New Jersey Injury Lawyers Blog

English: A cat on a car. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is lots of talk in New Jersey lately about distracted driving. Most of those discussions revolve around talking and/or texting on cell phones while behind the wheel. There is another form of distracted driving that New Jerseyans — pet lovers in particular — should be aware of. If you have issues or questions regarding distracted driving violations, particularly in Hunterdon County, the personal injury lawyers at Ragland Law Firm in Lebanon can be of assistance.

There is a law on the books in New Jersey that grants both police and animal control officers the right to ticket drivers whose animals are not restrained while riding in their cars or trucks. Violators can be fined between $250 and $1,000 for each offense, plus possible jail time. (1)

A picture of my dog. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A recent national survey of pet owners disclosed that 39% of all households in the U.S. include at least one dog. (1) That equates to a lot of people enjoying the benefits of their canine companions, but with those benefits come responsibilities, some of which are not so obvious. If you need help sorting through the responsibilities and liabilities of dog ownership in Hunterdon County, the personal injury lawyers at Ragland Law Firm of Lebanon can help.

New Jersey has a dog-bite statute which holds the dog owner responsible if his or her dog bites anyone in a public place or on private property as long as the person bitten was on that property lawfully. Under this statute, the dog owner is strictly liable even if he or she had no knowledge of the dog’s potential for viciousness. This statute, however, applies only to dog bites and no other injuries that may be caused by the dog. (2)

A Chevrolet Malibu involved in a rollover crash (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A motor vehicle accident can shake up even an experienced driver. Staying calm and following a few basic steps can help you collect insurance claims or file a personal injury lawsuit if it comes to that.

First, stay at the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene could result in penalties, including suspension of your driver’s license, and could definitely hurt your insurance claims or lawsuit. (1)

Texting on a qwerty keypad phone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By now most people are aware that distracted driving – particularly talking or, perhaps worse, texting on cell phones – is to blame for an increasing number of motor vehicle accidents. Studies show texting drivers have a slower reaction time than even those with the legal alcohol limit in their systems and that distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than non-distracted drivers.(1) But what role does the person on the other side of the phone play? That’s the question one New Jersey couple is asking the courts to address.(2) If, after reading the following, you need a Hunterdon County lawyer to assist you with a similar motor vehicle violation, contact the personal injury attorneys at Ragland Law Firm in Lebanon, N.J.

On Sept. 21, 2009, David and Linda Kubert were riding their motorcycle when they were struck by a pick-up truck driven by then 18-year-old Kyle Best. Each of the Kuberts lost a leg as a result of the accident. Police later determined Best was looking at his cell phone at the time of the crash. He was cited for careless driving, failure to use a hands-free device, and making an unsafe lane change. He pled guilty and was ordered to pay fines of $775 and address 14 high schools on distracted driving dangers; he was allowed to keep his driver’s license without suspension however. (2)

The third generation Isuzu Elf (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Although New Jersey didn’t see much snow and ice this winter, residents should not forget their responsibility to clean off their vehicles when the harsh weather returns. Just last week, a municipal court judge ruled against a driver who forgot to do just that. If, after reading the following, you need a Hunterdon County lawyer to assist you with a motor vehicle violation, contact the personal injury lawyers at Ragland Law Firm in Lebanon, N.J.

The case stems from a January 2011 incident in which Cheryl Desiderio-Huberdeau was injured when ice from the roof of a passing box truck flew off shattering her Jeep Wrangler windshield. (1) Desiderio-Huberdeau suffered cuts to her face and had glass removed from her eyes as a result of the incident. (2) On March 22, 2012, Sparta Municipal Court Judge John Mulhern found the truck’s driver, Kristopher Heine, guilty of not removing snow and ice from his vehicle, as required by state law, and imposed a fine of $750. (1)

Image via Wikipedia

Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) limit a motorist’s right to sue for medical expenses to treat injuries suffered in a car crash? The answer lies in the interpretation of the no-fault insurance laws. If, after reading the following, you need a Hunterdon County lawyer to assist you with a similar situation, contact Ragland Law Firm located in Lebanon, N.J., which is in close proximity to Clinton and Flemington.

In a recently published decision, a Union County Superior Court judge ruled that people injured in an automobile accident may sue for medical expenses not covered by insurance regardless of the amount of PIP they carry. This decision contradicts an earlier ruling in which a Bergen County Superior Court judge concluded that those who choose to pay a lower premium for less protection give up their right to sue for excess expenses. (1)