NJ Accidents Caused by Unintended Acceleration

In rare cases, a car accident may be caused by a vehicle suffering from unintended acceleration, a situation where the engine and vehicle speed up without the driver pressing down the accelerator pedal, or where the vehicle accelerates faster than intended based on how deeply the driver depresses the accelerator, or where the accelerator becomes stuck. If you have been injured in a car accident in New Jersey caused by unintended acceleration, you need to understand your legal rights and options.

What Causes Unintended Acceleration Incidents?

Many cases of unintended acceleration are caused by defects in the vehicle. Some of the most common defects that lead to incidents of unintended acceleration include:

• Defective cruise control systems, which may result in the vehicle accelerating in inappropriate situations (such as when closely following another vehicle)
• Defects in the software controlling the car’s computer system
• Mechanical defects in the linkage between the accelerator pedal and throttle assembly
• Electrical problems
• Design flaws in the vehicle, including a lack of systems that enable the driver to override the throttle and brake the car to a stop

Injuries Suffered in Unintended Acceleration Accidents

When a motor vehicle accident is caused by unintended acceleration, examples of injuries that accident victims may suffer include:

• Neck and back injuries, including whiplash injuries, herniated disc injuries, and spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Bone fractures
• Soft tissue injuries, including ligament sprains, muscle and tendon strains, or tears
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Mental anguish and trauma, including the distress caused by injuries and subsequent recovery, or PTSD and other trauma resulting from the stress of the accident itself

What to Do If You Were Hurt in an Unintended Acceleration Accident

If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash caused by a vehicle suffering from unintended acceleration, you should remember to:

• Exchange information with each driver involved in the accident
• Take photographs or video of the accident scene using your cell phone, if possible, including details such as vehicle damage, positions of vehicle after the crash (if they have not been moved), skid marks in the road, and traffic controls at the location of the accident
• If your vehicle was the one that suffered unintended acceleration, have your vehicle examined by a vehicle engineering expert to determine the exact cause of the unintended acceleration
• See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident for a physical exam to identify the injuries you have suffered in the accident
• Follow treatment recommendations and instructions that you receive from your physician
• Keep copies of bills, invoices, or receipts for expenses you incur. If you miss work while treating or recovering from injuries you suffered in the accident, also make sure to have copies of your pay stubs or income statements to verify your lost wages or income.
• Speak to a motor vehicle accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and options for recovering compensation for your injuries and losses. Where unintended acceleration was caused by a defect in the vehicle, you may be entitled to hold the vehicle manufacturer liable for the accident.

Contact a Edison Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Unintended Acceleration Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an unintended acceleration accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. represent clients injured because of unintended acceleration accidents in New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Middletown, Howell, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 906-1500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, as well as offices in Edison, Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant Beach.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.