New Jersey Rear End Collision Lawyers
Rear ended car accidents are the most common and most preventable type of car accident in New Jersey. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear ended car accidents represent 28 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. The severity of damage and the personal injuries suffered increased with the speed and vehicle size of the cars and trucks involved in the accident. Unfortunately, 40 percent of rear ended car accidents in New Jersey involve commercial vehicles and trucks. Our rear end collision attorneys have extensive experience in handling cases for victims of car accidents who have been rear ended, such as $5 million for a truck accident on behalf of a client who was hit by a tractor-trailer.
Accidents typically occur due to these factors:
- Following too closely
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Brake or equipment malfunctions
- Distracted driving or inattention
Our knowledgeable rear end car accident attorneys can help you sort through the details of your case and how you should proceed. Give us a call now for a free consultation into your rear end accident.
What to do After a Rear End Collision?
If you are involved in a rear-end collision, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries and seek medical attention if needed. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents and avoid blocking traffic.
- Exchange Information: Obtain the contact details and insurance information of the other driver involved, as well as any witnesses. Document their license plate number and vehicle details.
- Document the Accident: Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
- Notify Law Enforcement: Contact the police to file an accident report, especially if there are damages to your vehicle or anyone is injured. This report can be crucial for insurance claims and possible legal cases that may arise from the situation.
- Avoid Discussions of Fault: Do not speculate or admit fault at the scene. Let your attorney or the insurance companies figure out fault.
- Contact a Rear End Collision Attorney: Car accident lawyers can help you determine if you should pursue legal action, if you are entitled to restitution for your injuries, and more.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries
Injuries and lost income from rear-end car accidents are serious concerns. Back and neck injuries, head trauma, broken bones and spinal injuries are some of the types of injuries that may occur during this type of car accident. It’s sometimes difficult for New Jersey rear-end car accident victims to document physical trauma when their car shows few signs of damage. In these cases, an MRI or CT scan can prove the severity of injuries.
Like other car accidents, these guidelines apply to rear-end collision causes:
- Always call law enforcement to report the accident.
- Request medical attention if you’ve been injured.
- Never sign insurance documents before consulting an attorney.
Injuries can vary in a rear end collision, and they may not always occur immediately. If you think you’ve been hurt as the result of a rear end collision, contact our rear end car crash lawyers now for help.
Determining Liability for Rear End Car Accidents
Under New Jersey law, the driver in the rear is responsible for any car accident and property damage. It’s presumed that the driver failed to maintain a safe distance and is therefore negligent. Drivers are instructed to add one car length of space for every 10 mph of speed. However, this rule is rarely followed, especially on New Jersey’s crowded highways.
However, liability may shift if the lead car had non-working brake lights. Brake malfunctions due to poor design or manufacturing defects create third-party product liability issues. Nonetheless, it’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure that their brakes are properly maintained.
The rear end collision attorneys at Mazie Slater Katz Freeman will obtain and evaluate the evidence and determine who is at fault.
Rear End Collision Settlements
Even though New Jersey is a no-fault state, the driver in the rear is presumed to be at fault. Damages for pain and suffering, loss of consortium and lost wages can be recovered in a civil lawsuit. As aggressive and highly experienced New Jersey rear end car accident lawyers, we will protect your interests and collect all possible damages from the responsible driver who caused the rear-ended car accident.
I was rear ended, should I get a rear end accident lawyer?
Our New Jersey rear ended car accident lawyers are dedicated to achieving justice and securing a prompt, fair settlement for every client. We have been named to the Best New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers list by the Best Lawyers in America publication for a reason. If you or a loved one were injured in a rear ended car accident, contact the New Jersey law firm of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman. One of our experienced New Jersey rear end accident lawyers will get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your case at no charge.
