While the use of cell phones in any capacity behind the wheel is prohibited by New Jersey law, talking to passengers in your vehicle can be equally distracting and dangerous. Talking to passengers in your vehicle can be so distracting that you are involved in an accident. 

Are Your Conversations too Distracting?

Sometimes, you may not even realize you are distracted when talking to passengers in your vehicles. However, if you notice that you can’t focus, are missing traffic signals, or have to stop suddenly because you didn’t see an upcoming sign or hazard, it’s clear that you are distracted. Because of the dangers this poses to you, your passengers and others on the road, it’s best to end the conversation and pick it back up when you reach your destination. 

Tips to Reduce Distractions From Conversations

It’s only common to want to talk to the people in your vehicle. However, you need to stop the conversation and refocus on the road if you become distracted. You can also request that passengers don’t speak loudly or make sudden loud noises, which may startle you and cause you to jerk the wheel. 

Staying Safe While on the Road

A huge part of driving is paying attention to what is going on around you. However, if you find the conversations in your vehicle are taking your mind and even your eyes off the road, it’s best to end them. By doing this, you can keep yourself, your passengers and other motorists safe and prevent an accident caused by your distraction. 

At the same time, however, it’s important to understand that there’s nothing you can do to avoid all car accidents. Sometimes, things are just out of your control. Driving safely is wise, but you also need to know what to do if someone else injures you.

Accidents at Red Lights: An Example of the Constant Danger

To show how the risk is not always avoidable, consider the fact that roughly 143,000 people suffered injuries in 2019 when they were hit at red lights. One of the drivers ran the red light and caused a serious crash. 

While it’s true that some of those in the above statistics are the offending drivers who ran the lights, many are also drivers and passengers who were supposed to be safely driving through a green light when they got hit. They followed all the traffic laws. They didn’t make any mistakes. They tried to be as safe as they could. But even that wasn’t enough because something like running a red light or running a stop sign is such a critical error that even safe drivers can be seriously injured.

If this does happen to you, you may be facing extensive medical bills and a lot of other costs. Be sure you know how to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. You shouldn’t have to pay for another person’s mistakes. 

While driving can be a rewarding activity, there is always a potential for danger, no matter how careful you are.it is impossible for you to control weather conditions, which significantly impact road safety. You also can’t know for sure if something is going to go wrong mechanically- all you can do is take the best possible care of your vehicle. 

There is always an element of danger when on the roads and losing control of your vehicle is a possibility. Fortunately, losing control doesn’t need to result in an accident. There are ways for you to regain control of your vehicle. 

Tackling a Rear-Wheel Skid

Rear-wheel skids can be extremely frightening and challenging to handle. If this happens, you may feel like your car is spinning out of control and you are powerless. Nonetheless, there are ways to counter a rear-wheel skid. It is important that you refrain from slamming on the brakes, as this could send a skid out of control. Instead, try to steer into the skid. This means that if you feel your car skidding out to the left, then you need to turn your steering wheel in that direction. 

Your Front Wheels Can Skid, Too

Front-wheel skids are also referred to as understeer. Essentially, this means that your car will carry on in a straight line rather than turning the corner when you steer the wheel. You’ll probably notice that the steering wheel feels light in your hands, because of a loss of traction. The most effective way to counter this is to try and keep the wheels in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator until traction is restored. Again, it is important to fight any instinct to slam on the brakes, as this is likely to only escalate the situation. 

Losing control of your car can be daunting but a loss of control doesn’t always need to result in a crash. If you have been unable to avoid a collision, be sure to explore your legal options in more detail. 

The most noticeable symptoms of a concussion can last for weeks or even longer. These include headaches, dizziness and sensitivity to light and sound. However, symptoms that are less noticeable can continue longer – and they can affect your ability to drive safely.

Comparable to Drunk Driving

In one study, researchers looked at college-age adults and the effect that a concussion had on their driving skills. They used a driving simulator within days after they reported that their concussion symptoms were gone. 

Researchers noted that many of them demonstrated erratic driving. This included not maintaining good control over their “vehicle” and swerving within their lane. Researchers compared what they saw to driving under the influence. The study’s author noted, “This is a pretty large indicator of motor vehicle accident risk…at a time point when they are considered recovered.”

While this was a small study of a specific age group, anyone who has suffered a concussion would be wise not to drive until they stop noticing the symptoms of their concussion. Doctors often have timelines they use to advise people when they can return to work, school or sports after a concussion. However, there’s no definitive timeline when it comes to driving. If you’re anxious to get behind the wheel again (or you need to), it’s a good idea to bring someone along who can honestly evaluate your driving before you go out on your own.

Potential safety risks like these are just one more reason why it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation, which may include some scans if you’ve suffered a head injury — even if you feel fine. Head injuries can have serious short-term as well as long-term consequences. It’s crucial to know how your injuries will affect you before you reach any settlement with an at-fault driver or their insurance company.

Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon. Motorcycles have become an increasingly popular form of transportation in the United States over the last decade or so, and that’s led to an increase in both fatalities and major spinal cord injuries from wrecks. Because motorcycles lack a protective cage or shell around their riders, there’s nothing between them and the pavement when a crash does happen – and the human spinal cord can be very fragile.

A Total Loss of Sensation Indicates That You Have the Most Severe Form of Injury

Spinal cord damage can be divided into either “incomplete” injuries or “complete” injuries. Since you have no feeling from the waist down, you likely have a complete spinal cord injury – which means that you’ve lost all motor control below the point of damage. 

Since just your legs, pelvic organs and the lower trunk of your body are affected, this is referred to as paraplegia. The long-term consequences of your injuries are likely to include:

• A permanent inability to move your feet and legs
• The loss of both bowel and bladder control
• Changes in your sexual function
• Problems with nerve pain in some of the affected areas
• Increased difficulty fighting off infections
• A risk of blood clots in your legs and other complications

Only time will tell exactly what complications you may face, but you’re definitely in for a long recovery period – and you will likely never regain what you have lost. Your focus will probably be on improving your condition as much as possible and adapting to your new physical reality so that you can maintain the best possible life moving forward.

Naturally, none of the medical care or adaptive equipment you may need is cheap – and insurance only covers so much. If your wreck was caused by another driver’s negligence, the best way to protect your interests is to pursue a claim for the maximum possible compensation.

Both can lead to the roads being more dangerous than an average day of the year. Heavy traffic can lead drivers to get frustrated and do stupid things. Anyone taking a long journey may also be more tired at the wheel than usual. As for alcohol – that is a different story altogether.

More People Drink a Little and Drive

Maybe you know someone who rarely drinks at home and never visits the bar. Yet, they might have a glass or two of champagne on special occasions such as birthdays or family gatherings. If they are not used to drinking, it could have a massive effect on how they drive, even if they are still under the limit.

More People Drink a Lot and Drive Before the Alcohol Has Worn Off

Now for those who like to celebrate in style. New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest nights of the year for partying. Many follow it with a celebratory meal the next day, often involving alcohol again. Come Sunday and some of those people will have consumed so much alcohol that they will still be over the limit or in a hungover daze.

Impaired driving is irresponsible at any time of year. Yet, good sense can often go by the wayside on public holidays. If someone sets your 2022 off to a lousy start by crashing into you, understanding how to claim compensation for your injuries can help you set it back on course as soon as possible.

With the increased hazards present in winter, it is important to be extra vigilant whenever you drive in such circumstances. Outlined below are some of the risks you should be wary of.

Reduced Ability to Stop

The icy road conditions highly reduce your vehicle’s ability to come to a sudden stop. Even with perfectly working brakes, a sudden stop is not guaranteed as cars can skid over ice, which could result in a crash. Therefore, it is essential to observe the speed limits and drive at a pace that matches the road conditions.

Reduced Visibility

In extreme winter conditions, a driver’s visibility is significantly reduced. This can invite disaster since you cannot see even the road hazards you are supposed to avoid. Furthermore, reduced visibility means that you are invisible to other drivers.

Use your headlights when driving in snowy conditions, and if your visibility is close to nil, it is advisable to pull over at a safe location and wait for the weather to improve.

Low Tire Tread and Pressure

The low temperatures over winter usually reduce the pressure of your car tires. This means that you may be driving with improperly inflated tires which can lead to blowouts and reduced traction. It is advisable to check the air pressure regularly and replace the worn-out tires.

Lastly, it is crucial to be prepared for any eventualities. No matter the steps you may take to prevent an accident, another driver’s negligence can lead to one. In that case, you need to be aware of the steps to take toward getting compensation for damage to property or any injuries suffered due to negligence.

People often try to justify their actions by blaming someone else. Yet, everyone is responsible for their own actions, especially if driving a vehicle.

Drivers Need to Control Their Reactions

If a driver is blaming you, it may be their reaction that is the problem. Here are some things a driver may say to blame you for a crash:

• You were driving too slowly: While going much slower than other vehicles can disrupt traffic flow and frustrate other drivers, there is no excuse for a driver attempting to pass you when it is not safe. If they collide with you or another vehicle while overtaking, they need to accept blame.
• You slowed down suddenly: Sometimes, you need to slam on the brakes. It could be because the light turns red, a car pulls out a driveway, or a dog wanders into the street. If the driver behind crashes into the back of you, it means they were either too close or not paying enough attention to react in time to your brake lights. Tailgating and distracted driving are both common issues.

Claiming compensation in a vehicle collision can be challenging. It will be even more so if you cannot remember what happened. Having help as you piece together the evidence (and your options) will be crucial to your claim.

People often feel confused and shaken up right after a motor vehicle collision, which makes it a bad time to make major decisions. However, that is essentially what is expected of you.

You need to take the right steps after a crash to protect yourself, which means you need to know the four things listed below.

Documenting the Scene of the Crash Will Protect You

The heavier the flow of traffic on the road where you have your collision, the more likely it is that you will not be able to leave your vehicles in place after the crash. Instead, you will need to move them to allow the flow of traffic to resume. Taking photos or even video footage with your mobile phone before you move your vehicles can capture evidence that could play a major role in your case later.

You Typically Have a Legal Obligation to Report the Crash

It is common for someone involved in a wreck to try to talk the other party out of contacting law enforcement. Drivers with suspended licenses and inactive insurance policies are among those who will likely try to negotiate to keep you from contacting the police. However, if anyone gets injured or if there are substantial property damage issues, state law requires that you notify the police either immediately or in the case of property damage is only, within 10 days of the collision.

The Other Driver’s Insurance May Not Give You Enough Protection

New Jersey does have mandatory insurance requirements, but unfortunately, the absolute minimum coverage required for someone with a Basic Policy is quite low. There might be just $5,000 worth of property damage coverage for you to make a claim against, which will force you to consider other options for compensation.

A Timely Medical Evaluation Could Make all the Difference

Your adrenal response could mask the early warning signs of a serious injury. Even if you don’t believe you had a strong biological reaction to the crash, certain serious injuries, like those that involve internal bleeding, may not have immediate symptoms after a crash but require a quick diagnosis for your full recovery. Seeing a doctor soon after a crash can get you the medical care you need and can make it clear that your injuries are the result of the wreck.

Knowing how to act after a car crash in New Jersey will make it easier for you to reduce the long-term impact of that wreck.

Driving in Dangerous Weather

Road conditions could become deadly for drivers who don’t consider weather-related hazards. The posted speed limit might be 50 mph, but that speed may be too fast when the rain comes down hard or there is ice on the road. Drivers in a rush to get home or work may even drive above the speed limit during inclement weather, further increasing dangers.

Avoiding moving violations and driving defensively seems advisable. Sometimes, even staying home could be the safest decision. Some conditions are not worth the potential risks.

Taking Care of the Vehicle

Proper vehicle maintenance might provide additional support for safe driving. Old tires with low treads may lose traction on slick roads, leading to a car accident. Driving with worn-out brakes might result in a similar crash. Perhaps having routine seasonal maintenance could keep a car in decent enough shape to handle various weather conditions.

Drivers shouldn’t overlook seemingly smaller maintenance steps, such as replacing windshield wiper blades. Imagine how dangerous driving becomes when the wiper blades can’t clear away rain and snow.

A vehicle might end up disabled during harsh weather, putting the driver and passengers in a tough position. Adding safety kits to the trunk, ones that include food, water, appropriate clothing, and spare phone chargers, may help the cause. Anything that helps keep someone safe during an emergency could be valuable during a weather mishap.

Others Have Less Time to Stop

People who speed have reduced reaction times to come to a stop and avoid a collision. When someone drives too slowly, others around his or her vehicle might not have enough time to avoid colliding into the slow-moving vehicle. Speed limits are established for a reason. They are meant to provide a predictable speed for the flow of traffic. When a motorist comes upon someone who is driving well under the speed limit, the motorist will be forced to make sudden and unexpected adjustments, potentially resulting in a car accident with the slow-moving driver or someone else.

Impeding Traffic and Road Rage

People who drive too slowly impede traffic, which alters the flow of traffic and can lead to road rage. While road rage is never appropriate, people who drive too slowly can cause other motorists to quickly lose patience and potentially react violently. People should never drive too slowly in the passing lane. Slower drivers should always stay in the right-hand lane and allow others to pass them.

All drivers should pay attention to the posted speed limits and adhere to them. If they are driving on an interstate, traveling with the flow of traffic can help to prevent accidents from happening.

Why Would You Be Partially Liable for Your Own Injuries?

The law requires that you take reasonable steps to keep yourself free of harm while using a product or while spending time on another person’s property. For instance, you are required to drive at a reasonable speed, obey traffic lights and wear a safety belt while operating a motor vehicle. Therefore, if you were speeding at the time of a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, the law may deem you partially responsible for the crash. The amount of compensation that you would ordinarily be entitled to receive would be reduced by the percentage for which you were deemed to be at fault.

What Types of Damages Might You Receive in a Personal Injury Case?

If you are injured in a motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to a financial award to pay medical bills, recoup lost wages or make up for lost future earnings. You may also receive compensation to pay for the cost of replacing any items that were damaged in an accident. These items may include your vehicle, electronics inside of the vehicle or expensive jewelry that had to be cut off of you by a paramedic.

10 Most Dangerous Roadways in New Jersey

In analyzing car accidents, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has identified the 10 most dangerous roads in New Jersey. They include the following:

• State Road 129, Trenton
• Interstate 676, Camden
• State Road 42, Bellmawr
• State Road 20, Paterson
• State Road 21, Passaic, Newark
• State Road 440, Jersey City, Bayonne
• Interstate 280, Newark, Harrison, Parsippany
• State Road 4, Hackensack
• Interstate 80, Northern New Jersey

Worst of the Worst

The stretch of State Road 129 at Trenton is ranked as far and away as the worst stretch of road in New Jersey. The specific stretch of that roadway where traffic fatalities are particularly high consists of about 2.5 miles. The fatality rate is at 72.6 fatalities per 100 miles. This is almost twice the rate of the stretch of roadway at Camden, which is in second place. It is almost four times greater than the stretch or road in 10th place in New Jersey.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, you should fully understand your important legal rights. The first step in retaining legal representation is scheduling a case evaluation and initial consultation with an automobile accident attorney. Typically, a car accident lawyer charges no fee and imposes no obligations for an initial consultation to determine if you have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.

What’s Causing Delivery Driver-Involved Crashes?

According to a recent report from ProPublica and BuzzFeed News, Amazon’s delivery drivers became involved in 60 separate motor vehicle accidents in the past five years. These accidents caused the deaths of 13 people and contributed to many more injuries.

Executives from Amazon reportedly declined to implement newly proposed safety measures for drivers. These measures called for Amazon drivers to take part in increased safety requirements. There was also a proposal to drug-test all of Amazon’s drivers.

Another possible reason for these delivery driver-involved collisions has to do with Rabbit, Amazon’s GPS app. According to this same investigation, drivers reported that Rabbit would sometimes give incorrect and unsafe directions.

Amazon’s Response to These Allegations

In a statement released to BuzzFeed News, an Amazon spokesperson denied any allegations of the company putting profits over driver safety. This hasn’t been the first time Amazon has had to respond to safety concerns. In 2021, the company responded to a request from senators to safety concerns about its delivery network and stated that safety is “Amazon’s top priority.”

If you were involved in a collision with a delivery driver, it could be wise to get in touch with a car accident attorney. Vicarious liability might apply to the case, meaning you may be able to hold the driver’s employer responsible for your injuries. An experienced attorney may evaluate your case and inform you of your legal options.

No Limitation on Lawsuit

When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident that is caused by another party, you can receive up to the maximum amount allowed by your personal injury protection to cover medical bills and some property damage. With a limitation on lawsuit, you would still be able to sue for lost wages related to the accident and medical expenses. With no limitation on lawsuit, you would also have the right to file a lawsuit against the responsible party for pain and suffering.

Injuries That Permit Lawsuits

For certain types of serious injuries, you have the right to file a lawsuit even if you choose a policy that has a limitation on lawsuit. If you lose a body part or suffer another permanent injury, you can sue with a limitation on lawsuit policy. A pregnant woman who loses a fetus also has the right to sue. Substantial scarring, substantial disfigurement or a displaced fracture also give the injured person the right to sue. Finally, certain family members may be able to file a lawsuit if the person dies despite a limitation on lawsuit.

Whether or not you have a limitation on lawsuit option, you can get some compensation if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident. Deciding whether or not to choose the limitation on lawsuit is something people will have to choose for themselves based on their financial situation and other factors. You may decide that the right to sue for compensation for pain and suffering for all types of injuries is the correct choice for you.

Uninsured Motorist Protection

When an insured driver hits another vehicle, their insurance typically pays for the damages. Statistics show one in eight drivers, or around 30 million, still do not have minimum liability. This can cause great financial loss for the driver not at fault in accidents, or they will have to sue the driver. Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection gives drivers a safety net in these situations.

Not all states require uninsured motorist protection, but New Jersey does with a minimum of $15,000 for a single driver. It also pays a minimum of $5,000 of property damage and $30,000 for multiple passengers in a single accident, but drivers may buy over the limits.

Underinsured Motorist Protection

Another kind of coverage is underinsured motorist protection, which covers drivers when the at-fault driver has some coverage but not enough. The coverage pays out the difference between the accident damage amount and what the driver should have in coverage. Some states including New Jersey require this in addition to uninsured motorist protection.

For example, if the not-at-fault driver’s accident damages total $30,000 and the at-fault driver’s policy only covers $20,000, the injured driver can make a claim up to their own policy limit that exceeds this amount. For example, if the driver not at fault has a $40,000 policy limit, they could file a claim. They cannot double-dip, meaning getting covered from their insurance and the at-fault driver’s insurance.

In most states, a driver has a time limit to file a car accident insurance claim, which is commonly 30 days. Insurance companies often deny legitimate claims or offer an inadequate settlement, so the driver may need the help of an attorney.

Causes

Car accidents, physical abuse and violence, sports injuries and any impact to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries. Whenever you sustain a hit to the head, you should get a check-up to make sure a TBI doesn’t go undiagnosed. It’s possible to have no initial symptoms, so don’t rely on symptoms to let you know when to see a doctor. TBI symptoms that you might experience include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Increased sensitivity to sound or light
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Fatigue
• Unexplained moodiness

Some people only have psychological symptoms. It’s important not to shrug off these issues either.

Keep Up With Your Treatment Plan

It’s crucial that you listen to your doctor and rest properly until they let you know it’s safe to increase your activity level again. You need to reduce how much time you spend socializing, watching TV and doing other stimulating activities when you have a traumatic brain injury.

During the first week after a traumatic brain injury, you could experience a seizure. Your doctor may prescribe anti-seizure medication for you to help prevent a seizure. Nerve damage, infections, cognitive problems and personality changes are other possible complications from a TBI.

Severe TBIs

If you have a severe TBI, you may have to go through rehab. You might even have to learn how to walk and talk again. Sometimes, a person with a traumatic brain injury needs surgery for repairing a skull fracture or removing a hematoma. When other treatments aren’t working well, your doctor may recommend undergoing a procedure in which they create a small opening in your skull to release pressure.

After a car accident or a blow to the head, you need to see a doctor to make sure you don’t have a TBI or another serious head injury. A personal injury attorney may be able to help you seek compensation from the party responsible for your accident.

Whiplash is Among the Most Common Type of Accident Injury

Whiplash occurs when the head, neck or back is forced to move quickly in an unnatural manner. Symptoms of this type of injury include an inability to turn your head, a sore back or a stiff neck. In some cases, these symptoms won’t present themselves for several hours after a collision takes place.

Did Your Head Hit Something During a Wreck?

If your head made contact with the dashboard, a pane of glass or any other surface during a motor vehicle accident, you could be at risk of a concussion, cracked skull or another type of traumatic brain injury. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get to a hospital immediately after hitting your head. Diagnosing a TBI in a timely manner may minimize your risk of incurring permanent damage.

You Might Experience Mental Trauma

After a significant event such as a car accident, there is a chance that you’ll develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. For a period of weeks, months or years, you might have trouble sleeping, have a fear of driving or have an emotional reaction to driving past the scene of your accident. You are encouraged to speak with a therapist if you develop mental health issues after being in a motor vehicle wreck.

It’s generally in your best interest to hire an attorney if you’re hurt in a car crash. Legal counsel may be able to use witness statements, video footage of the crash or other evidence to help you obtain a favorable settlement. If a settlement isn’t reached, an attorney may be able to represent your interests during a personal injury trial.

Complete and Incomplete Injury

In many auto accidents, there’s an incredible amount of force involved. Even if a vehicle is slowing, impacts at speed are very jarring to the human body. During a collision, the spinal column absorbs much of the impact of the crash. Vertebrae and other structures can be damaged. Fractured vertebrae pose a danger to the health of the spinal cord and may require surgical treatment.

The spinal cord runs through the vertebrae and links with the brain. It relays messages from the brain to the muscles and is key in movement. Spinal cord injuries in auto accidents can be complete, as in paraplegia. Incomplete spinal injuries may not damage the ability to use limbs. But they may lead to changes in strength and sensation.

The impact in an auto collision can also cause less serious injuries. Whiplash happens in the neck, when the head is jerked back and forth quickly. It typically improves in a matter of weeks, provided it’s treated properly. Medications and physical therapy can be used to treat whiplash.

Anyone who has suffered a back injury in a car accident should contact an experienced attorney. The insurance company might offer a settlement. But having a lawyer in your corner may mean getting a better one that covers medical bills and lost wages.

Whiplash is a Common Car Accident Injury

Whiplash is an informal term for what happens to your head and neck at the moment a collision occurs. If you are wearing a safety belt, your head will likely snap backward while your body remains in place during impact. The force of this unnatural motion can result in a stiff neck, broken bones or back pain.

You Could Experience a Concussion or Skull Fracture

There is a chance that your head could hit the dashboard, center console or other hard surfaces inside of your vehicle. In many cases, you’ll hit these objects with enough force to crack your skull or suffer other types of head injuries. It’s important to note that symptoms of a head injury might not become apparent for hours or days after a crash.

Therefore, it is important to seek medical treatment even if you feel fine immediately after a wreck takes place. Medical records often serve as evidence that your MVA attorney can use to obtain a favorable outcome in a personal injury case.

It is generally in your best interest to speak with an attorney after your involvement in a car accident. Doing so may make it easier to preserve your legal rights and obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost future earnings.