We commonly hear about texting and driving and how dangerous it is. An often-overlooked danger is that of texting while walking. Distractions can be dangerous, whether you are a driver or pedestrian. Do you know that walking while texting can lead to an accident? Do you know what your rights are if you’re injured as a pedestrian?
Walking and Texting- the Risks
Walking while interacting with your phone can be dangerous. You might walk into walls, other people, or worse. You might step into traffic, which can lead to injuries.
Additionally, texting and walking or driving isn’t the only risk. Anything that takes your focus away from the sidewalk, or road, presents the same risks. This might include listening to music, making a phone call, or playing a game. As mobile phones become even more important to our daily lives, we are likely to continue noticing an increase in pedestrian accidents that are distraction-related.
In fact, according to Healthline, being on your mobile phone while walking can increase your chances of running into something by as much as 61 percent.
This can lead to:
- Being hit by a vehicle
- Being hit by a truck
- Running into a building
- Slipping and falling
The risks become even greater when both the pedestrian and driver are distracted. While there aren’t any laws against pedestrians using phones while walking, it is illegal in New Jersey for drivers to text and drive. When a pedestrian is on their phone, they may not be as aware of their surroundings.
A driver who is also on their phone may not notice the pedestrian, leading to a painful and expensive accident.
Steps to Take If Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
So, what are your options following a pedestrian accident? How can you prove that the driver was distracted? Does it matter if you were distracted too? Who will cover your medical bills?
These are all important factors to consider following a pedestrian accident. They may be best answered by a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with New Jersey’s laws. Distracted driving cases are not always easy to build, because it is not always easy to prove that either party was distracted at the time of the accident.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Case
This is where a New Jersey personal injury lawyer may be useful. Your lawyer can manage all communications on your behalf, while you focus on your accident recovery. Your lawyer can also talk with witnesses or pull phone records if needed. If a driver is distracted, which causes an accident, then they may be responsible for your damages.
Proving negligence is an important part of a personal injury case. Your lawyer will collect evidence to determine who was responsible for the accident, and who should pay for your injuries. Using this evidence, they will build a case on your behalf.
Additionally, they will also help you calculate the value of your damages. Specific costs, like medical bills and lost wages, may be recoverable in a personal injury case.
Contact a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an 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 distracted driving 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 Highway East, 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.
