In New Jersey, the number one cause of fatal car accidents during 2018 was distracted driving. In fact, distracted driving caused more fatal crashes than DWIs or speeding accidents. The good news is that less motorists are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bad news is that motorists are driving while distracted more now than ever before. Drivers talking on cell phones, texting, checking social media or attempting to control their automobile entertainment systems while navigating New Jersey’s roads can be more than a distraction – they can become absolutely deadly in the blink of an eye.
A study conducted by the New Jersey State Police revealed that almost 150 deadly crashes were caused by distracted driving. This is why NJ has implemented stiff fines for texting while driving and can even suspend a driver’s license for some repeat offenders. At the same time DWI’s lead to just over 140 fatal crashes, and speeding fatalities clocked in at just over 50 in 2018. This marks 8 years in a row where distracted driving was the number one cause of deadly accidents in New Jersey.
The silver lining is that fatalities from distracted driving in 2018 was slightly down from 2017. Most police officers credit the “U text, U drive, U pay” campaign for the decrease in distracted driving fatalities.
Distracted Driving Statistics for New Jersey
The New Jersey DOT blamed almost 1400 crashes on cell phones last year, which is a decrease from the 1500 crashes involving cell phones in 2017. And while distracted driving is the leading cause of car crashes in NJ, the number has slightly declined each year.
DWI was linked to 143 deadly accidents in 2018, which is also a decrease from the 158 DWI fatalities in 2017, according to NJ State Police.
Pedestrians fatalities were also down in 2018. 166 pedestrians were killed in 2018, which was down from the 181 fatalities in 2017. Hit and run victims accounted for 30 of the pedestrians hit in 2018.
While car accident deaths have decreased, pedestrian deaths are on the rise. One explanation may be distracted driving. Smart phones are equipped to do more than just make calls. People use their phones for text messages, internet, social media, music and GPS. People have become so dependent on their phones that they continue to use them while driving. A driver who looks at his phone for 5 seconds at 55 miles per hour can travel over 300 yards – all while not looking at the road!
What To Do If You Are Involved In An Accident With A Distracted Driver
My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik is dedicated to helping victims in car accidents obtain compensation for their injuries caused by another driver’s negligence. I have litigated countless New Jersey car accident cases as a personal injury lawyer. My experience has developed into a skillful ability to litigate all areas of car accident cases. If you or a family member are injured in a New Jersey car accident, you need an experienced New Jersey injury lawyer to ensure you are fairly compensated. At My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq., I fight to ensure my clients receive the benefits they are entitled to. I am experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and car accident victims throughout New Jersey. I also offer free strategy sessions to review the facts and details of your NJ car accident claim.
Why Hire My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik
- I always offer a free strategy session with no obligation.
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- I have obtained countless successful verdicts and settlements for my clients.
- My office provides accident investigation services, including obtaining police reports, ambulance reports, 911-calls, witness statements, surveillance video, and all medical reports and records.
- I will litigate your case. If your case cannot be settled with the insurance company, I will file a lawsuit for your accident claim. Most cases settle before trial. But I also look forward to presenting any claim before a jury if necessary.
- I have almost 20 years of experience handling New Jersey pedestrian accident cases.
About My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik
Howard Lesnik began practicing personal injury law in 2001, and is vastly skilled in pedestrian accident claims, including taking depositions, motion practice, and trial experience. Howard personally handles every car accident case himself and does not farm them out to other attorneys or offices. He brings almost 20 years of experience, countless successful settlements and verdicts, and a drive to help NJ car accident victims get justice they deserve against enormous insurance companies.
Howard is extremely excited by his record of success stories both in and out of the court room. However, he is also honored about how his clients’ experiences with his firm. Howard has 100% positive reviews on Google, Martindale, AVVO and Lawyers.com. Howard is a member of the Ethics Committee and makes sure that all his clients get the attention they deserve and strives to make sure they are satisfied throughout the entire process.
Contact MyNJInjuryLawyer
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, you should contact an attorney familiar with handling these claims. My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq. offers free strategy sessions to address any issue or questions you may have about your injury, medical bills or your car accident claim.
Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were involved in a pedestrian accident and were injured or suffered damages. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session.
