A car accident in New York or New Jersey can happen at any time and for a wide variety of reasons. Some form of driver error is at the root of most car accidents.
Speak With A Knowledgeable Professional
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving refers to anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off the task at hand. The increased use of cell phones and other handheld electronic devices have increased the likelihood of being distracted. A driver using a handheld device is four times more likely to be involved in a crash. If the driver is texting while driving, the crash risk increases by 23 times. Despite bans on these dangerous practices in New York and New Jersey, many drivers break the law, often resulting in crashes.
- Impaired driving – Drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of car accidents despite awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts. Drug-impaired driving has also become a big concern. A recent NHTSA survey found that more than 16 percent of nighttime/weekend drivers tested positive for some type of drug (over-the-counter, prescription or illegal). Statistics compiled by the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that 35 percent of drivers in fatal accidents tested positive for drugs, and another 16 percent for drugs and alcohol combined.
- Drowsy driving – Statistics on accidents caused by driver fatigue are hard to come by because of inconsistent reporting and the reluctance of drivers to admit that they nodded off behind the wheel. Experts, however, have compared the dangers of drowsy driving to those of drunk driving. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that a driver who sleeps only six to seven hours a night instead of the optimal eight is twice as likely to be involved in a crash. Less than five hours of sleep multiplies the crash risk by four to five times.
- Speeding – Exceeding the posted speed limit creates a crash risk, and so does driving too fast for conditions. Over 13,000 lives are lost each year as a result of speed-related collisions, according to the National Safety Council. One in four fatal work-zone accidents is speed-related.
- Aggressive driving – Aggressive driving includes driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, unsafe passing and failing to yield. At its worst, aggressive driving can turn into road rage. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that during a four-year period, aggressive driving was a factor in 56 percent of all fatal accidents.
- Weather conditions – Weather in New York and New Jersey can significantly impact driving conditions. Rain, sleet, ice, snow and fog can cause roadways to become treacherous for motorists. It is the driver’s responsibility to slow down and use appropriate caution when driving conditions deteriorate.
- Road defects – Governmental agencies are responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of public roadways throughout New Jersey and New York. Sometimes a design or construction defect, such as failure to provide guardrails or warning signs, can contribute to a collision. Failing to repair a defect, such as a pothole, in a timely manner could also cause an accident. In situations such as these, it might be possible to recover compensation from the governmental agency or private contractor responsible for the defect.
- Vehicle defects – Sometimes a defective vehicle or automotive component can cause a motorist to lose control and cause an accident. Some defects such as a defective or worn tire, make accident injuries worse than they otherwise would have been. A product liability lawsuit could be a route to recovering compensation if an auto defect played a role in a car accident.
Victims of car accidents that are a result of the negligence of other parties could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. In the event of a fatal car accident, the surviving family members may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of their loved one if someone else was responsible for the accident.
Speak With A Knowledgeable Professional
It costs you nothing to talk with one of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys. We offer free consultations. We receive compensation only if you win your case. Call us now at 1-888-GINARTE (1-888-446-2783). You can also fill out our online contact form.
The Ginarte law firm has offices located in New York City, Queens, Newark, Elizabeth, Clifton, Union City and Perth Amboy.