When you get behind the wheel, you may do everything in your power to ensure you arrive at your destination safely. This often means buckling your seat belt, adhering to road signs, using your directional, and silencing your phone. However, many others do not take safety seriously, and as a result, you may be injured if they are driving while distracted. Unfortunately, navigating the process of filing a claim after an accident caused by distracted driving can be difficult. As such, it is in your best interest to keep reading to learn more about these accidents and how to proceed with the help of a New Jersey auto accident lawyer to help you navigate this process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Generally, anytime someone does not have their full attention on the road while driving, it can be considered distracted driving. There are typically three different forms of distracted driving someone can engage in.
The first are visual distractions. These occur any time someone removes their eyes from the road ahead, such as to look at their phone, search for something in their center console, or turn around to talk to passengers.
The next kind of distraction is manual distractions, which have grown increasingly more common as a result of cellular devices. These distractions occur when a driver takes their hands off the wheel for any reason. Most commonly, this is due to texting while driving, but it can also occur as a result of eating, changing the radio, or setting up a GPS.
Finally, cognitive distractions occur any time someone behind the wheel is not focused on driving. Generally, this can include talking on the phone, daydreaming, or even thinking about what to have for dinner.
While taking your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind of the tasks at hand for a moment or two may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to catastrophic accidents as you may miss a pedestrian in the crosswalk, the car in front of you braking, or a stop sign.
How Can I Fight for Compensation?
If you are involved in an accident in which you believe the other driver was distracted, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself. Generally, the most important thing you should do following a collision is contact emergency services to request a police presence and medical attention. Once they arrive on the scene, the police can compile a report, while the emergency medical technicians can assess and treat you for any injuries endured in the collision.
Next, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene if you are physically able to. This includes the damage to both vehicles, the license plates of all vehicles involved, where the vehicles are positioned in relation to each other, and any injuries you sustained. However, you may also want to take pictures of the interior of the other vehicle, which can help provide information as to how the accident occurred. For example, the photo you take may show food or makeup flung around the vehicle, suggesting the driver was eating or applying cosmetics in the moments leading up to the accident.
Finally, you’ll want to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney from the Law Office of Craig M. Rotherberg. Our dedicated team will explore all avenues to help you fight for the compensation you deserve when you are injured due to the negligent actions of others. Contact us today to learn more.
