A Forbes article names New Jersey as home to the ‘second-worst drivers’ in the United States. This conclusion was based on a study by Allstate Insurance Company, which mentioned Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Paterson among the cities with the most car accident claims. Although car accidents are rampant in New Jersey, this doesn’t mean victims are left unprotected.
Have you been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own? Learn how Anthony Carbone, an expert Harrison Car Accident Lawyer, can help you today.
What Causes Car Accidents in New Jersey?
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents cause close to 600 fatalities every year in New Jersey alone. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), New Jersey records over 270,000 accidents every year. Many of these collisions are caused by driver error and negligence, including behaviors like drunk driving and distracted driving.
The NHTSA also lists the following car accident causes:
- Vehicle defects – Defective vehicle parts or designs can lead to a malfunction and resultant accident. In such a case, the plaintiff may be able to take legal action against the car manufacturer or mechanic.
- Third-party negligence – Accidents are sometimes caused by hazardous road conditions which are a product of poor road design or construction. Here, the injured person may bring a claim against the responsible municipality.
- Poor weather conditions – Common examples include heavy mist, rain, or sleet. Weather doesn’t affect liability where drivers are required to adjust their driving speed to accommodate such changes.
Distracted Driving in New Jersey
The NJDOT reports distracted driving as one of the most serious problems on New Jersey roads, particularly the use of handheld and hands-free cell phones. According to a 2016 report, 3,831 car accidents involving cell phones in the state, with 1,137 injuries and 6 deaths. Hudson county accounted for a significant portion of the statistic, with 779 crashes.
Available Damages in a Car Accident Claim
The primary purpose of compensation in an injury claim is to restore you to the financial position you were in before your accident. A significant portion of your reward will go toward compensation for your financial losses, otherwise called economic damages, and may cover the following:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Aftercare needs
- Lost wages or lost future income
You may also be compensated for non-economic damages, such as disfigurement, loss of companionship, loss of joy, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. Punitive damages are awarded when the court wishes to punish the defendant for acting out of malice or gross negligence.
Talk to a Harrison Car Accident Lawyer
Harrison, a town in Hudson County, has a population of 13,620 as of the 2010 census. Many of these residents use cars for their daily commute, and with the reality of negligent drivers, car accidents are an unfortunate inevitability. Fortunately, accident victims can pursue compensation for their losses.
Anthony Carbone is an experienced Harrison Car Accident Lawyer who has been representing accident victims in New Jersey for over 30 years. If you have been injured in a car accident located in Harrison, contact him online today or at 201-733-2230 to discuss your legal right to pursue compensation.
