Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in New Jersey

Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Focusing on Justice for Victims

Clifton Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Focusing on Justice for Victims in Essex County, Hudson County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Union County, and Throughout North Jersey

Car accidents caused by distracted driving devastate thousands of New Jersey families each year, leaving victims to deal with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and lost income. When a driver's momentary inattention leads to a life-altering collision, victims need a dedicated distracted driving accident lawyer in New Jersey who understands both the legal complexities and the personal challenges they face during recovery. At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we've committed more than 25 years to fighting for victims and have recovered over $500 million for our clients throughout New Jersey.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the road. This dangerous behavior has become a leading cause of preventable accidents on New Jersey roads. When a distracted driver's negligence causes harm, victims have the legal right to seek full compensation for their damages.

Common Types of Driver Distractions

These distractions impair a driver's ability to focus on the road, leading to preventable accidents:

Visual Distractions:

• Cell phone use for texting or browsing
• Looking at GPS navigation systems
• Checking social media while driving

Manual Distractions:

• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting the radio or climate controls
• Applying makeup or grooming

Cognitive Distractions:

• Engaging in intense phone conversations
• Daydreaming or being lost in thought
• Emotional distress affecting concentration

New Jersey Cellphone Laws and Accident Claims

New Jersey prohibits the use of handheld communication devices while driving. This includes talking, texting, emailing, or browsing the internet while operating a motor vehicle. Violations result in substantial fines and can be used as evidence of negligence in your accident case. Cell phone records, witness testimony, and physical evidence can establish device usage at the time of the crash, significantly strengthening your case for compensation.

Penalties include:

• First offense: $200 minimum fine
• Second offense: $400 minimum fine
• Third and subsequent offenses: $600 minimum fine plus potential license suspension and 3 motor vehicle penalty points

*Comprehensive Representation for All Types of Vehicle Collisions

What to Do if Your Car Accident Was Caused by a Distracted Driver

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights

The moments following a car accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, the actions you take in these critical moments can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. By following these steps, you can help protect your claim's value:

• Ensure safety first: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately, even if injuries appear minor, as some symptoms may not manifest immediately.
• Report the accident: New Jersey law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Wait for police and cooperate fully with their investigation.
• Document evidence of distraction: Note any signs the other driver was distracted—phone in hand, food wrappers, applying makeup, or admissions about not paying attention. This evidence is crucial for your claim.
• Exchange information: Collect names, contact details, license information, and insurance information from all drivers involved. Also, gather witness contact information.
• Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. Document the exact location, weather conditions, and time of day.
• Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries don't show symptoms right away, and medical records provide essential documentation for your claim.
• Report to insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but provide only basic facts. Do not give recorded statements or accept settlement offers without legal advice.
• Reach out to Corradino & Papa, LLC: Immediately after your accident, begin protecting your rights by securing experienced legal counsel.

What Not to Do After an Accident

Following a distracted driving accident, certain actions can significantly harm your case and reduce your potential compensation. Avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal representation, as adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you. Never admit fault or apologize at the scene—fault determination is complex and should be left to legal professionals. Additionally, don't delay seeking medical attention or fail to document your injuries, as gaps in treatment can be used to argue that your injuries weren't serious or accident-related.

How to Prove Distracted Driving

Evidence That May Support a Claim

Proving distracted driving requires strategic evidence collection, including cell phone records showing device usage at the time of the accident, witness statements describing the driver's behavior before the crash, and surveillance footage capturing the driver looking down or engaging in distracting activities. Accident reconstruction reports can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence to demonstrate that the driver failed to brake or take evasive action, indicating distraction.

Establishing Negligence in Court

Successfully proving distracted driving requires demonstrating four key elements: duty of care (legal obligation to operate safely), breach of duty (violation through distraction), causation (distraction directly caused the accident), and damages (you suffered actual harm). Working with skilled personal injury lawyers who understand New Jersey's distracted driving laws strengthens your case and improves your chances of securing fair compensation through thorough evidence gathering and compelling legal arguments.

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Legal Process and Statute of Limitations

Filing Deadlines in New Jersey

New Jersey's statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including distracted driving accidents, is two years from the accident date. This deadline is strictly enforced—missing it permanently bars your right to seek compensation, regardless of how clear the other driver's fault may be. Acting quickly ensures you don't miss this critical deadline and forfeit your opportunity for justice and financial recovery.

Important considerations:

• Claims involving government entities may have shorter notice requirements (as little as 90 days)
• Discovery of injuries rule may apply in rare circumstances
• Minors may have extended time limits in certain situations

Is New Jersey a Fault or No-Fault State?

New Jersey follows a modified no-fault system where your own insurance company initially covers medical expenses and financial losses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue claims against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet New Jersey's "verbal threshold" or exceed your "limitation on lawsuit" policy selection, allowing you to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not covered by PIP.

Maximize Your Compensation for Distracted Driving Injuries

Types of Damages You May Be Entitled To:

• Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment Costs
• Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
• Pain and Suffering Compensation
• Property Damage and Vehicle Replacement

Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

How Corradino & Papa, LLC Can Help

At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we provide comprehensive legal support for distracted driving accident victims throughout New Jersey. Our dedicated team handles every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.

Thorough Investigation and Documentation

As your distracted driving accident lawyer in New Jersey, we conduct detailed investigations to establish liability by collecting evidence, securing phone records, and consulting with specialists. We meticulously document all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Strategic Negotiation and Litigation

We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from their tactics to minimize payouts. When necessary, our team—including four attorneys certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as Civil Trial Attorneys—will take your case to court with compelling arguments and expert testimony.

Ongoing Support and Convenience

You'll have direct access to your attorney and receive regular updates throughout your case. Our Clifton-based team offers multilingual services and can meet you at our office, your home, or the hospital. We advance all costs and only collect fees when we secure compensation for you.

Why Choose the Clifton Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?

When selecting legal representation after a distracted driving accident, your choice can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Corradino & Papa, LLC stands apart from other firms for several compelling reasons.

Proven Track Record of Success

Our firm has recovered over $500 million for injury victims, with millions secured specifically for car accident cases. This demonstrated success reflects our ability to maximize compensation for our clients, even in complex distracted driving cases.

Deep Experience in Distracted Driving Cases

With more than 130 years of combined experience, our legal team has handled countless distracted driving accident claims. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have developed effective strategies to overcome them.

Supreme Court Certified Trial Attorneys

Four of our distracted driving accident lawyers in New Jersey hold certification from the New Jersey Supreme Court as Civil Trial Attorneys—a distinction earned by fewer than 3% of lawyers in the state. This certification reflects our advanced litigation capabilities should your case need to go to trial.

Comprehensive Resources

Our team includes 10 attorneys and a full support staff dedicated to investigating, developing, and presenting your case effectively. We advance all costs associated with your claim and have the financial resources to see even the most challenging cases through to resolution.

About Distracted Driving Auto Accident Claims in New Jersey

Distracted driving has become a leading cause of traffic accidents in New Jersey. Drivers using cell phones, adjusting navigation systems, or eating while driving frequently cause collisions on busy highways like the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike, as well as on Routes 3, 46, and 21 in the Clifton area. Our firm has seen these preventable crashes increase dramatically in recent years.

These accidents often result in more severe injuries because the at-fault driver fails to brake or take evasive action before impact. Victims commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones when struck by a driver who was texting, using social media, or otherwise not watching the road.

Contact the Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don't wait to get the legal support you need. The dedicated attorneys in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC are ready to review your case and explain your options during a free, no-obligation consultation.

We're available 24/7 to answer your questions, and we can meet you at our office, your home, or even the hospital if needed. Call us today at 973-381-1706 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries.