Ocean Township Car Accident Lawyers

Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Distracted driving is a serious problem facing all motorists. With the rise of smartphones, social media apps, GPS, and more, drivers have an ever-increasing opportunity to turn their attention away from the road.

For more than two decades, Falcon Law Firm, LLC has fought for the rights of injured persons. If you or a loved one have been hurt due to the negligent actions of another, our Pennsylvania and New Jersey distracted driving accident attorneys can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to one of our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers today by clicking here or calling (732) 838-5435 for a free evaluation of your case.

In This Article

• What is Distracted Driving in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
• What is the Definition of Distracted Driving in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
• What Damages are Available in a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit?
• What Are the Three Main Categories of Distracted Driving?
• How A Distracted Driving Attorney Can Help
• Contact The Distracted Driving Attorneys of Falcon Law Firm

What is Distracted Driving in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?

Distracted driving is a term that covers a broad spectrum of behaviors while operating a motor vehicle. Typically, distracted driving has become synonymous with teenagers texting while behind the wheel. However, sipping coffee during the morning commute or scrolling for a different song on the radio is equally distracting.

In the last reporting year, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that over 3,000 people lost their lives due to distracted drivers. The report goes on to define distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving,” including:

• Talking or texting on a cell phone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking and interacting with the people in your vehicle, including babies, children, friends, and co-workers
• Fidgeting with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system

What is the Definition of Distracted Driving in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?

Statistically, distracted driving has steadily increased over the years in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While texting or social media apps tend to be the predominant factor, “anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving” is considered a distraction.

New Jersey distracted driving by the numbers

The Official Site of the State of New Jersey has compiled a comprehensive analysis of distracted driving facts and statistics:

• Between 2012 and 2016, distracted driving has significantly contributed to nearly 800,000 traffic accidents
• 8% of adolescent drivers involved in fatal car accidents were reportedly distracted at the time of the crash
• A quarter of teens reportedly respond to a text message one or more times while driving
• 20% of teenagers and 10% of parents surveyed admit to carrying on extended texting conversations
• 23% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were between 20 and 29 years of age
• Visual-manual tasks, like reaching for a phone, typing messages, clicking the navigational app or system, increase the risk of a car accident by three times

Pennsylvania distracted driving by the numbers

Pennsylvania is also battling distracted driving, as seen in the recent Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics report:

• There were more than 128,000 traffic accidents across the state
• 1,190 people were fatally injured on Pennsylvania roads
• Over 78,000 people suffered injuries
• In the last five years, fatal crashes have increased by 4.7%
• Distracted driving was responsible for 15.5% of all automobile accidents

What Damages are Available in a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit?

At Falcon Law Firm, LLC, we believe negligent parties should be held accountable for the harm they inflict on others. You may be entitled to damages, including:

• Full coverage of your medical expenses related to the accident
• Lost wages if you are unable to work
• Loss of future income
• Pain and suffering damages
• Emotional distress damages
• Possible punitive damages for gross negligence

What Are the Three Main Categories of Distracted Driving?

At Falcon Law Firm, LLC, our New Jersey and Pennsylvania distracted driving accident lawyers understand the significance of car crash data. Drivers continue to engage in risky behavior behind the wheel.

In some cases, distracted driving may result from adults attempting to multitask. Teenagers may know better than to answer their phone when it rings, but may be distracted by a notification. If they glance down instinctively to see if the notification was a text message or a Snapchat, they have spent seconds distracted from the road.

The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, separate distracted driving into three categories:

• Cognitive:
  Cognitive distractions describe the act of letting your mind wander.
  If you have ever driven home from work on a familiar route, only to arrive and not remember the drive, you may have been cognitively distracted.

• Manual:
  Manual distractions are the physical act of removing your hands from the steering wheel to accomplish a separate activity.
  If a parent attempts to soothe a crying toddler by reaching into the diaper bag, searching by hand for a pacifier, then goes behind the seat to hand the pacifier to the crying child, the parent has been manually distracted from driving.

• Visual:
  Visual distractions engage the driver’s attention and involve looking away from the road.
  For example, if a family plays “I Spy” on a road trip, the passengers may enjoy spotting different landmarks, cars and trucks, and planes in the sky. However, if the driver plays and spies a yellow car or a cow, they have diverted their attention from the road momentarily and engaged in visual distractions.

Distracted driving accounts for more than simple cell phone use. Bad habits and everyday scenarios are also to blame.

How A Distracted Driving Attorney Can Help

After an automobile collision, the determination of fault can be complex. In addition, filing a car accident claim is not a simple process. An accident victim must overcome numerous challenges to receive a settlement for their claim. In many cases, insurance companies may deny a legitimate claim, forcing an accident victim to undergo a complicated series of appeals.

At Falcon Law Firm, LLC, our Pennsylvania and New Jersey distracted driving car accident lawyers are here to help. We will:

• Thoroughly investigate your case, gathering key evidence to support your claim and prove fault.
  Determining liability is one of the most important steps to recovering compensation. Our dedicated attorneys will interview witnesses, retain investigators, gather police reports, cell phone reports, social media messages, and any other evidence that can prove the driver was distracted at the time of the accident.

• Prepare and file extensive paperwork associated with the claims process.
  Our skilled staff has been handling car accident cases for over two decades. We prepare documents with careful attention to detail and deadlines to ensure you receive your settlement as quickly as possible.

• Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
  Insurance companies are skilled negotiators with specific training to keep payouts at a minimum. In some cases, an insurance adjuster may use unsavory tactics to pressure accident victims into accepting a lower sum than they deserve. Our talented litigators can evaluate your case, determine the potential value, and work to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company.

In the event the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, we will happily represent your best interests in court and seek the verdict you need to move on with your life.

We prepare documents with careful attention to detail and deadlines to ensure you receive your settlement as quickly as possible.

The Distracted Driving Attorneys of Falcon Law Firm, LLC Will Fight to Secure Your Compensation

Distracted driving contributes to more injuries and fatalities on the roads every year. Adolescents and adults alike are guilty of engaging in various types of distractions every day. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to the careless acts of a driver, consult with one of our New Jersey and Pennsylvania distracted driving accident attorneys today.

Call and schedule your free consultation with Falcon Law Firm, LLC today by clicking here or calling (732) 838-5435. We have extensive experience handling distracted driving cases, and work hard to ensure our clients obtain the best damages award possible under the law.

Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit FAQs

Verdicts and Settlements

Our track record speaks for itself. Here are a few examples of the results we obtain on behalf of our clients through hard work and dedication:

$3.3 Million Settlement
Our team obtained a $3.3 million settlement for a woman who was involved in an accident where her car was rear-ended by a truck.

$1.5 Million Jury Award
The attorneys at the Falcon Law Firm secured a $1.5 million jury award after a man was injured in an auto related accident.

$900,000 Settlement
We obtained a $900,000 settlement for a woman who was injured in an auto accident. She sustained injuries to her neck and was unable to work after the accident.

Client Testimonials

Read what our clients are saying about the legal services provided by Falcon Law Firm:

My mom and I were represented by Falcon Law Firm following a motor vehicle accident for which we both required medical care. Pat and Alex advised us as we received care and negotiated on our behalf to receive a fair settlement in our case. The staff at Falcon Law Firm demonstrated professionalism and integrity in all that they do. We hope to never require legal services again, but if we do, we will not turn anywhere else. Falcon Law Firm has our highest recommendation!
– A. Gagnon

They listen and respond to your concerns and work diligently to resolve and achieve compensation for you and your family.
They always have time and answer any question and will review everything with you to make sure you understand what the process will be.
They work very hard for you and want to ensure you receive the best possible defense. They are very attentive and respond very quickly.
– K. Little

Patrick is amazing! Patrick and his whole staff have been so helpful and great. They understood my needs and worked all together to fight for me and also helped me throughout my whole recovery after my accident. I received an outstanding settlement because of their outstanding work. Thank you Patrick and thank you to everyone at the Falcon law firm!
– M. De