How Vehicle Size and Weight Affect Auto Accidents in New Jersey?

Vehicle size and weight play a crucial role in auto accidents. Whether you drive a large SUV or a compact sedan, understanding how these factors impact collisions can help you make safer driving decisions; if you’ve been injured in a crash involving a vehicle significantly larger or smaller than yours, knowing your legal rights is just as important. 

In New Jersey, accident victims may be entitled to compensation, but liability can vary depending on the circumstances.

The Role of Vehicle Size and Weight in Accidents

When two vehicles collide, their size and weight differences can determine the severity of injuries and damages. Larger, heavier vehicles generally provide better protection to their occupants but pose a greater risk to others on the road. Meanwhile, smaller cars are more vulnerable to severe impacts, especially in multi-vehicle crashes or accidents involving commercial trucks.

Some key factors affecting accident outcomes include:

• Momentum and force – Heavier vehicles generate more force upon impact, often causing greater damage to smaller cars.
  
• Stopping distance – Larger vehicles require longer distances to come to a full stop, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
  
• Center of gravity – SUVs and trucks have higher centers of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers.
  
• Crash compatibility – The design and structure of a vehicle influence how well it absorbs impact energy in a crash.

Risks Associated with Larger Vehicles

Larger vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial trucks, have become increasingly popular. However, they come with unique risks:

• Increased Blind Spots: Due to their height and design, large vehicles have more extensive blind spots, making it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller cars.
• Greater Stopping Distance: A fully loaded commercial truck requires up to 40% more distance to stop compared to a regular passenger vehicle.
• Higher Risk of Fatalities in Collisions: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that crashes involving large SUVs and smaller cars often result in more severe injuries for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Potential for Pedestrian Accidents: Studies show that SUVs and trucks are more likely to cause fatal injuries in pedestrian collisions due to their higher front-end design.

How Smaller Vehicles Are Affected in Collisions

Compact and midsize cars are often at a disadvantage in crashes involving larger vehicles. Some of the dangers include:

• Higher Risk of Injury: Lighter vehicles experience greater force in an impact, increasing the chances of serious injuries or fatalities.
• Underride Accidents: In collisions with large trucks, smaller vehicles can slide underneath the truck’s frame, leading to catastrophic injuries.
• Lower Structural Protection: While modern safety features have improved, smaller cars still lack the mass needed to absorb crash energy effectively when struck by a heavier vehicle.

Legal and Liability Considerations in New Jersey

New Jersey follows a comparative negligence system under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1. This means that if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Important New Jersey laws that apply to auto accidents include:

• Statute of Limitations: Victims have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2).
• No-Fault Insurance System: New Jersey requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident (N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4).
• Commercial Truck Regulations: Large trucks must follow strict state and federal safety regulations. If a truck driver or trucking company violates these rules and causes an accident, they can be held liable (N.J.A.C. 13:60-1.1).

Safety Tips for Drivers of Large and Small Vehicles

To reduce the risk of serious accidents, drivers should follow these safety tips:

For Large Vehicle Drivers:

• Always check blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
• Maintain a safe following distance to compensate for longer stopping times.
• Slow down in inclement weather to prevent loss of control.
• Be cautious in residential areas where pedestrians and cyclists are present.

For Small Vehicle Drivers:

• Avoid driving in the blind spots of larger vehicles.
• Keep a safe distance from trucks and SUVs, especially at intersections.
• Use defensive driving techniques and anticipate the movements of larger vehicles.
• Opt for a vehicle with advanced safety features like automatic braking and lane departure warnings.

How a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a larger or smaller vehicle, a skilled attorney can help you navigate the complexities of New Jersey law. A lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
• Determine liability and identify potential sources of compensation.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court if a lawsuit is necessary.

Contact a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a vehicle accident in New Jersey, the legal team at Rosengard Law Group is here to help. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us review your case. Call (856) 284-6446 or visit our website to learn more about your legal options.