Car Accidents Attorneys in Hunterdon County

Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur in a variety of ways, each with its own set of legal and medical challenges. Understanding the type of accident that led to your injuries can help determine liability and the appropriate legal course of action. Some common types of car accidents we handle at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These are among the most common types of car accidents, often occurring when one driver is following too closely or fails to stop in time. Rear-end collisions can lead to serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal injuries, and head trauma.
• Head-On Collisions: These are some of the most dangerous and deadly accidents, occurring when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: Side-impact accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents are particularly dangerous for passengers sitting on the side of impact, potentially causing injuries like broken ribs, pelvic fractures, and internal organ damage.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover crashes happen when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, typically as a result of sharp turns, high speeds, or collisions with other vehicles. These accidents often lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to the force and severity of the rollover.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Accidents involving multiple vehicles are complex and often result in serious injuries due to the number of collisions. Determining liability in multi-vehicle accidents can be challenging, as more than one party may be at fault.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: When a driver flees the scene of the accident without providing contact information or rendering aid, it constitutes a hit-and-run. These cases can be legally challenging, but our team at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. will work diligently to identify the at-fault party and pursue justice on your behalf.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Understanding the causes of car accidents is key to establishing liability and determining fault. Many car accidents are preventable, and they often occur due to the negligent or reckless behavior of one or more drivers. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technology, distractions take the driver’s focus away from the road and increase the risk of a crash.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding is a major contributor to fatal accidents and is often a sign of reckless driving.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drug use impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, leading to slower reaction times, poor judgment, and an increased likelihood of accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving includes behaviors such as aggressive driving, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic. These actions not only endanger the reckless driver but also other road users.
• Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, and ice, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to accidents. Drivers are expected to adjust their driving to accommodate weather conditions, but many fail to do so, causing preventable crashes.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Violations of traffic laws, such as running red lights, failing to yield, or ignoring stop signs, frequently lead to accidents. These actions put everyone on the road at risk.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving is another significant cause of car accidents, particularly among truck drivers and those working long hours. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep at the wheel, leading to serious accidents.

New Jersey Car Accident Laws

New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning that after a car accident, your own insurance policy will cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

New Jersey also follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages from the other party.

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance to cover your damages, your own UM/UIM coverage can help compensate for your injuries and losses.

Why You Need a Hunterdon County Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re facing medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of the incident. At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., our Hunterdon County car accident lawyers are here to take the legal burden off your shoulders and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

We handle every aspect of your car accident claim, from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. Our legal team has a deep understanding of New Jersey’s car accident laws and will work tirelessly to hold the at-fault parties accountable.

Call (732) 440-3089 or contact us online today to discuss your legal options with our firm.