Common Causes of Automotive Accidents
Overview: Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. A large number of people are injured or worse each year after being involved in an auto accident. There are many things that can lead to auto accidents.
The Rate of Auto Accidents in New Jersey
Each year, there is an estimated 37,000 fatalities in the United States due to auto accidents. An estimated additional 2.35 million people are also injured or disabled from an auto accident.
Looking at the state of New Jersey specifically, the New Jersey Department of Transportation reports between 240,000 and 600,000 auto crash-related injuries each year.
The Most Common Causes of New Jersey Auto Accidents
Millions of people operate a personal vehicle on a daily basis. Unfortunately, there are many things that can lead to an auto accident, many of which are also dangerous to other drivers on the road.
Common causes of New Jersey's auto accidents include:
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of auto accidents, not only in New Jersey, but in the entire U.S. Many drivers ignore posted signs of speed, which can not only increase the chances of being in an auto accident, but will often intensify the damages of the auto accident. In fact, when speeding is a cause, it often leads to more fatalities.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can lead you to make poor decisions and can ultimately lead to an auto accident. Aggressive driving includes following too closely, swerving in and out of traffic, and hitting the brakes. Aggressive driving can also affect both driver's attention, causing them to fail to yield, follow speed limit signs, or remember local road laws. It can also affect other drivers on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become more of a problem over the years as smartphones have become a larger part of our lives. However, using a smartphone is not the only possible distraction. Other distractions might include:
- Children in the backseat
- Eating while driving
- Applying makeup while driving
- Communicating with a passenger
- Watching an accident on the side of the road
- Changing the radio station
- Programming your vehicle
- Talking on the phone
As you become more comfortable with driving, it might not seem like a big deal to eat a meal or have an in-depth conversation with your passenger, but the problem is when a situation arises that requires your full attention. If the driver in front of you is forced to slam on their brakes and you are not giving your full attention to the road ahead, you might not notice.
Fatigued Driving
Americans are met with more demands than ever before. Fatigued driving is dangerous driving. Additionally, some people may be required to drive through the night when the body is preparing to sleep. A good rule to follow, always find a safe place to pull over if you feel even a little tired.
Driving Under the Influence
Drugs and alcohol reduce your reaction time, which can be dangerous when driving. New Jersey has a legal BAC limit of 0.08. However, even minimal amounts of alcohol or drugs can reduce your reaction time.
There are many causes of auto accidents which can lead to significant injuries or even be fatal. If you were involved in a car accident, it is important to evaluate the cause and determine who is at fault. You may be eligible for compensation to cover your damages is another driver was at fault.
Contact a Toms River Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Auto Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an auto accident in New Jersey? Don't let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. represent clients injured because of auto accidents in Woodbridge, Piscataway, Middletown, Lakewood, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 906-1500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ, 08820, as well as offices in Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
