As motorists in South Jersey get ready for various sorts of inclement weather this winter, we are reminded of just how treacherous our roads can be, even under decent conditions. As has been reported, a Willingboro, New Jersey man sustained fatal injuries in a Westampton crash on October 16, 2016, just four days after another fatal accident in the same locale. That brings the total number of fatalities within the state of New Jersey to 487, as of November 1, 2016, according to State Police statistics.
Rural Crashes Are Twice as Deadly as Urban Crashes
According to a recent report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fatality rate for rural crashes is more than twice the fatality rate in urban crashes. In a recent year highlighted by the study, while approximately 23 percent of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, some 23,260 people were killed in rural motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 57 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. It isn’t because there is more driving on rural roads. According to NHTSA statistics, just over 1 trillion miles are driven on rural roads each year, while approximately 2 trillion miles are traversed on urban roads. Similarly, according to a report from NBC News, big cities are safer than small towns when it comes to auto accidents.
Non-Fatal Crashes Can Also Be Devastating
Non-fatal crashes can be devastating, as well. Medical bills quickly mount. If the accident victim is employed, his or her family may be without a steady income for a long period while the accident victim recovers from the effects of the crash. The effects of the accident can linger for long periods of time, leading in some instances to post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychological injuries.
New Jersey is a “Modified” Comparative Negligence State
An accident victim can recover damages even if he or she is partially to blame for the accident. Only if the accident victim is more than 50 percent to blame is she or he disqualified from recovery. Accident victims should not allow an insurance adjuster or other party to convince them that they have no recourse against another driver.
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. Time can be your enemy. Wait too long and your claim can be denied on a technicality.
At Petro Cohen, P.C., we have represented many auto accident victims over the years. We have a reputation for fairness and strength. We have the highest firm rating (A/V) from Martindale-Hubbell, the prestigious peer review firm, and have been named 12 times as “NJ Super Lawyers®” in a survey of personal injury attorneys. 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.
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