What is the statute for distracted driving in New Jersey?

New Jersey's primary distracted driving law is N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3, which prohibits the use of handheld wireless communication devices while driving. The law makes it illegal to use a handheld phone for talking, texting, emailing, or browsing the internet while operating a motor vehicle. Fines range from $200-$400 for first offenses, escalating to $600-$800 and potential license suspension for third and subsequent violations within a ten-year period.

How do you prove a driver was distracted?

Proving driver distraction often requires thorough investigation and multiple forms of evidence. Cell phone records can establish phone usage at the time of the accident, while surveillance footage or dashcam video might capture the driver looking down or holding a device. Witness testimony from passengers or other motorists who observed the driver's behavior before the crash is also valuable evidence. Additionally, admission of distraction by the driver to police, first responders, or in social media posts can provide crucial evidence of negligence.

Is distracted driving gross negligence?

Distracted driving can rise to the level of gross negligence in certain circumstances, though it's evaluated case by case. While ordinary negligence involves failure to use reasonable care, gross negligence demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others. A driver who deliberately watches videos while driving through a school zone or texts extensively while speeding might be found grossly negligent. This distinction matters because gross negligence can sometimes allow for punitive damages beyond compensatory damages in New Jersey.

How long do I have to file a distracted driving accident claim in New Jersey?

New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from distracted driving accidents. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, or you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation. There may be limited exceptions to this rule in certain cases. Consulting with a distracted driving accident lawyer in New Jersey from our firm promptly after an accident ensures you don't miss critical deadlines.

What types of compensation can I recover in a distracted driving accident claim?

Victims of distracted driving accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on their injuries and circumstances. Economic damages cover tangible costs like medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages address intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving permanent injuries, you may also recover compensation for future medical expenses and diminished earning capacity throughout your lifetime.

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Car Accident Lawyers In New Jersey/

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

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

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
Comprehensive Representation for All Types of Vehicle Collisions
What to Do if Your Car Accident Was Caused by a Distracted Driver
Overview of Legal Processes in Distracted Driving Car Accident Claims in New Jersey
How Corradino & Papa, LLC Can Help
Why Choose the Clifton Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?
About Distracted Driving Auto Accident Claims in New Jersey
Contact the Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation

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 of car accidents throughout New Jersey. Our team understands the devastating consequences of distracted driving and works tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable. With over $500 million recovered for our clients and a track record of securing maximum compensation for car accident victims, we handle every aspect of your claim while you concentrate on what matters most—your recovery.

Comprehensive Representation for All Types of Vehicle Collisions

Our Clifton distracted driving accident attorneys handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:

Distracted Driving Accidents
Drunk Driving Accidents
Fatigued Driver Accidents
Hit and Run Accidents
Intersection Accidents
Rear End Accidents
Texting While Driving Accidents
Unsafe Roadway Accidents
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Highway Accidents
Rideshare Accidents
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
And more…

As a distracted driving accident attorney team, we understand the unique challenges that arise in each type of collision. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, identify all liable parties, and build compelling arguments for maximum compensation.

No matter what kind of car accident you've experienced, our team has likely handled similar cases and secured favorable outcomes for clients in your situation. We put this depth of experience to work for you from day one.

The moments following a car accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, the actions you take in these crucial moments can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. If you suspect a distracted driver caused your accident, follow these important steps:

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

The moments following a car accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, the actions you take in these crucial moments can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation if you suspect a distracted driver caused your accident. By following these steps, you can help protect your claim’s value:

Ensure safety first: Move to a safe location if possible and check yourself and passengers 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 to arrive and cooperate fully with their investigation.
Document evidence of distraction: Note any signs that 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 contact information from any witnesses.
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: Begin protecting your rights from the moment of your accident by securing experienced legal counsel.

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The Critical Importance of Legal Consultation

Consulting with a distracted driving accident lawyer in New Jersey should be among your highest priorities after receiving medical attention. Insurance companies work quickly to minimize payouts and may contact you with lowball offers before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Without proper legal representation, you risk accepting far less than your case is worth.

Overview of Legal Processes in Distracted Driving Car Accident Claims in New Jersey

Pursuing compensation after a distracted driving accident involves several critical legal stages, each with its own timeline and requirements. The process typically begins with a thorough investigation to establish liability. As a distracted driving accident lawyer in New Jersey, we then navigate the state's modified no-fault insurance system, helping you seek compensation through your Personal Injury Protection coverage or, with serious injuries, stepping outside the no-fault system to pursue claims against the at-fault driver.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through insurance negotiations, we prepare and file a lawsuit within New Jersey's statute of limitations. The litigation phase includes filing the initial complaint, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, mediation, and potentially court proceedings. Though most cases settle before trial, our Clifton distracted driving accident attorney team prepares every case thoroughly, giving us leverage during negotiations to secure the compensation you deserve.

Let Our Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Navigate the Process for You

Throughout each stage of your case, our team manages all legal aspects while keeping you informed and involved. We understand that you need to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities. Our attorneys have successfully guided hundreds of distracted driving victims through this process, securing maximum compensation while minimizing stress and confusion.

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 one of the leading causes 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. A Clifton distracted driving accident attorney at our firm has seen these preventable crashes increase dramatically in recent years.

These distraction-related 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. The sudden, unexpected nature of these collisions frequently leads to more serious consequences for everyone involved.

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 distracted driving accident lawyers 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving Accident Claims in New Jersey

New Jersey's primary distracted driving law is N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3, which prohibits the use of handheld wireless communication devices while driving. The law makes it illegal to use a handheld phone for talking, texting, emailing, or browsing the internet while operating a motor vehicle. Fines range from $200-$400 for first offenses, escalating to $600-$800 and potential license suspension for third and subsequent violations within a ten-year period.
Proving driver distraction often requires thorough investigation and multiple forms of evidence. Cell phone records can establish phone usage at the time of the accident, while surveillance footage or dashcam video might capture the driver looking down or holding a device. Witness testimony from passengers or other motorists who observed the driver's behavior before the crash is also valuable evidence. Additionally, admission of distraction by the driver to police, first responders, or in social media posts can provide crucial evidence of negligence.
Distracted driving can rise to the level of gross negligence in certain circumstances, though it's evaluated case by case. While ordinary negligence involves failure to use reasonable care, gross negligence demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others. A driver who deliberately watches videos while driving through a school zone or texts extensively while speeding might be found grossly negligent. This distinction matters because gross negligence can sometimes allow for punitive damages beyond compensatory damages in New Jersey.
New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from distracted driving accidents. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, or you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation. There may be limited exceptions to this rule in certain cases. Consulting with a distracted driving accident lawyer in New Jersey from our firm promptly after an accident ensures you don't miss critical deadlines.
Victims of distracted driving accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on their injuries and circumstances. Economic damages cover tangible costs like medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages address intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving permanent injuries, you may also recover compensation for future medical expenses and diminished earning capacity throughout your lifetime.

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