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Knowledge, experience, and dedication have brought the lawyers of The Epstein Law Firm to the forefront of their profession. From personal injury to civil litigation, they have built a strong record of success in achieving justice for their clients.
Our practice is diverse and well-established. Recognizing that every case is unique, we always begin by listening to you.
The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. has been successfully representing clients throughout New Jersey since 1973
New Jersey has some of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the country. The combination of heavy traffic, high-speed highways, unpredictable weather, and a mix of cautious and reckless drivers contributes to thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year. Whether it’s a fender bender on a local road or a multi-car pileup on the New Jersey Turnpike, car crashes can have devastating consequences.
This guide explores the most common causes of car accidents in New Jersey, the legal and financial implications for drivers, and steps motorists can take to protect themselves on the road.
How Common Are Car Accidents in New Jersey? Car accidents are a daily occurrence in New Jersey, with over 270,000 crashes reported each year. Many of these accidents result in injuries, and hundreds lead to fatalities. The most common causes include distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.
Where Do Most Accidents Happen? Certain roads and highways in New Jersey have higher accident rates due to traffic congestion and aggressive driving behaviors.
The Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike see a high number of accidents due to the volume of vehicles traveling at high speeds. Routes 1 and 9, both of which run through densely populated areas, also experience frequent crashes. Highways such as Interstate 80 and Interstate 287 are known for speeding-related accidents, especially during rush hour.
Understanding which roads are most dangerous can help drivers be extra cautious when traveling on them.
Distracted driving is responsible for over 25% of all crashes in New Jersey. Many drivers underestimate the danger of taking their eyes off the road for just a few seconds.
Common forms of distracted driving include texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS settings, eating, and even engaging in conversations with passengers. Each of these activities diverts attention away from driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in New Jersey. Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance, and results in more severe collisions.
Reckless driving, including tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights, also contributes to high crash rates. Many drivers in New Jersey engage in aggressive driving behaviors, especially on congested highways.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious problem in New Jersey. Impaired drivers have slower reflexes, poor coordination, and decreased judgment, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road.
New Jersey enforces strict DUI laws to discourage impaired driving. A first-time DUI conviction can result in fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including mandatory jail sentences and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
New Jersey experiences a range of weather conditions that can make driving hazardous.
Winter months bring snow and ice, making roads slippery and increasing stopping distances. Heavy rain in the spring and summer can lead to hydroplaning, while fog reduces visibility. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and driving behavior in poor weather conditions are at greater risk of an accident.
Aggressive driving is another major issue on New Jersey’s roads. Some drivers engage in tailgating, speeding, and cutting off other vehicles, often leading to accidents.
Road rage incidents, where drivers become confrontational or attempt to intimidate others, can escalate into dangerous situations. If you encounter an aggressive driver, it’s best to stay calm, avoid engaging with them, and let them pass.
Many accidents occur at intersections due to drivers failing to yield the right of way or running red lights. These types of crashes are especially dangerous because they often result in T-bone collisions, which can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
New Jersey has implemented red light cameras in certain locations to catch drivers who run red lights, but not all intersections are monitored. Drivers should always approach intersections cautiously and be aware of vehicles that may not obey traffic signals.
Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections, pedestrian crosswalks, and highway merge lanes. Some drivers either misjudge the distance of oncoming traffic or ignore right-of-way rules altogether. This often results in T-bone collisions at intersections or sideswipe crashes when merging onto highways.
New Jersey law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and to give way to other vehicles when appropriate. Failing to do so can lead to fines, points on a driver’s license, and liability in the event of an accident.
Fatigue-related accidents are more common than most people realize, especially among truck drivers, shift workers, and those who drive for long periods without rest. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and decision-making, similar to the effects of alcohol.
Many fatigue-related crashes occur late at night or early in the morning when the body’s natural sleep cycle is at its lowest point. Drivers who struggle to stay awake, drift between lanes, or have difficulty focusing should pull over and rest before continuing their journey.
Changing lanes or merging without properly checking blind spots or signaling can cause serious accidents. Drivers who swerve suddenly, cut off other vehicles, or fail to use turn signals contribute to many collisions on highways and multi-lane roads.
Some of the most dangerous lane-change-related accidents happen when drivers:
To prevent accidents, drivers should always check mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes and use turn signals to indicate their intentions.
Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering system problems, can cause sudden and unexpected accidents. While many crashes are due to driver error, some result from defective auto parts or poor vehicle maintenance.
Some of the most common mechanical failures leading to accidents include:
Regular vehicle maintenance, such as checking tire pressure, replacing worn-out brakes, and ensuring lights and signals are functional, can help prevent these types of accidents. In cases where a defect causes a crash, the manufacturer or repair shop may be held legally responsible.
Reckless Driving Penalties in New Jersey Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation in New Jersey. Drivers who engage in reckless behavior can face fines up to $500, points on their driving record, and even jail time for repeat offenses. In severe cases, reckless drivers may have their license suspended.
Understanding New Jersey’s No-Fault Insurance System New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that a driver’s own insurance company will cover their medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault.
However, there are limitations. If an accident results in serious injuries or significant financial losses, the injured party may have the right to sue the at-fault driver. Understanding these laws is crucial when dealing with insurance claims.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident After an accident, filing an insurance claim can be a complicated process. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
Some insurers may offer settlements that do not fully cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost wages. If you’re struggling to get fair compensation, seeking legal assistance can help ensure your rights are protected.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in New Jersey? After a car accident, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic and contact the police to file an accident report. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and gather witness statements. Even if you don’t feel injured, seek medical attention as some injuries take time to appear. Notify your insurance company and consider consulting a lawyer if the accident involves serious injuries or disputes over fault.
Is New Jersey a no-fault state for car accidents? Yes, New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system. This means that after an accident, your own insurance company covers medical expenses and other losses, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if you suffer severe injuries, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek compensation beyond what your insurance provides.
How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a car accident in New Jersey? It’s best to file an insurance claim as soon as possible after an accident. Most insurance companies require claims to be reported within a reasonable timeframe, often within a few days to a few weeks. Failing to notify your insurer promptly may result in a denied claim.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in New Jersey? The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file within this timeframe, you may lose the right to seek compensation. For property damage claims, the deadline is six years.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured? If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help pay for medical expenses and damages. If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation.
Motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey happen every day, but many are preventable. Distracted driving, speeding, reckless behavior, and poor weather conditions all contribute to the high number of crashes.
By staying alert, obeying traffic laws, and making safe driving decisions, drivers can reduce their risk of being involved in an accident. If you or a loved one has been in a crash, knowing what steps to take—such as seeking medical attention and contacting a lawyer—can make all the difference.
If you need legal help after a car accident, contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
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The Epstein Law Firm
The Epstein Law Firm