What happens if you’re injured in a crash caused by a driver chasing pokémon go?

A Pokéball representing the dangers of a Pokémon Go car crash in New Jersey caused by distracted driving.

When Pokémon Go first launched in 2016, it became an instant sensation. Even years later, the augmented reality game still has millions of active users, including plenty in New Jersey. While the game encourages outdoor exploration, it has also been linked to distracted driving accidents. That raises an important question: What happens if you’re injured in a Pokémon Go accident caused by a distracted driver?

The short answer is that you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but these cases often involve unique challenges in proving liability and establishing negligence.

The Dangers of Gaming Behind the Wheel

Pokémon Go requires players to look at their phones, track virtual creatures, and often stop or turn suddenly to capture them. When drivers play while operating a vehicle, they take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their minds off driving.

This combination is dangerous. Distracted driving is already one of the leading causes of crashes in New Jersey, and when games like Pokémon Go are added into the mix, the risk rises dramatically.

Distracted Driving Under New Jersey Law

New Jersey law prohibits the use of handheld cell phones and electronic devices while driving. This includes texting, browsing, and yes, playing games like Pokémon Go.

If a crash occurs and evidence shows the at-fault driver was gaming, that fact can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. In some cases, it may even rise to reckless driving charges, which can carry harsh penalties for the driver in the local Municipal Court or in the New Jersey Superior Court.

Proving Negligence in a Pokémon Go Accident

To recover compensation, an injured party must prove that the driver’s negligence caused the crash. In Pokémon Go-related cases, this may involve:

Phone records showing the driver was using the app at the time of the crash.
Witness testimony from passengers or bystanders who saw the driver gaming.
Social media posts or in-game activity logs tied to the accident timeframe.
Accident reconstruction to show sudden, erratic maneuvers consistent with distracted gaming.

A personal injury attorney can subpoena these records and build a case that links the driver’s distraction directly to the collision.

Common Types of Accidents Linked to Pokémon Go

Drivers chasing Pokémon or distracted by gameplay often cause:

Rear-end collisions when they fail to notice traffic slowing ahead.
Side-impact crashes when they run red lights or stop signs while focused on their phone.
Pedestrian accidents when they drive through crosswalks without looking.
Single-vehicle crashes where distracted drivers hit poles, curbs, or parked cars, sometimes involving passengers.
Multi-car pileups if sudden swerves or stops cause chain reactions.

These accidents can lead to serious injuries for both victims and the distracted drivers themselves.

Injuries Victims May Suffer

Victims of distracted driving accidents often face significant harm, including:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones
Back and spinal cord injuries
Internal bleeding
Psychological trauma from the crash

Even at lower speeds, distracted driving accidents can have life-altering consequences.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If you are injured in a Pokémon Go-related crash, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:

Medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care if your personal auto insurance medical coverage (PIP) limits are exhausted
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Property damage to your vehicle
Pain and suffering for physical and emotional harm
Wrongful death damages if the crash was fatal

In particularly reckless cases, courts may also initiate criminal charges to punish the driver’s conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

Insurance Issues in Distracted Driving Cases

Because New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries meet the threshold for filing a lawsuit, such as permanent injury, disfigurement, or death, you may bring a claim against the distracted driver for pain and suffering and other damages.

An attorney can review your policy and the at-fault driver’s coverage to identify all sources of compensation following your Pokémon Go accident.

Challenges in Pokémon Go Crash Cases

While distracted driving may seem obvious, proving it in court can be challenging. Drivers rarely admit to gaming behind the wheel. That’s why gathering digital and physical evidence is critical. Without skilled representation, victims may struggle to connect the dots between the driver’s phone use and the accident.

Steps to Take After a Crash

If you suspect the at-fault driver was playing Pokémon Go at the time of your accident, follow these steps:

Call 911 and request police at the scene.
Seek medical treatment immediately if you are injured, even if injuries seem minor.
Document the scene with photos of vehicles, skid marks, and surroundings.
Collect witness information, including passengers who may have seen the driver gaming.
Avoid direct confrontation with the driver; let law enforcement handle the investigation.
Contact an attorney who can secure phone records and build a case.

Taking these steps preserves evidence and strengthens your claim.

Why Legal Help Matters After a Pokémon Go Accident

Distracted driving accidents tied to games like Pokémon Go can involve complicated evidence. Insurance companies may downplay the driver’s negligence or claim your injuries are unrelated. Without strong advocacy, victims risk being left with unpaid medical bills and little support.

An experienced personal injury attorney can:

Subpoena phone and app records to prove distraction
Work with accident reconstruction experts
Handle communications with insurers
Calculate the full extent of your damages
Pursue maximum compensation in settlement or trial

Were You Injured in a Distracted Driving Crash? Call Team Law Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash caused by a driver chasing Pokémon Go, you have legal options. At Team Law, we know how devastating distracted driving accidents can be, and we have the resources to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing accident victims across New Jersey. We’ll fight for your rights, investigate the cause of the crash, and pursue the compensation you need.

Call Team Law today at 732-896-2560 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. With offices throughout New Jersey, we’re ready to stand by your side and help you move forward after a Pokémon Go accident.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.