South Jersey Car Accident Lawyers

Driving around New Jersey can be complicated. Major highways, such as the Garden State Parkway, the New Jersey Turnpike, Route 80, and Route 78 carry thousands of people from one part of the state to the other. Beyond that, there are hundreds of other major highways, county roads, and local roads that carry hundreds of people each day. Since there are many drivers on the road, there are many car accidents. Getting injured in a car accident is a traumatic event. It can leave a person facing long-term injuries or disabilities. They may be unable to return to work in the same capacity as before and face mounting medical bills.

New Jersey law allows victims to recoup their losses from their auto insurance. However, there are certain instances when a victim can sue a liable party. If you have been injured in an accident, contact the South Jersey car accident lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman for help determining the best course of action after a collision.

What are Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents?

No matter the severity of an accident, injuries can happen. The intensity of an accident does not necessarily translate into an equal level of injury. However, even if someone has been involved in an accident and they do not believe that they were injured, they should still seek medical help. There are hidden injuries that could be lurking under the surface. The most common car accident injuries include:

• Bruising and Contusions: Even a minor accident can lead to bruising or contusions if the driver slams hard into their seat belt. A seat belt will prevent worse damage, but it will still leave a bruise for a few weeks.
• Whiplash: This occurs when the head moves backward and suddenly forward. It rarely causes long-term problems, but it can be painful for several weeks.
• Neck and Back injuries: The severe rapid force that takes place during a car accident can result in neck and back injuries. A neck or back injury might not be immediately detectible, but it can lead to limited mobility and other problems.
• Concussions: During an accident, a victim could hit their head hard on an object within the car, causing a concussion. There are multiple symptoms of a concussion, including memory loss and an inability to think quickly. Immediate care can limit any long-term problems associated with a concussion.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These alter the way the brain works and has long-term effects. Recovery is possible, but treating the injury could take years, depending on its severity.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): After a major car accident, a person could experience severe emotional impact. A car accident victim may not want to drive anymore or even have difficulty sleeping.
• Broken Bones: With the sudden stop of a vehicle, it could cause a victim’s body to collide with parts of the car, putting tremendous stress on a person’s bones. That stress could cause bones to break, which could result in a broken arm, leg, or another part of the body.
• Internal Bleeding: A person’s organs are fragile and can easily bruise upon impact. That impact can also lead to internal bleeding. A victim must be treated immediately to avoid any serious damage to those organs or the rest of the body.

After being involved in an accident, a victim should seek medical help as soon as possible. Even if they do not believe that they were injured, they should have a doctor confirm that diagnosis.

What is Comparative Negligence?

New Jersey follows a comparative negligence law, meaning a court assigns a percentage of blame or fault for all involved parties in an accident. They are then responsible for that percentage of the overall reward issued. For example, if the plaintiff is found to be 10 percent liable, that percentage is deducted from the full amount that the defendant will have to pay. In addition, if a person is found to be more than 50 percent liable, they will not be eligible to collect any of the reward.

What are the Causes of Most Accidents in New Jersey?

There are numerous causes of accidents, such as human error or road conditions. While situations, like poor weather, can contribute to accidents, one of the most dangerous causes are negligent drivers. The common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: This has become one of the most common causes of accidents. Many states prohibit texting while driving, and others require hands-free devices while talking on the phone.
• Drunk Driving: Drug and alcohol impairments limit reflexes and slow reaction times.
• Speeding: Speeding limits reaction time, meaning speeding drivers cannot respond quickly to stopped vehicles in front of them.
• Reckless Driving: This is when a driver is changing lanes and not paying attention to other drivers around them. It can also include not taking the necessary precautions when out on the road.
• Aggressive Driving: An aggressive driver makes others around them nervous and causes them to overreact, which could cause an accident. Aggressive drivers will weave in and out of traffic and accelerate and brake hard to get to where they want to go as quickly as possible.

There are many causes of car accidents, and it is important for motorists to know them. Additionally, the cause of an accident can affect liability. For help with filing a lawsuit to collect damages, it is encouraged that a car accident victim seeks legal representation.