During the winter months, drivers in Morris County and across New Jersey face significant hazards like black ice, freezing rain, and snowstorms that increase the risk of auto accidents. These risks impact communities like Randolph, Parsippany, and Denville. As such, it’s important to prepare for inclement weather conditions to mitigate the risk of collisions. If you have been injured due to the negligent actions of another driver, contact an experienced Morris County Automobile Accidents Attorney who can help you understand your rights. Please continue reading to learn the most common winter driving hazards and how to avoid them.
New Jersey, despite being known for its seemingly endless shoreline, experiences incredibly harsh winter weather. As such, freezing rain, combined with fluctuating temperatures and dense traffic corridors like Routes 46, 80, and 287, can increase the risk of collisions in and around Morris County. Unfortunately, statistics from the Federal Highway Administration show that an estimated 1,300 people are involved in fatal accidents caused by winter weather on an annual basis, while over 11,000 suffer serious injuries.
Winter weather conditions can increase:
To stay safe while navigating the roadways this winter, motorists must understand the unique hazards of winter driving and how to avoid them. It’s important to stay tuned to your local forecast so that you can plan accordingly, as many accidents can be prevented by staying off the roads until they have cleared up.
Black ice is a nearly invisible layer of transparent ice that forms as the result of moisture freezing on surfaces, which most commonly occurs on overpasses, bridges, and shaded roadways in Morris County.
It’s important to remember that bridges often freeze before roadways, and black ice is most common when the temperature hovers around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In the event you come into contact with black ice, you should not brake suddenly; instead, steer your vehicle gently in the direction you are sliding.
In Morris County and across New Jersey, drivers are legally required to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. Failure to do so can not only result in fines and fees, but also liability in the event that snow or ice from a vehicle strikes another car.
Under New Jersey law, snow and ice left on vehicles can support a negligence claim if that debris causes injury to another driver.
Poor visibility is a significant contributing factor to winter car accidents in Morris County and the surrounding communities.
Unfortunately, cold weather can drastically impact vehicle performance, ultimately increasing the risk of a collision.
While it is generally safest to remain indoors and off the roads during winter weather, in some instances, travel may be inevitable. As such, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of collisions during the winter months. Safe strategies when driving during winter weather include:
Despite taking the necessary precautions while driving during this time of the year, other drivers may not extend the same courtesy. As such, if you have been involved in a collision due to the negligent actions of another motorist, it’s important to understand the steps you must take to safeguard your legal rights.
In many instances, winter driving collisions are the result of weather-related causes, like icy roads or unforeseen mechanical failures. However, winter weather alone does not grant a driver the right to travel negligently. As such, you may have a claim if the other driver:
New Jersey adheres to a modified comparative fault method, meaning compensation is available even if you are partially responsible for the collision. Generally, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the collision, and recovery may be barred if you are found to be 51% or more liable for the collision.
At Lutz Injury Law, we are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track following a Morris County winter weather accident. We understand how complicated these matters may be, especially while recovering from the injuries you have suffered. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.
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