When people hear stories of rear-end collisions, many believe that these are just minor collisions that produce minor damage. They fail to see that these “minor collisions” can actually cause some really serious harm.
Rear-end accidents occur more often than you think. They are actually the most common type of accident in the state, comprising 28% of all car accidents that occur on New Jersey roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Rear-end car collisions can often be completely avoided, though. Taking preventive measures like properly maintaining brakes and keeping a safe following distance from the other vehicle can help avert these accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear-end collision in New Jersey, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim through your own insurance provider or against the driver who caused the accident. A good NJ personal injury lawyer may help you get compensation to pay for car repair costs, medical expenses, lost earning, pain endured, and other damages.
Call us at (732) 625-9494 for a free consultation with one of our New Jersey personal injury lawyers.
Why rear-end collisions occur in New Jersey
Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions are:
- Overspeeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Inattention or distracted driving
- Tailgating or following another car at a dangerously close distance
- Icy or slippery roadways due to weather conditions
- Fatigued or drowsy driver
- Driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Diver has difficulty seeing what’s ahead because of sun glare and fails to slow down on time
- Brake failure or improperly maintained brake system. The manufacturer should be held liable if design or defective product caused the brakes to fail.
- Reckless driving
- Road rage
Common rear-end accident injuries in New Jersey
A rear-end collision can result in different forms of injuries, which can be anywhere from mild to severe, or even fatal. These injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Injuries to the hands
- Internal bleeding
Concussion, whiplash, and other injuries resulting from rear-end collisions do not show symptoms right away. For your health and safety, it is important to seek prompt medical attention after you’ve been rear-ended.
Getting medical care not only ensures that your injuries are attended to, but strengthens your personal injury claim as well. A medical assessment following the accident validates the severity of your injuries and describes your treatment and recovery. A prompt doctor’s exam will connect your injuries to the accident, proving it is not an already existing condition.
Determining who’s at fault in a rear-end collision
In New Jersey, failure to maintain the prescribed safe distance between vehicles can be considered negligence. This is why the driver behind you is often blamed in a rear-end collision.
There are, however, certain exceptions to the safe distance rule. These include:
- the driver in front suddenly brakes
- backing into the rear vehicle’s front
- a vehicle cutting off another vehicle
- situations beyond the rear driver’s control, like defective brakes or road hazards.
Multiple drivers can be held at fault for an accident if they are found to be partially responsible for the collision. If you were injured but found to be partly at fault, your compensation will be reduced.
For your best interest, work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who is familiar with New Jersey’s car accident laws.
Consult one of our New Jersey rear-end accident lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered serious injury in a rear-end accident, you must seek legal help right away in order to start gathering evidence and improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers at The Grossman Law Firm have assisted many people throughout New Jersey who were injured through the negligence of others. Contact us so we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (732) 625-9494 or fill out our online form to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
