Mercer County Car Accident Attorney

Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents can take many forms, ranging from minor fender benders to severe, life-altering collisions. Some of the most common types of car accidents that occur in Mercer County include:

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of car accidents, often caused by drivers who are distracted or fail to stop in time. These accidents can result in whiplash, back injuries, and other serious physical damage, especially if the impact occurs at high speeds.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents typically occur when one vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, either due to distracted driving, driving under the influence, or other factors.
• T-Bone Accidents: T-bone accidents, or side-impact crashes, happen when one vehicle strikes another at a perpendicular angle. These accidents often occur at intersections, especially when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield the right of way. The side of a vehicle is much less protected than the front or rear, making T-bone accidents especially dangerous.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. These accidents can happen when a driver loses control, especially in SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity. Speeding, sharp turns, and dangerous road conditions often contribute to rollover accidents.
• Multi-Vehicle Collisions: Multi-vehicle accidents typically involve chain reactions, where one vehicle causes others to collide. These accidents often happen on highways or congested roads and can involve serious injuries, extensive property damage, and complicated legal issues.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents are especially tragic and can cause significant harm to individuals who are walking or crossing the street. Pedestrians are vulnerable in accidents involving cars, and these incidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents in Mercer County can be caused by various factors. Identifying the cause of your accident is crucial for building a strong legal case.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Mercer County and nationwide. Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers take a driver's attention away from the road and can lead to serious accidents.
• Speeding: Speeding is a contributing factor in many car accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions are less able to react to hazards, leading to increased accident severity. Higher speeds also increase the likelihood of fatal accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in New Jersey and remains a major cause of accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, decreased coordination, and impaired judgment, making them more likely to cause accidents.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Reckless or aggressive driving, including tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage, can easily lead to accidents. These behaviors create an unsafe environment for other drivers and increase the likelihood of collisions.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can significantly reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Drivers must adjust their speed and driving habits to ensure safety in inclement weather.
• Mechanical Failures: Sometimes accidents are caused by vehicle defects or mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or engine problems. In these cases, the manufacturer or the vehicle owner may be held liable if maintenance or design issues contributed to the accident.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Failing to obey traffic signals and stop signs is a common cause of accidents, especially at intersections. Running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs can result in dangerous side-impact or T-bone accidents.

New Jersey Car Accident Laws

New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that your own insurance company will pay for your medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries are serious or if the accident results in significant damage, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the crash, you may not be entitled to compensation.

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to file your claim within this timeframe to ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Please call the car accident attorneys in Mercer County at (732) 440-3089 or contact us online today.