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It does not take much for an accident to happen when the weather starts to drop. Changing conditions seem to occur at a moment’s notice, and Newark’s icy road accidents are the result. Knowing how to handle these situations is a must to protect yourself from injury and to seek financial support when you need it. As always, speak with a Newark car accident lawyer when injured in a crash.
Why Winter in Newark Increases Crash Risks
Sudden drops in temperature can create black ice on bridges, overpasses, and side streets. Even with treatment, these roads remain highly dangerous. Then, you add to it heavy traffic in Newark, as people commute into the city and around town for school, work, and other responsibilities. That creates a significant risk of accidents happening.
Snowplow delays or untreated streets increase slip hazards for vehicles and pedestrians. In complex and changing climates, where temperatures are hovering right at the freezing point, these circumstances commonly lead to a Newark black ice accident.
Common Types of Winter Weather Accidents
Numerous types of accidents occur due to the weather. That includes:
- Rear-end collisions from sliding on ice often result in winter weather car accidents in NJ that involve not only other vehicles but also pedestrians.
- Spin-outs at intersections or on curved roads often result in head-on collisions or collisions with structures.
- Pedestrian injuries from cars unable to brake on icy crosswalks.
- Newark slip and fall on ice accidents occur when pedestrians are unable to cross safely.
- Multi-vehicle pileups commonly occur on I-280, Route 21, and the Garden State Parkway.
Each one of these accidents can cause serious injuries to victims. When there is a significant risk involved, drivers should not attempt to navigate poor conditions.
Who Is At Fault in a Winter Weather Accident?
This is often the biggest question many people have about winter-weather car accidents in NJ. Who is actually responsible? What if a driver could not stop their vehicle? The details of each individual accident matter in determining fault. However, there are several aspects to consider here:
- The driver: A driver who is unable to maintain control over their vehicle is likely responsible for the accident. For example, drivers may need to slow down in poor road conditions or stop sooner at a light. If conditions are very poor, it becomes critical to ensure drivers do not head out onto the roadways.
- Cities: There are situations where the municipality could be held accountable for the damages you suffer. You must demonstrate the city was negligent, and to do that, you must consider if the road conditions were preventable. Poor road maintenance contributes to crashes on a routine basis.
- Commercial drivers: Trucking companies are some of the biggest risk factors to anyone on the road during poor weather. Skilled, trained drivers, coupled with those who operate safely in properly functioning vehicles, reduce risks.
In any one of these situations, proving negligence can be difficult. That is why it becomes so important to work with a Newark winter car accident lawyer who can help you demonstrate all parties at fault so you can hold them accountable.
What to Do If You’re Injured on an Icy Road
After an accident on a slippery or dangerous road, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Call 911 right away. This ensures help gets to you as soon as possible. If you can, move out of further damage.
- Document the incident. Take photos of the weather, vehicle positioning, and ice patches. Be sure you capture skid marks, untreated roads, debris present, or other factors contributing to the accident.
- Seek medical care right away. Doing this right after your injury helps to make it clear that they are directly from the accident. Do so even if you believe the injuries are minor.
Then, speak to a New Jersey icy road crash attorney. The sooner you contact a Newark Personal injury lawyer, the faster a team can go to work for you, protecting evidence and building your claim.
How Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP Supports Winter Accident Victims
There is no doubt that these are difficult accidents with serious injuries and losses. Proving fault is challenging, too. With over 50 years of combined experience advocating for injured New Jersey residents, you can trust in our personal injury law firm to be there for you.
We focus on maximizing your injury compensation, identifying all negligent parties, and holding each accountable. We have the necessary experience with motor vehicle crashes, slip and fall accidents, and other winter weather claims.
No Recovery, No Fee!
FAQs About Winter Car Accidents in Newark
Does New Jersey have a no-fault law for car accident claims?
New Jersey operates under a no-fault system. That means you can seek a claim against your own insurance company after an accident, no matter who is at fault. This is done through your personal injury protection policy. With excessive damages, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. You must meet insurance coverage requirements first.
What is the duty to adjust driving?
In New Jersey, drivers who operate their vehicles in winter weather conditions have a duty to do so with reasonable care. That means they must adjust speed and behavior to the current road conditions. That means driving at the posted speed limit is not enough.
Can a driver be responsible if snow and ice on their vehicle cause visibility issues?
Drivers must make reasonable efforts to remove all of the accumulated snow and ice from their car before they operate it. They could face fines and liability claims if they do not do so and an accident occurs.
Contact Our Newark Car Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP
Our Newark car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP provide you with the guidance you need in complex cases. If you need help, contact us for a free consultation. Fill out our contact form or call 973-675-8277 today. We are located in East Orange, NJ.
