Burlington Personal Injury Attorneys

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Burlington Texting While Driving Accident Attorneys

Cellphone use, GPS use and tablet computer use by drivers at the wheels of cars and trucks are very dangerous habits. Many cities, counties and states have passed laws against texting while driving in recent years. These laws are in response to the serious dangers posed by negligent driving.

Subpoenaing cellphone records is often a straightforward way to determine whether a driver was texting and driving. These records can be powerful evidence of distracted driving whether there are specific laws against the practice or not. As of 2012 in New Jersey, drivers can be given citations for texting and driving.

Distracted Driving Is Dangerous

Today’s generation of young drivers has grown up using texting devices anytime, anyplace. Drivers of all ages tend to take useful applications of cellphone usage to hazardous levels. For example, using a smart phone to look up directions before leaving a parking place may seem like a good idea. However, continuing to text while the car is in motion is dangerous because it prevents a driver from paying full attention to traffic and the road.

Texting While Driving Often Contributes To Reckless Driving

Simply put, it is unfortunately “natural” for many people to text and drive at the same time. Drivers can easily be lulled into a false sense of security, believing they are watching the road despite the fact that they are texting at stoplights. Next thing you know, they are looking away from the road and failing to watch out for hazards.

Since 1965, Smith Magram Michaud Colonna, P.C., has represented people injured in car accidents. We are very experienced at preparing persuasive arguments on behalf of our clients who have been injured through others’ negligence — including distracted driving.

Some Drivers Think They Can Text And Drive

Texting on a handheld device while behind the wheel is against the law in New Jersey, yet people still do it. Cell phone use while driving, particularly texting, has become common and pushed many states to pass laws against it. A survey by Progressive Insurance finds that most people believe texting while driving should be illegal, yet many still do it anyway.

The survey of approximately 1,000 drivers aged 18 and older was conducted in August 2017. The majority of people polled said that texting while driving should be illegal, but 34 percent said they believe in their own ability to text and drive safely. Age played a large factor on this question, with more than 64 percent of drivers 18-34 saying they are confident in their ability to text and drive safely, while only 6 percent of those at or over 55 said they can do so. But younger drivers do think that cell phone use while driving is dangerous, as 64 percent in the 18-34 age group said it is the primary cause of car accidents.

Men also appear to feel more confident in their own ability to text and drive, according to the poll. Although a minority of 21 percent, said they can text and drive safely, only 11 percent of women said the same. Drivers also don’t think making a voice call is okay while driving. Only 25 percent of people surveyed said it is. Half of the drivers said that they feel irritated when they see another driver texting at the wheel, and 62 percent said they feel concerned.

Drivers More Likely To Text Or Email Than Talk On Phone

A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety report found that drivers in New Jersey are talking on their cellphones less but using them more in other ways. While behind the wheel, people were 57% likelier to use their phones to send emails, text or perform other actions than they were to make phone calls. The study compared two observation-based surveys that were conducted in 2014 and 2018.

The IIHS estimated that the number of crash deaths nationwide could have been reduced by more than 800 if drivers were not using their phones for texting or other non-talking activities. Drivers take their attention away from the road in order to dial their phones, use apps, browse the web or send text messages.

An experienced personal injury lawyer might draft and file a complaint in civil court or negotiate a settlement with the at-fault parties and their insurers.

We Offer Free Consultations For People Injured In Texting While Driving Accidents

Our lawyers and our legal staff have earned a strong reputation for a client-centered law practice. Initial consultations are free and we represent our clients on a contingency basis.

To schedule a consultation with an attorney, call 609-589-0649 toll free or contact us online. Request a home or hospital room visit if you are unable to come to our Burlington law offices.