Every motorist knows that accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. You do your best to pay attention to what’s going on around you, drive safely and keep your eyes open for sudden dangers. But you can’t control the actions of the other drivers around you and they may not be as focused on the task at hand as you are.
Distractions are everywhere
This can be particularly true around work zones. According to the National Safety Council, 842 people were killed in 2019 alone around work zones. 20 of those fatalities occurred in New Jersey. And while drivers made up most of these tragic deaths, they were by no means alone. Passengers and pedestrians accounted for nearly 300 of the deaths and even bicyclists were not immune.
Every driver on the road owes you a duty to drive their vehicle with a reasonable amount of care. When they fail in their duty and cause an accident which injures you, they are legally negligent. Work zones are full of distractions a negligent driver does not fully appreciate. The work itself can capture their attention and increased noise can make it more difficult to hear what’s going on in the area. Drivers may be routed in ways to which they are not accustomed, leading them to make poor decisions when faced with unusual circumstances.
When you are injured by such a driver, a personal injury lawsuit is a powerful tool at your disposal. Following a motor vehicle accident, the lawsuit can provide you with a means to be compensated for your injuries and to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.