Distracted driving has become the number one reason for motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey and the United States. When a truck driver becomes distracted while driving an 80,000-pound big rig, the results can be catastrophic for the victims of the accident. Even smaller commercial trucks can cause serious injuries and major damage when they strike you at highway speeds.
If you are the victim of a distracted driving truck accident in Paramus, you need a seasoned truck wreck injury attorney to help prove your claim and receive the compensation you deserve. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we have more than half a century of experience in fighting for our clients and helping them get the compensation they need after serious truck accidents. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is driving while doing anything that can take the driver’s attention from the road in front of them. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3) prohibits commercial drivers from using any type of hand-held device while driving and bans any use of cell phones other than hands-free devices. Some use of hand-held microphones for radios is permitted. Drivers may not text, use touch-screen devices (such as GPS), or scroll on cell phones even when sitting at a red light. Federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also forbid this and sanction employers as well as drivers for allowing this behavior.
Other types of distractions covered under the law include eating, grooming (brushing one’s hair, applying makeup), and anything that diverts attention from the road.
Proving Distracted Truck Driving After an Accident
Because trucks and commercial vehicles sit higher than other cars, proving a Paramus driver was talking on the phone or emailing at the time of your distracted driving wreck can be difficult. An attorney can help you show that the driver was engaged in texting or talking on their cell phone by finding witnesses who saw the driver, and through other means, such as:
- Phone records showing the driver was talking on a cell phone
- Text messages
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data indicating what the driver was doing at the time of the accident
- In-cab camera footage showing the driver’s actions
- Previous citations for using handheld devices
The trucking company can also be liable under New Jersey and federal law. Employers are liable for ensuring that their drivers do not use handheld devices and use hands-free equipment only while driving. An attorney from our firm can explain your options and what evidence is needed to prove the other driver violated the law during your initial case evaluation.
Get Legal Assistance Following a Distracted Driving Truck Crash from a Paramus Attorney
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we can help you gather the evidence you need to prove the truck driver who caused your wreck was using a handheld device or was distracted in violation of New Jersey law. Victims of distracted driving truck accidents in Paramus often suffer from serious injuries and incur expensive medical costs. If you have been injured in this way, you need comprehensive legal assistance from experienced personal injury attorneys.
We have more than 50 years of experience in helping our clients make their insurance claims and get the settlements they need after their accidents. We offer free, confidential consultations, so contact us today for an appointment with our legal team.
