If you are a new driver, chances are, you’re taking advantage of the freedom driving inherintly provides. No more waiting on friends or family to pick you up–you just grab your keys and go. This is a wonderful feeling, though you must retain your composure once on the road. You must always drive responsibly and safely. While you most likely are a safe driver, unfortunately, there are many unsafe, risky drivers on the road, who put all other motorists at risk. This is why if you are involved in a car accident, there are several things you need to know about the process going forward. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common factors of car accidents?
The most common causes of car accidents are as follows:
- Inclement weather conditions, such as rain and snow
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes
- Negligent road design, such as poorly or unclearly painted traffic lines
- Faulty or defective car parts
However, the most common cause of car accidents, is, rather obviously, driver negligence.
What are some examples of driver negligence?
Some examples of driver negligence are as follows:
- Smoking while driving
- Eating while driving
- Failing to yield
- Unsafely changing lanes
- Unsafely merging
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Ignoring traffic signs, lights, and other rules of the road
What should I do after a New Jersey car accident?
Following a car accident, you should first call the police, who will file a report documenting the accident as it happened. You must also ask the other party for their name and insurance information, as well as ask any witnesses for their contact information as well. You should then contact your insurance company, report the accident, and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. A medical professional will treat your injuries and provide you with medical documentation which may also be used to help prove your claim. As long as you and your attorney can provide sufficient evidence proving that you were injured due to another party’s negligence, there is a very good chance you will recover the financial compensation you need.
What is the statute of limitations in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations in New Jersey is two years, which means you have two years from the date of your accident to prove your personal injury claim. Failing to do so will most likely result in your claim being denied.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.