According to a recent report released by the New Jersey State Police, fatal vehicle accidents continue to rise. Due to a number of different reasons, while heavily populated areas of the state continue to have a significant number of fatal crashes, the risk is actually greater in shore counties such as Monmouth, Atlantic, and Cape May.

For example, during 2015, the fatal crash rate in Monmouth was 1.25 times higher than in the rest of the state. In fact, during 2015, Monmouth led the state in fatal crashes for the second consecutive year, with 45 fatal crashes that resulted in 49 deaths.

Police Report’s Other Important Findings

The statewide police report provides a number of other important data points, including the following:

• The highest number of fatalities of any road in the state occurred on I-95
• US-130, US-30, and the Garden State Parkway also had high numbers of fatalities
• Drinking was a factor in one of every five highway fatalities
• As is the typical pattern, shore traffic showed a peak in accidents on Saturdays, which also had the highest number of alcohol-related fatal accidents
• During 2015, the fatal accident rate in Monmouth County was essentially the same as in 2014 – 49 in 2015 to 45 during the prior year, but much higher than the 26 fatal vehicle crashes in 2013
• 2016 is already on track to be even more deadly than 2015 (as of 10:00 a.m., September 30, 2016, New Jersey had experienced 434 crash fatalities)

Factors That Lead to Fatal Auto Accidents

In addition to the use of alcohol mentioned above, there are a number of other factors that have been shown to be associated with highway fatalities, including the following:

• Driver inexperience – Drivers in their teens and early 20s are particularly susceptible to auto accidents in general and fatal accidents, in particular
• Speeding
• Inattentive Driving – Texting while driving has been shown to be extremely risky behavior, but there are a host of other matters that can take a driver’s eyes (and brain) off the road, such as small children, eating, talking on a cell phone, and fatigue
• Weather conditions – Heavy rain, snow, and ice increase the likelihood of accidents and generally increase the likelihood of serious injury or death
• Poorly maintained vehicles

Serious Auto Accidents Call For Serious, Strong Legal Representation

Have you or a family member been involved in a serious auto accident? Did you or the family member suffer serious injury? You may be able to recover significant money damages for your losses, including pain and suffering. You may be able to recover even if you were partially at fault. Bear in mind that there are strict time limits for the filing of any claim or lawsuit. The passage of time is your enemy.

At Petro Cohen Petro Matarazzo, we have represented many auto accident victims over the years. We have a reputation for fairness and strength. We have the resources to take your case as far as necessary to get the recovery that you deserve. Call or contact us for a free consultation. Talk to an experienced lawyer who can help you sort out your rights. We can be reached by phone at 888-675-7607, or you can complete our online form. We look forward to discussing your situation with you.