problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a report showing that a crash is 23 times more likely when a driver is using a mobile device. In 30 percent of all car crashes in the U.S., drivers admit to using a mobile device right before the accident. NHTSA also found that using a cellphone while driving may be more dangerous than driving with a blood alcohol level that is above the legal limit.
Other Distractions
Although cellular phones are a leading cause of distracted driving, other situations can also cause a driver to be so distracted that they have an accident, including:
- Slowing down and looking at accidents or other drivers
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Diverting attention to passengers
- Adjusting car climate or radio controls
- Grooming activities (applying make-up, fixing hair or clothing, etc.)
- Reading items inside or outside the car
- Watching a video
- Operating a navigation system
- Smoking
Distracted Drivers in New Jersey
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety indicates that distracted drivers are a major traffic problem in the state. In 2014, New Jersey reported that there were 1,758 accidents related to cell phone use. These accidents injured 761 people and killed six. Distracted drivers may be held liable for causing accidents through personal injury claims. Drivers have a duty of care to other drivers who share the road, and that duty includes paying sufficient attention and focus to the task of driving. If they fail to do so, and cause a crash, then they may be held responsible.
A Jersey City Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
For more than a decade, our lawyers in Jersey City have been helping people throughout the state pursue compensation for injury claims, and we may be able to help you if you’ve been injured by a distracted driver. You may be entitled to compensation for the following past and future losses:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
Distracted drivers are a leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey. Texting or using mobile devices is the most common distraction and can also cause serious crashes. If you’ve been injured in a car accident because of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party.
Call us for a free initial consultation at (201) 798-8000 so we can discuss the unique facts and circumstances of your case. One of
Recent Settlements
$2,300,000 Settlement
Our client’s car was t-boned by a commercial vehicle. As a result, she required multiple lumbar spine surgeries. Bhatt Law Group immediately filed a lawsuit and retained experts. Prior to trial and after several depositions, we were able to obtain a settlement on behalf of our client.
$2,000,000 Settlement
Our client’s vehicle rolled over several times after being side-swiped by an 18 wheeler. This resulted in significant injuries to his neck and back. Client was unable to return to work because of his injuries. The insurance company contested the liability but after filing suit, serving discovery, and taking depositions, Bhatt Law Group was able to settle this case.
$1,750,000 Settlement
Our client was struck by a car that was attempting to make an illegal u-turn. This resulted in significant damage to our client’s car and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Our client required both back and knee surgery and physical therapy.
$1,300,000 Settlement
Our client was injured in a motor vehicle accident. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to her spine.
$950,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when she was struck by a motor vehicle when crossing the street. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a fractured leg and injuries to her back. This was a difficult liability case but the settlement was obtained as a result of strong settlement negotiations.
$825,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when he slipped and fell on ice. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a broken ankle.
$375,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when he was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle in Jersey City. The liability insurance carrier argued low impact with minimal property damage and our client’s age to minimize the extent of his damages. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to his neck and back resulting in multiple injections including a two level lumbar fusion and discectomy surgery. This settlement was the result of strategic preparation and strong settlement negotiations.
$100,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maplewood. The claim had its complexities due to the claimant’s ongoing health issues, prior accident history and age. As a result of the subject accident, our client sustained an aggravation of injuries to her neck, back and right shoulder resulting in a one level discectomy with instrumentation. The bodily insurance carrier tendered its insured’s policy limits prior to the two year statute of limitations and without extensive litigation.
$75,000 Settlement
Multi-motor vehicle accident involving our client who suffered back injuries requiring injections.
* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.