Posted on January 25, 2012
Topics: Frequently Asked Questions
New Jersey experienced a rise in traffic-related fatalities in 2011, crushing an optimistic five-year trend where traffic fatalities steadily declined.
Coincidentally, motor vehicle safety inspections were abolished in 2010.
Could there be a connection?
Since August 2010, motorists are no longer required to get safety issues fixed in order to pass a vehicle inspection. Instead, drivers must only comply with emission standards. By choosing not to submit vehicles to safety inspections, however, motorists may be endangering their lives, as well as the lives of other New Jersey motorists.
According to an article on newjerseynewsroom.com, some shop owners have seen serious safety issues that go unfixed, including tires in dangerous condition, steering and suspension problems, worn brake pads and rotors, and broken headlights and turn signals.
Motorists may think they are being economically sound by stretching the life of brakes or tires, when they are actually driving an unsafe vehicle and putting everyone on the road in danger. When key car components, especially tires, lights and brakes, are not working properly, a serious motor vehicle accident may be the end result.
It’s possible that there is a connection between the rise in traffic fatalities and the lack of safety inspections. A study looking at accident causes last year may help shed some light on the topic. However, there are other factors to consider, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, reckless driving and auto manufacturer defects.
Even if inspections are not required, motorists have an obligation to maintain their vehicles and keep them safe and in proper working order. If an improperly maintained vehicle is the cause of another person’s injuries, the owner of that vehicle may be held accountable for that harm under our state’s personal injury laws.
An Experienced Lawyer Can Help
Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., has been helping victims injured by negligent drivers since 1981, and has recovered more than $350 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. If we handle your case, we will strive to obtain the compensation you deserve. However, each case is unique and results may vary.
To discuss the specifics of your unique situation, call us today at (800) LAW-2000 or fill out our convenient online contact form for a free case evaluation. We do not charge attorney fees unless we are successful in your case.
