Posted: September 5, 2018
Unfortunately, fatal motor vehicle accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. According to preliminary statistics released by the National Safety Council, 40,100 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2017 and another 4.57 million people required medical attention. The number of fatalities exceeded 40,000 in 2016 as well.
In New Jersey alone, there have been approximately 371 fatalities so far this year according to public information provided by the New Jersey State Police. The fatalities by county include:
- 17 fatalities in Bergen County
- 19 fatalities in Monmouth County
- 27 fatalities in Ocean County
- 35 fatalities in Middlesex County
What Causes Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Motor vehicle accidents can occur due to hazardous weather conditions, poor, road maintenance, and other factors. However, one of the most common causes of fatal accidents is negligent driving.
Another driver can make the selfish, unacceptable decision to drive in a negligent manner any time they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Negligent drivers pose a threat to the safety of everyone around them, no matter how cautious and alert other drivers and pedestrians may be.
Some examples of negligent driving behavior include:
Reckless and careless driving: Speeding, weaving between lanes, running stop signs, and failing to signal are all examples that may be considered reckless or careless. Some of these behaviors may also be considered as aggressive.
- Distracted driving: Any behavior that takes a driver’s attention away from the road may be considered distracted driving. While this can include eating or interacting with a car’s navigation system, the most common form of distracted driving is cell phone use.
- Driving under the influence: It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or marijuana. A driver’s judgment and reaction time can be impaired when under the influence, which can lead to fatal accidents.
- Drowsy driving: Whether a driver gets behind the wheel when they are exhausted or they become tired during a long-distance trip, drowsy drivers are a major safety threat to themselves and others. While falling asleep at the wheel is obviously dangerous, being sleepy can also affect a driver’s ability to focus on the road and respond to situations in a timely manner.
Contact an Experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
At Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC, we want everyone to be safe on the road. We have seen the ways that someone’s life can be turned upside down after a wreck, especially if it was caused by the negligent actions of another driver. We hope that you are never involved in a crash, but we will fight tirelessly for your rights if you are ever injured in a motor vehicle accident.
If someone you love has been hurt or killed in an accident, or if you yourself sustained injuries, we can help pursue justice and compensation. Please call our attorneys today at 732-617-8050 for a complimentary case evaluation. We represent clients in Englishtown, Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, and the surrounding areas of New Jersey.
