There are certain safety measures that all New Jersey drivers should keep in order to avoid a car accident. Ignoring these safety measures can result in serious injuries or fatalities, as well as civil and criminal liability.
A driver who is negligent and causes a car accident can be held legally liable for any resulting damages, including personal injury damages. Negligence is a legal term which means the failure to act with the level of care a reasonable person would exercise under the same conditions.
One negligent behavior that can easily cause an accident is road rage. Misplaced anger is never a good idea, especially when behind the wheel. Road rage or aggressive driving can result in driving violations. More often than not, aggressive drivers are guilty of speeding and improper lane changes. An accident is often the result. Drivers experiencing emotional highs, whether in anger or excitement, should cool down before operating their vehicles.
Another common cause of accidents is distracted driving. Distracted or inattentive driving includes texting, making and receiving calls, eating or drinking or applying makeup behind the wheel. Multi-tasking can severely lower a driver’s focus on the road and increase the risk of an accident. In emergency situations when a driver must use his or her phone, it is always best to pull over to the side of the road before making or taking the call.
Drowsy driving may also cause negligent driving and is a serious safety concern. A driver’s reflexes can an also be impaired if the driver goes behind the wheel after taking drugs or medication that can cause drowsiness, or drives without sufficient sleep or rest.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages. An experienced New Jersey personal injury law firm can evaluate your case and explain your options.
Source: State.nj.us, “New Jersey Driver Manual: Chapter 5,” accessed Nov. 25, 2014