Warm Weather, Busy Roads: What You Need to Know About Increased Traffic and Accidents in NJ This Spring

As the weather warms up in New Jersey, the roads fill with travelers, families, and tourists heading out for spring break, weekend getaways, and outdoor activities. Unfortunately, with the return of warmer weather comes a noticeable rise in traffic accidents.

At DiTomaso Law, we understand how quickly a spring outing can turn into a serious crash – and how overwhelming the aftermath can be. Knowing the risks of spring driving and understanding your legal rights after an accident can make all the difference in protecting your health, finances, and future.

Why Do Accidents Increase in Spring?

Spring brings more than sunshine and blooming flowers – it also brings heavier traffic and unique challenges on the road. Several seasonal factors contribute to a spike in accidents across New Jersey:

• Increased Traffic Volume: Spring break, holiday weekends like Memorial Day, and the start of tourism season put more vehicles on the road. Highways and local streets become more congested with families, college students, and visitors.
• Unpredictable Weather: Spring in New Jersey can mean sudden rain showers, foggy mornings, and fast-changing temperatures. These conditions affect visibility and road traction, making it harder to react to hazards.
• Construction and Road Repairs: After winter, road crews begin fixing potholes and damaged pavement. Construction zones often involve lane closures, detours, and unclear signage – all of which increase the risk of accidents.
• More Pedestrians and Cyclists: As the weather improves, more people walk, run, or bike outside. Drivers must stay alert and yield properly, especially in residential areas and city centers.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers unfamiliar with their surroundings may rely heavily on GPS or mobile devices, increasing the chances of distraction-related crashes.
• Allergy Symptoms and Sneezing Fits: Seasonal allergies can lead to itchy eyes, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Even a brief sneeze or moment of discomfort can take your attention off the road at a critical time.
• Daylight Saving Time Adjustment: The recent shift in clocks can affect sleep patterns, causing fatigue or slower reaction times – particularly during early morning or evening commutes.

Common Springtime Accidents in New Jersey

The unique conditions of spring often lead to specific types of crashes. Understanding these risks can help you stay alert and take precautions:

• Rear-End Collisions: Traffic slowdowns and sudden stops are more common when roads are crowded, increasing the risk of rear-end accidents.
• Intersection Accidents: High traffic volume and the presence of pedestrians and cyclists can make intersections more dangerous during spring.
• Construction Zone Crashes: Drivers who fail to adjust to narrowed lanes or new traffic patterns may collide with other vehicles or roadside barriers.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Congestion and wet roads can lead to chain-reaction collisions, particularly on highways.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Drivers not accustomed to sharing the road with foot and bike traffic may overlook or fail to yield to those around them.

How to Stay Safe on New Jersey Roads This Spring

While some factors are out of your control, adopting safe driving habits can help protect you and those around you:

• Plan Ahead: Check the weather and traffic reports before heading out. Give yourself extra time to account for delays or detours.
• Stay Focused: Avoid texting, adjusting your GPS, or other distractions while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
• Follow Speed Limits: Drive at a safe speed for the conditions, especially in construction zones or during bad weather.
• Maintain Safe Distance: Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead to allow time to react.
• Be Extra Cautious in Work Zones: Watch for reduced speed limits, changing traffic patterns, and road workers.
• Keep Your Car in Good Shape: Check your brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and headlights regularly – especially before long drives.
• Manage Allergy Symptoms Safely: If you’re experiencing severe allergy symptoms, consider delaying your trip or taking appropriate allergy medication that doesn’t impair your alertness.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident This Spring

Even with precautions, accidents happen. Knowing how to respond can make a big difference in your physical recovery and legal claim.

Check for Injuries and Get Medical Help

Move your vehicle to a safe area if possible. Call 911, and seek medical attention for yourself and anyone else who may be injured.

Report the Accident

Call the police and file an official report. A police report is important for insurance claims and any legal action that may follow.

Document the Scene

Take pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, construction zones, and visible injuries. Get names and contact details of any witnesses.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the crash to your insurer promptly. Stick to the facts, and avoid speculating about who was at fault.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

An attorney can help you understand your rights, collect evidence, and deal with the insurance company – so you can focus on healing.

Understanding Liability in Spring Accidents

Determining who is at fault in a springtime crash isn’t always straightforward. Multiple factors may contribute, and liability depends on the details of the case.

• Distracted Drivers: If someone was texting or looking at their GPS and caused the crash, they may be held liable.
• Construction Zone Accidents: Drivers who ignore signs or speed through work zones may be responsible. In some cases, a construction company may share fault for poor traffic management.
• Multi-Vehicle Collisions: These require careful investigation to determine how the crash began and which drivers are responsible.
• Pedestrian or Cyclist Injuries: Drivers who fail to yield, speed through crosswalks, or ignore bike lanes may be held accountable for resulting injuries.

Recovering Compensation After a Springtime Crash

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical Expenses: Including ER visits, surgery, rehab, medications, and future treatment needs.
• Lost Income: Wages missed while recovering, plus reduced future earning ability.
• Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Vehicle Damage: Costs of repairing or replacing your car and any other property damaged in the crash.

Real-Life Inspired Example: Navigating a Personal Injury Claim

Picture this: A New Jersey driver is rear-ended in a construction zone on a busy highway. They suffer whiplash and their vehicle is badly damaged. After contacting a personal injury attorney, an investigation reveals the other driver was using their phone at the time of the crash. The attorney gathers evidence, deals with the insurance companies, and helps the victim recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Car accident claims can quickly become complicated – especially when construction zones, distracted drivers, or multiple parties are involved. A personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate the Crash: Collect evidence, review the police report, and identify who’s at fault.
• Deal with the Insurance Company: Negotiate on your behalf and push back against unfair offers.
• Protect Your Legal Rights: Make sure all deadlines are met and your claim is fully documented.
• Represent You in Court: If needed, advocate for you at trial to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Having experienced legal representation helps level the playing field and gives you the support you need during a difficult time.

Stay Safe and Informed This Spring

Spring in New Jersey brings more than just blooming flowers – it brings more people to the roads, more distractions, and more potential for accidents. But by staying alert, knowing the risks, and taking action if something goes wrong, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you are injured in an auto accident this spring, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Let a legal professional help you understand your options and fight for what you deserve.

Injured in a Springtime Crash? DiTomaso Law Is Here to Help

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a springtime car accident in New Jersey, DiTomaso Law is ready to help. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience helping accident victims across Cherry Hill, Atlantic City, Deptford Township, Glassboro, and throughout the state.

We fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation our clients need for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Your recovery matters – and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Call 856-414-0010 today or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your case, please contact our office directly.