NJ Rear-end Collision Laws
In New Jersey, the following driver is generally deemed to be at fault in a rear-end car accident. However, under certain circumstances, that rear driver may be able to shift some or all of the blame to another party, including the forward car. Given the interplay between New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Act, the State’s no-fault insurance rules, and factors determining liability in a car accident, drivers who sustain injuries should consult a trusted New Jersey rear-end collision lawyer at Harrell Law Firm.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, our experienced team could help shield you from excess liability and recover damages from any at-fault parties. Working with an attorney is important to ensure you get the best possible result. We can protect your rights and fight hard to get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Who Are Potential At-fault Drivers In A New Jersey Rear-end Car Accident?
Rear-end auto collisions can happen in any number of ways. Consider, for example:
- In a multi-car collision, one vehicle can be pushed into another in front of it.
- A distracted or careless driver might back up without checking for other cars behind them.
- A motorist can accidentally step on a gas pedal and accelerate in reverse.
- Aggressive drivers might “brake-check” to scare drivers behind them.
- If a car’s brake lights are out, a rear driver might not be alerted that a forward vehicle is slowing or stopping.
- A driver might swerve suddenly into another lane or stop illegally without turning on hazard flashers.
Rather than simply accepting the general rule that a rear driver is at fault, an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney can investigate the accident. We could review eyewitness testimony, police reports, accident site photographs, footage from dashboard cameras, and expert accident reconstruction reports to assess the cause of a rear-end collision and determine which party caused it.
How Does Fault Affect Liability For Damages In A New Jersey Rear-end Car Accident?
The New Jersey Comparative Negligence Act precludes a party injured in a rear-end collision from recovering compensation if they were more than 50% at fault. Suppose you were rear-ended, but an insurance adjuster determines that you were partially at fault. In that case, the compensation you might recover will potentially be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
No-fault insurance companies that offer personal injury protection and other liability insurance policies rely on this to reduce or eliminate the damages they are otherwise obligated to pay following a rear-end car accident.
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, regardless of whether you were in the forward or rear vehicle, consult with a lawyer who understands how New Jersey law affects your and the other driver’s respective liability. At Harrell Law Firm, we have the skills and experience to challenge insurers and to fight for the full measure of liability coverage that you deserve.
Call Harrell Law Firm for a Free Consultation
We are prepared to leverage our in-depth knowledge and experience to assess all of the facts and evidence of a rear-end collision to determine how it happened and who caused it. Please call our offices for a no-fee, no-obligation case evaluation. We can provide the guidance you need to understand your rights and obligations after an accident. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront legal fees.
How Can You Recover Compensation After An Nj Distracted Driving Accident?
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, and your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage will reimburse your medical expenses and a portion of your wages, up to policy limits, in an accident with a distracted driver.
To receive additional damages, including pain and suffering, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. Contact a New Jersey distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine your rights and opportunity to recover compensation.
Call Harrell Law Firm for a Free Consultation
The New Jersey car accident attorneys at Harrell Law Firm help injured motorists recover the damages they deserve from their PIP insurers and other insurance companies liable for the damages caused by distracted drivers. Moreover, we aggressively challenge the insurance companies that make minimal settlement offers.
Please call our Wall Township or Bergen offices to speak with an attorney about how we can help you when the negligence of a distracted driver has harmed you. We offer complimentary, no-obligation car accident assessments. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront legal fees. We look forward to hearing from you.
