Car accidents are responsible for a majority of the personal injury claims filed in the United States every year. Drivers are not the only ones affected, as the accidents often also involve pedestrians, bikers, and cyclists. When they happen, these accidents can have overwhelming impacts on all those involved.
Most car accidents are caused by driver error and negligence, and could likely have been avoided. Professionals, such as a car accident attorney, exist to ensure your rights are protected should you get injured through someone else’s recklessness.
If you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, contact a Bayonne Personal Injury Attorney to learn about your rights and legal options.
Car Accident Statistics in New Jersey
According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), there were 270,231 traffic accidents in the state in 2017, causing 61,753 injuries and 591 fatalities. Middlesex and Burlington counties recorded the most fatalities at 39 and 35, respectively.
NJ.com also compiled a list of the ten most dangerous stretches of road in the state, without considering toll roads maintained by independent agencies. Five of the roads listed are as follows:
- I-78N Newark: 227 crashes and1 fatality
- Route 22 through Union Township: 225 crashes
- I-295, Haddon Heights to Barrington: 223 crashes
- Route 1, Edison: 214 crashes
- I-80, Paterson: 181 crashes
What Causes Car Accidents?
Most car accidents result from driver error or negligence, with many of them being avoidable. When one road user fails to adhere to traffic rules, they may create a dangerous condition that could lead to an auto accident. Common actions that fit this definition include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Drunk and intoxicated driving
- Excessive speeding
Besides driver negligence, car accidents can also be caused, in full or part, by external factors such as poor weather conditions, defective vehicle parts, and poorly maintained roads. In the latter two cases, the car manufacturer and a government body can be held liable for the accident, respectively.
Obtaining Car Accident Injury Compensation
When someone’s negligence or carelessness leads to a car accident, the injured parties may file a personal injury claim for damages. Depending on who exactly caused the accident, the claim may be filed against one of the following potential liable parties:
- The driver
- Car manufacturers or designers
- Road designing agencies
- Road maintenance companies
- Government agencies
In New Jersey, you only have 2 years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the liable party. This might seem like a lot of time, but it is a short window, considering the complexities of claims.
Consult a Bayonne Personal Injury Attorney
Car accidents often result in significant emotional, physical, and financial stress to both the victim and their loved ones. Filing a personal injury claim with the help of a car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we understand how emotionally and financially taxing accidents can be and are dedicated to helping you come out on top. Contact us today at 201-733-2230 to discuss your legal options and how to pursue them with an experienced Bayonne Personal Injury Attorney.