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 increase 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.  We 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:

Injuries and lost income 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.

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.

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 car accident lawyers, we will protect your interests and collect all possible damages from the responsible driver who caused the rear-ended car accident.

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.