According to the New Jersey State Police, there have been 320 fatal motor vehicle crashes and 420 fatalities so far this year. Those numbers have increased from 2013, and we still have almost 3 months left in 2014. In 2013, there were a total of 377 fatal crashes and 403 fatalities. Victims of fatal NJ motor vehicle crashes include drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Drivers account for the highest percentage of the victims killed in auto accidents in NJ with 233 drivers in 2014 and 230 in 2013. The next group with the highest percentage of car accident deaths is pedestrians with 107 pedestrians in 2014 and 93 pedestrians in 2013.
In Burlington County alone, which includes Southampton, Mt. Laurel and Marlton, 18 people died as a result of fatal motor vehicle crashes, such as truck and car accidents.
Most of these tragic car, truck and pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who were driving negligently and not following rules of the road. Some types of negligence include:
- texting while driving,
- talking on a cell phone or smartphone while driving,
- not paying attention to the roads, and
- being fatigued.
New Jersey’s law banning drivers from the use of hand-held cell phones to talk or text while driving is probably one the most disregarded laws in the state. If you are stopped at an intersection, take a look around you and count how many people are using their phones. I am willing to bet that you will see drivers talking on their phones or looking down at their phones texting.
Motor vehicle accidents caused by texting while driving or talking on the phone while driving often lead to grave results. Drivers, passengers and pedestrians may be seriously injured or even die as a result. This is especially true for pedestrians because they do not have anything to protect them or absorb the impacts. Drivers and passengers in cars have the cars themselves and airbags which may absorb some of the impacts. Drivers and passengers may still sustain serious injuries, but at least the cars themselves, seat belts and airbags provide drivers and passengers with some protection.
Related: Consequences of Texting While Driving in New Jersey – By A NJ Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Rights of Injured Drivers, Passengers and Pedestrians
Injured drivers, passengers and pedestrians have legal options after car accidents in New Jersey. They may recover financial compensation from the negligent drivers by filing motor vehicle accident injury lawsuits in New Jersey. Typically, car accident lawsuits are filed in the county where the accidents occurred or where the at-fault drivers reside. For example, if a driver from Cherry Hill (Camden County) was injured in a car accident in Southampton (Burlington County), the injured driver may file a lawsuit in Burlington County, where the accident happened. If the at-fault driver was from Cherry Hill, the injured driver may choose to file in Camden County (where the at-fault driver lives) or Burlington County (where the accident happened).
FREE consultations after a NJ motor vehicle accident – Call Philip T. Ciprietti, Esq. to schedule a consultation at 800.281.8695.
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