Distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of car accidents in New Jersey, and texting behind the wheel is often at the center of the problem. Even a few seconds spent looking down at a phone can completely change the course of someone’s life. A driver may drift into another lane, miss a red light, fail to stop in time, or simply fail to notice traffic slowing ahead. When that happens, innocent people are frequently left dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and a long recovery process. If you are someone who was injured in an accident by a driver who was texting, our firm is here to help. Continue reading and reach out to a Union County personal injury lawyer from The Mark Law Firm to learn more about these cases and how we can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve and need. Here are some of the questions you may have:

How Can You Tell if the Other Driver Was Texting at the Time of the Accident?

In some cases, it becomes obvious almost immediately that distraction played a role in the accident. Other times, it may take an investigation to uncover the truth. Drivers rarely admit they were texting voluntarily, especially when they realize their actions may have caused serious harm. Some common signs that texting may have contributed to a crash are as follows:

  • The driver drifted between lanes before impact
  • There were no skid marks or signs of braking
  • The driver ran a red light or stop sign
  • Witnesses saw the driver looking down at a phone
  • The driver gave inconsistent explanations after the collision
  • Phone records later showed texting activity around the time of the crash

Can Texting Help Prove the Other Driver Was Negligent?

Yes, it often can. New Jersey law prohibits drivers from using handheld devices to send text messages while operating a vehicle, and violating that law may serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.

To recover compensation after an accident, an injured person generally must show that another party acted carelessly and caused the crash. Texting while driving can strongly support that argument because it demonstrates that the driver chose to engage in a dangerous distraction instead of paying attention to traffic conditions. Some examples of evidence that may help prove texting-related negligence are as follows:

  • Cell phone records
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Surveillance video from nearby businesses
  • Witness statements
  • Police reports
  • Vehicle data recordings
  • Admissions made by the driver

Here at The Mark Law Firm, we have decades of experience representing those injured in auto accidents throughout New Jersey. If you’ve been injured in an accident and require the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney, look no further than our firm. Contact us today so we can begin formulating a strategy to help you recover the compensation you deserve and need to heal.