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What happens if you’re injured in a multi-car crash on the garden state parkway?
Multi-car crashes on the Garden State Parkway are often chaotic, dangerous, and difficult to sort out legally. With high speeds, heavy traffic, and chain-reaction collisions, it’s not always easy to determine who’s at fault or how to recover compensation if you’ve been hurt.
If you were injured in a multi-car crash on the Garden State Parkway, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. But you’ll need to act quickly and work with a legal team that knows how to investigate complex collisions, determine liability, and deal with multiple insurance companies at once.
In this blog, we’ll explain how liability works in multi-vehicle accidents, what steps to take after a crash, and how a New Jersey car accident lawyer at Team Law can help you protect your rights.
Why the Garden State Parkway Is Prone to Multi-Car Collisions
The Garden State Parkway is one of the most heavily traveled roads in New Jersey. Stretching more than 170 miles, it connects urban centers and shore towns. Furthermore, it becomes especially congested during holiday weekends and summer travel season.
Several factors make this highway a hotspot for multi-car accidents:
- High speeds combined with sudden slowdowns
- Frequent lane changes and merging traffic
- Construction zones and narrow shoulders
- Inclement weather reducing visibility or traction
When one vehicle suddenly stops or crashes, others may not have enough time or space to react, leading to a chain-reaction pileup.
Who’s at Fault in a Multi-Car Crash?
Determining fault is one of the trickiest parts of a multi-vehicle accident. It’s not uncommon for more than one driver to share responsibility. For example:
- One driver may have rear-ended another.
- A second driver may have been speeding or following too closely.
- A third driver may have swerved dangerously to avoid debris or another vehicle.
In New Jersey, modified comparative negligence laws apply. That means multiple parties can be held partially liable for the same accident. As long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced based on your share of liability.
What to Do After a Multi-Car Accident on the Garden State Parkway
In a high-stress situation like this, it’s hard to think clearly. However, your actions after the crash can impact your injury claim. Here’s what you should do:
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, you may have hidden injuries like concussions or internal trauma. Request EMS at the scene and follow up with a doctor right away.
2. Take Photos and Videos
Document damage to your car, your injuries, road conditions, and any traffic signs nearby.
3. Exchange Information with All Drivers
Collect names, license plate numbers, insurance details, and contact info from everyone involved.
4. Talk to Witnesses
Get the names and phone numbers of bystanders who saw the crash. Their statements may help establish fault.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault
Stick to the facts when speaking with police, insurance companies, or other drivers. Don’t speculate or apologize, as it could be used against you later.
Common Injuries in Parkway Multi-Car Collisions
Due to the force and angles involved, multi-car crashes often cause severe injuries, such as:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding
- Burn injuries from airbag deployment or vehicle fires
These injuries may require extensive medical care, time off work, and long-term rehabilitation.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Multi-Car Crash
If you were injured and someone else’s negligence played a role, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Future treatment or therapy
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
But because multiple insurance companies and drivers may be involved, these claims can get complicated fast. A skilled New Jersey car accident lawyer can help gather evidence, consult with crash reconstruction experts, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Can You Still File a Claim If You Were Partially at Fault?
Yes. Under New Jersey’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation if your share of fault is 50% or less. Your total damages will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 and found 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000.
Garden State Parkway Crash? Watch for These Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies will do everything possible to limit payouts in multi-car crashes. Common tactics include:
- Blaming you entirely or partially to reduce compensation
- Delaying your claim or requesting excessive documentation
- Offering a lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
That’s why it’s essential to speak with a lawyer before signing anything or giving a recorded statement.
Team Law Offices Near You
Team Law has helped crash victims across New Jersey, including those in:
If you were hurt in a pileup on the Garden State Parkway, whether near a major interchange or exit to a shore town, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you need.
Injured in a Multi-Car Crash on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey? Get the Guidance You Need with Team Law
You shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath of a multi-car accident alone. At Team Law, we know how overwhelming these crashes can be. We’re here to simplify the process, protect your rights, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Whether you were sideswiped, rear-ended, or hit in a chain-reaction collision on the Garden State Parkway, our attorneys will dig into the evidence and hold the right parties accountable.
Contact Team Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options, answer your questions, and fight for the outcome you deserve so you can focus on what matters most: healing and moving forward.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
