Car accidents are life-changing events. In the midst of the pain and other disruptions that must be managed, it may be unclear what to do next.
If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you’ll know just how distressing it can be. Not only can car accidents cause physical injury, from whiplash to head injuries, broken bones and internal bleeding, they can also lead to psychological trauma that can last for years following the incident. Whether you have been in a car accident in New Jersey recently, or you just want to be prepared, here’s what you need to know.
How frequently do car accidents occur?
Car accidents are a massive worldwide issue, with an estimated total of 6 million taking place per year in the U.S. alone. Whether big or small, nearly all of us will experience a car accident at some point in our lives. While they are usually avoidable, human error makes it difficult for the number of car crashes to decline any time soon.
What are the most common car accidents in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the most common types of vehicle collisions include rear-end incidents, usually caused by one car following another too closely, side-impact crashes, where one vehicle crashes into the side of another, and head-on crashes, the most serious and life-threatening of the three.
Accidents can be caused by a number of different factors, but it is thought that human factors contribute wholly or partly to about 93% of crashes. This could be from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, tiredness and fatigue, mobile phone use, distraction, or failing to pay proper attention to the road.
Where can you get help following a car accident?
If you’ve been in a car accident, save for the more minor incidents, it is usually best to call the police immediately. They can assist you with everything from organizing medical aid if needed, to removing debris off the road, and arranging for your car to be towed off if it’s unfit to drive. Police can also be there to witness any insurance agreements between the drivers, or, in the frustrating but common instance that the driver at fault hasn’t stopped, take any details you are able to give.
Your health is your priority, so always make sure to get yourself treated at a hospital if you feel any sort of pain following your car accident. Rest and recuperation come first, so make sure you seek the medical attention you need and allow yourself the time to recover.
Once you are feeling in better health, you might want to consider legal assistance, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault. A New Jersey lawyer can help you to figure out what needs to be done next and whether you are able to file a claim. You might also want to read up on certain information related to New Jersey in particular, in which case, the state’s government law site may be a good resource. A car accident can seriously affect your day-to-day life, and with that in mind, it’s important that, should another driver have been at fault, you seek the justice you deserve.
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