One of the busiest shopping seasons is just getting started. There will be plenty of traffic on the roads and in the parking lots of many stores. This can also be a hotbed for various car and pedestrian accidents.
While it might be the most wonderful time of the year, it’s not so wonderful for the insurance companies when they will be handling more high volume calls than usual. Drivers and pedestrians both have a tendency to get distracted. And it can result in someone or something getting hit.
Let’s take a look at how distracted shoppers can cause car or pedestrian accidents:
Read more: Will My Insurance Premium Go Up If I File A Claim?
Using Their Cell Phones
In the state of New Jersey, it is illegal to talk or text while operating a motor vehicle. The only exception is if you are using a hands-free device. The reason why these laws exist is for one reason: these cell phones can be a distraction while you’re behind the wheel.
After finishing that text, you’ll look up and be nanoseconds away from hitting the person in front of you (or a bumper of a car). Pedestrians themselves will often be distracted by their phones, as well. While there is no law that makes walking and talking on the phone illegal, you can be distracted enough to not be aware of your surroundings.
Read more: Do Injuries Caused By Negligence Happen More Often In Winter?
Looking Away From the Road
Distractions can happen even if you are not using a phone. While you are driving you may take your eyes off the road for one split second, whether it be to change the radio station or glance over at your kids in the backseat. And all of a sudden, you hit something.
Things can dart out in the middle of the road in a split second. The vehicles in front of you can come to a complete stop all of a sudden. Something on the road will happen when your eyes are not on it.
Did you know that if you take your eyes off of the road for five seconds at 55 miles per hour, you have already traveled 100 yards or the length of a football field? That’s plenty of time for an accident to occur (and a fatal one at that).
Be sure that your passengers (especially children) are behaving properly and not causing a ruckus. At the same time, don’t pay attention to anything that may be off to the side or away from the roads.
Also, you’ll want to refrain from messing with the car controls while on the road. Make the adjustments before you’re on the move. And lastly, try to avoid small talk with passengers while driving.
Read more: How Will I Get Compensated After A Rear-End Crash?
If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident, Know Your Legal Options
Injuries from car and pedestrian accidents happen all the time, especially due to distracted driving. If you have been injured as a result of a distracted driver, you might have legal options. Andres, Berger & Tran is your personal injury attorney in Haddonfield, New Jersey that will be ready to answer your questions and assist you in whether or not you may have a case.
Contact A Haddonfield Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Car Accident Case In New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident or pedestrian accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Winslow, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 795-1444 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 264 Kings Hwy. E. Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
