Auto Accident Involving Distracted Driving Leads to the Serious Injury of a Pedestrian in South Brunswick, New Jersey

South Brunswick, NJ (November 16th, 2020) – On November 15th at 5:00 p.m., the Traffic Bureau, Patrol Units, and Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to Freedom Village at 700 Freedom Blvd. on the report of a catastrophic motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian pinned underneath an automobile.

According to investigators, the victim was pulled from underneath the motor vehicle, a 2015 Chevy Impala, before first responders arrived at the scene with the help from Good Samaritans, the victim’s husband, and the driver of the vehicle involved. The injured pedestrian had to be transported to the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Her health later improved and was listed to be in stable condition although she had serious injuries to the torso as well as her upper extremities.

Based on initial investigations under Sgt. Bal, Officer McQuade, Detective W. Jones, and Investigating Officer Sabino, the injured pedestrian was seen playing in the parking area of Freedom Village shortly before the accident. Her husband stood on a nearby sidewalk recording her with his cellphone when a Chevorolet turned into the parking lot, ultimately running her over. The driver of the 2015 Chevy was said to have been distracted by the woman’s husband who was waving at the Chevrolet driver to attract the driver’s attention.

The accident continues to be under investigation and the identities of those involved have not yet been disclosed by investigators. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Sabino at the West Windsor Police Department.

Distracted driving is dangerous and in just a matter of seconds, it can have disastrous consequences. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, estimates that every day, approximately 8 people in the U.S. are killed as a result of a car accident involving a distracted driver. The agency maintains that distracted driving involves the operation of a vehicle while diverting one’s attention from the road ahead. Distracted driving increases the likelihood of an automobile accident.

There are many actions that can lead to distracted driving, but the CDC explains that there are three main forms of driver distraction. The first form involves visual distraction, where the driver will take his or her eyes off the road for any reason. The second form of distraction is a manual distraction, which involves a driver taking his or her hands off the wheel. The final form of driver distraction is cognitive distraction, where the driver takes his or her mind off of driving.

According to data compiled by the CDC, in 2018, there were close to 3,000 people killed and roughly 400,000 others injured in traffic accidents involving a distracted driver. Additionally, about 1 in 5 of those killed in traffic accidents involving distracted driving were not passengers in a vehicle but instead were walking, riding a bike, or otherwise outside a motor vehicle.

Traffic accidents are an inherent danger in our motor vehicle-dominant society. Still, when an accident occurs as a result of a driver who was deliberately distracted for whatever reason, the ability to recover compensation for medical costs and other associated expenses may be possible.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a distracted driver, it is important to take swift action and seek legal representation from an experienced attorney.

The New Jersey auto accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have helped many injured victims and their families who have been harmed by distracted driving accidents. For two decades, the firm has successfully helped clients secure fair compensation that ultimately helped to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering. After a serious auto accident, consider obtaining the support of Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. Contact the law firm at (609) 240-0040 for a complimentary consultation today.