2024: A Wake-Up Call for Safer Driving

New Jersey had its deadliest year for pedestrians in 2024 with more than 200 lives being lost on New Jersey roads. This is a heartbreaking 29% increase from 2023 and the most dangerous year in the last three decades.

However, it wasn’t just pedestrians. In total, at least 687 people died in traffic-related accidents caused by cars, trucks, and buses in 2024, which is alarmingly 13.4% more than in 2023. Drivers made up 359 of those deaths, 82 were passengers, and 25 were cyclists. Essex County saw the worst of it, becoming a hotspot for these horrible accidents. Behind these statistics are people and loved ones whose death leaves both families and communities grieving.

So, what’s behind this alarming rise?

The fact is that so many more drivers are testing positive for alcohol, marijuana, or other intoxicating substances. Also, distracted driving with people texting, scrolling, or simply not paying attention, is worse than ever. Unfortunately, New Jersey already ranks as one of the top five states in the country for distracted driving, so these increases are concerning as a public safety issue.

Fixing this issue isn’t easy, but it starts with us. Stricter law enforcement on the roads, tougher penalties for driving distracted or under the influence, and more public awareness and education —especially for the younger generations— will help us to spark change.

2025 has already seen several traffic-related deaths, proving this problem isn’t going away anytime soon. No person should accept this as the norm, though. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash, you don’t have to go through it alone, and there may be grounds for a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer experienced in representing families who have suffered a wrongful death should be consulted as soon as possible.  Once hired, they will begin their investigation and work so that the client and their family members can get justice for their loss.

The money award in a wrongful death case should include the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased, financial compensation for lost earnings, and other special damages awarded to spouses and family members under certain complex circumstances.

Wrongful death cases are extremely complicated.  According to Garry R. Salomon, managing partner at New Jersey’s Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C and author of The Consumer’s Guide to New Jersey Personal Injury Claims, “One should take special care in hiring a wrongful death attorney because we often need to look for other deep pockets that may have contributed to the death, such as the crashworthiness of a car, or the negligence of a company for employing a high-risk driver, or even medical malpractice.”

Personal injury lawyers help their clients navigate the legal process and make sure that they get the justice they deserve. No one should suffer the consequences of an accident caused by another person’s negligence.

Whether you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, a fire, or require representation for a claim, the personal injury attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. offer compassionate, skilled legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Clients seeking experienced personal injury lawyers in Teaneck, NJ, or the surrounding Bergen County area can contact Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. at 1-800-LAW-2000 or via email info@dsslaw.com. The firm offers free consultations, and second opinions, and has offices throughout New Jersey and New York City.