In the wake of a storm, car accidents abound. Although the recent, so-called Blizzard Nemo has come and gone, its hazardous residue remains: icy streets, snow covered roads, displaced trees and debris, and so on. In light of this, Breslin and Breslin would like to remind readers of the perils of distracted driving–especially in these winter months.
Distracted driving (that is: eating, drinking, texting, reading a map, operating a handheld device or performing any other activity that diverts a driver’s attention) increases the risk of a serious accident and endangers the lives of not only the distracted driver and his passengers, but also anyone else in the vicinity. Even in the most agreeable climates, distracted driving creates an unnecessary safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians; now imagine these unsafe driving practices coupled with blizzard conditions like icy streets and limited visibility, and the likelihood of an accident increases severalfold.
Last year, driver inattention contributed to over 170 traffic fatalities in New Jersey. Unsurprisingly, many of these deadly accidents occurred in dangerous weather conditions where road safety was already compromised. In an effort to curb the number of distracted driving deaths, New Jersey legislators passed a law banning drivers from using handheld cellular devices while operating a vehicle. Sponsors of the law approved a plan that would “give New Jersey the toughest hands-free cell phone law violation in the nation,” with fines of up to $800 for a simple violation, and penalties including prison time and fines of $150,000 for accidents resulting in serious harm or death. In addition to criminal charges, distracted drivers may also be held liable for the monetary damage done by their accident in civil court. The auto accident lawyers at Breslin and Breslin can assist you in filing these claims.
At Breslin and Breslin, our experienced car accident attorneys have the necessary resources to help ensure that anyone injured as a result of another driver’s negligence is compensated fairly for his or her losses. Our venerated team of auto accident lawyers have assisted countless men and women injured in car accidents file their claims and seek maximum compensation for their injuries.
Have you or a loved one suffered injuries as a result of an auto accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for vehicle damages, medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. There is a time limit on filing car accident claims in New Jersey though, and if it expires you may become ineligible for a recovery. If you suspect distracted driving played a role in your accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Breslin and Breslin car accident lawyer today and find out if you are entitled to a reward.
