Roxbury, NJ Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Fights for Victims
Passionate representation focused on delivering optimal results
From the very first time you sat behind the wheel of an automobile, you were probably told, “Keep your eyes on the road.” And, of course, you had to focus your mind on the task of driving as well. Unfortunately, too many drivers ignore the very first rule of the road with disastrous consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving — that is, operating a vehicle while engaged in some other activity — claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone. The State of New Jersey reports that “driver inattention has been a major contributing cause in nearly 800,000 motor vehicle crashes in the state from 2012 to 2016.” If you were injured in a crash, and you are looking for a New Jersey distracted driving accident attorney, Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. is prepared to help. For more than 25 years, I’ve provided skilled and aggressive representation that gets results for accident victims.
Common distractions that cause car crashes in New Jersey
Studies show that within three seconds of a distraction, an accident is more likely to happen. Imagine you are traveling at highway speed on I-80, Route 46, or another busy artery. In those three seconds, you could have gone half the length of a football field, and the impact could be horrendous. Yet, New Jersey drivers still engage in distracted behavior behind the wheel, such as:
- Texting or reading texts and emails
- Talking on cell phones
- Eating and drinking
- Personal grooming
- Conversing with passengers
- Adjusting a stereo or GPS
- Reaching for objects
Any activity that takes your eyes off traffic, your mind off driving and/or your hands off the wheel is simply too dangerous, especially at high speeds. If you have been seriously injured by a distracted driver, you deserve full personal injury compensation, including reimbursement for your medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering. As an accomplished Morris County car accident attorney, I can help pursue the payment you’re entitled to in a settlement with the insurance company or in court.
Determining fault in a distracted driving accident
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, so regardless of who was responsible for the accident, most injured parties must make claims with their own insurance company. However, if you have a serious injury, you can file a claim against another driver, but you will be required to prove he or she caused the collision. Introducing evidence that the other driver was distracted can be critical in an auto accident case. In our investigations, we often subpoena phone records to see if there was any activity around the time of the crash. Evidence at the scene, such as food wrappers and beverage containers, or verbal admissions by the other driver, can also bolster your argument.
New Jersey’s law on texting while driving
New Jersey law prohibits drivers from using a hand-held cellphone while driving, except to report an emergency. Hands-free devices are permitted. Fines for violations are as follows:
- First offense — A fine of up to $400
- Second offense — A fine up to $600
- Third offense — A fine of up to $800, three penalty points on the license and potential suspension of license
A violation is a primary offense, so authorities can pull a driver over and issue a citation even if no other basis exists for a stop.
Contact a proven distracted driving accident lawyer in Succasunna, NJ
For more than 25 years, Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. has assisted victims of auto accidents, including those caused by distracted driving, in Sussex and Morris counties. To schedule a free consultation, call 862-354-8931 or contact me online. My office is conveniently located in Succasunna at 15 Commerce Boulevard, just off Route 10.