What are the most common types of accidents that occur on highways in New Jersey? 

The prevalence of high speeds and multiple lanes makes navigating highways in New Jersey a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. The presence of negligent drivers further compounds this vulnerability, leading to an increased risk of collisions. Unfortunately, crashes on the highways are more likely to be fatal. As such, it’s vital to identify the most common types of highway accidents to mitigate the risks. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact a competent Morris County Automobile Accidents Attorney who can fight for you today.

What are common types of highway accidents in New Jersey?

Highways serve as a shared space for drivers of standard passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. Drivers must remain attentive while using these public thoroughfares to ensure their safety and that of others on the road. The following include but are not limited to some of the most common types of highway accidents in New Jersey:

• Rear-end collisions: As the name suggests, rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another. Rear-end accidents can happen anywhere. However, they are particularly dangerous when they occur on highways. This type of accident usually occurs when a driver fails to adhere to the enforced speed limit, leaving an inadequate distance between them and the driver in front of them. When drivers do not have sufficient time to react, they cannot brake before hitting the other driver’s rear. A majority of rear-end accidents happen at low speed. But when they occur at high speeds on highways, they can result in serious injuires. They can even cause a chain reaction that involves other vehicles.
• Rollover accident: This type of accident occurs when a vehicle tips on its side or roof. Depending on the force of the crash, a vehicle may roll just once, or it may roll multiple times. A rollover accident can happen to any car, but SUVs, trucks, and vans are more susceptible as they have a higher center of gravity. When a driver loses control of the vehicle and swerves on its side as its weight shifts to one side, it causes it to roll before it can regain its balance. Rollover accidents often result in catastrophic injuries.
• Merging accident: When a vehicle moves from one lane to a parallel lane and hits a vehicle already occupying that lane, it’s considered a merging accident. This often happens when a driver trying to merge into another lane fails to speed up or slow down enough to miss the car in the lane beside them. In addition, they can occur when a driver fails to use their turn signal or check their blindspots before changing lanes.

If you’re injured in an auto accident on a highway, you must remain in your vehicle to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic and dial 911. To mitigate the risk of further damage and causing a chain reaction, you should pull over to the shoulder and place your hazard lights on if you’re physically capable. Being injured in a collision can be a traumatic experience. Don’t navigate this difficult time alone.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a collision on a highway, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a qualified attorney from the legal team at Lutz Injury Law. Our firm is prepared to represent your interests and fight to recover the financial compensation you deserve.