Holiday Travel Crash Risks in New Jersey: What Injured People Should Know

December 18, 2025

The holiday season in New Jersey is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and significant travel. From the bustling shopping centers in Elizabeth and Paramus to the quiet residential neighborhoods of Scotch Plains and Cherry Hill, roads across the entire state become noticeably more crowded as the year comes to a close. Unfortunately, this increase in traffic volume often corresponds with a rise in motor vehicle accidents. At Bramnick, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, we see firsthand how a single moment of negligence on a festive evening can change a family’s life forever.

Understanding the specific risks associated with holiday travel and knowing your rights under New Jersey law is essential for anyone navigating our state’s busy thoroughfares this month. Whether you are commuting on the Garden State Parkway, navigating the New Jersey Turnpike, or traveling along Route 22, staying informed is your first line of defense. If the unthinkable does happen, our New Jersey car accident lawyers are here to provide the steady legal guidance necessary to protect your future.

Why New Jersey Roads Are More Dangerous During the Holidays

Several factors converge during the final weeks of the year to create a “perfect storm” for traffic incidents. In New Jersey, we face a unique combination of high population density and complex highway systems that are pushed to their limits during holiday peaks.

Massive Traffic Volume

With more people on the road for holiday shopping and social visits, the likelihood of a collision increases. This congestion is often exacerbated by drivers who are unfamiliar with specific interchanges or local streets. A driver who is focused on a navigation app rather than the flow of traffic is a hazard to everyone around them, whether they are in South Jersey, North Jersey, or anywhere across the state.

Early Darkness and Winter Weather

By mid-December, commuters across the state are often driving home in complete darkness, which reduces visibility and increases reaction times. When you add the possibility of black ice or sudden snow flurries, the risk of multi-vehicle pileups becomes a very real concern.

Impaired Driving

The holidays are a time of celebration, which unfortunately leads to an increase in impaired driving. Despite strict enforcement, alcohol and drug-related crashes remain a leading cause of injuries this time of year. Our Union County car accident attorneys believe that holding intoxicated drivers fully accountable is not just about seeking compensation for our clients, it is about making our community safer for everyone.

Common Types of Holiday Accidents

In our decades of experience representing residents across the state, we have identified several types of accidents that occur with higher frequency during the holiday season:

Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by stop-and-go traffic near major shopping malls or distracted drivers preoccupied with holiday stress.
Intersection Crashes: These occur when drivers “run” yellow lights or fail to yield the right of way in a rush to reach their destination.
Distracted Driving Incidents: The holidays bring an influx of phone calls and texts; a driver who looks away for just a few seconds can cause a devastating impact.
Drunk Driving Crashes: These are often high-speed, high-impact collisions that result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Navigating the “Verbal Threshold” and PIP Benefits

New Jersey automobile insurance laws are notoriously complex, and they play a critical role in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Most New Jersey drivers are covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is a “no-fault” system. This means that your own insurance company is responsible for paying your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident.

That being said, many policies also include a “verbal threshold” or “limitation on lawsuit” option. If your policy has this limitation, you can only seek compensation for “pain and suffering” if your injury falls into specific categories, such as a displaced fracture or a permanent injury. Determining whether your injury meets this legal standard is a highly technical process. Our team understands the nuances of state law and how to present medical evidence that clearly demonstrates the impact an injury has had on your quality of life.

Comparative Negligence and Your Recovery

New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for an accident, you may still be able to recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is not greater than 50 percent. For example, if a jury determines that you were 20 percent at fault because you were slightly exceeding the speed limit, your total compensation would be reduced by 20 percent.

Insurance companies frequently use this rule to try to devalue legitimate claims by attempting to shift the blame onto you to avoid paying the full amount you might be entitled to. We counter these tactics by conducting immediate, thorough investigations, reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing police reports, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts to ensure the facts are presented accurately.

What to Do Immediately After a Holiday Crash

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey, the steps you take in the first few hours are vital to both your health and your potential legal claim. In the immediate aftermath, you should:

Call the Police: Always ensure an official report is filed.
Seek Medical Care: Some accident injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. A medical professional can provide a proper diagnosis and create a record of your injuries.
Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the vehicle damage, the road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs.
Identify Witnesses: Collect the names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident occur.
Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster: Insurance companies are often in a rush to settle claims for as little as possible. Before you sign any documents or give a recorded statement, it is in your best interest to consult with a qualified attorney.

The Bramnick Law Advantage

At Bramnick, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, we are serious about helping people. Our firm is not a “settlement mill.” We approach every case with the knowledge that it may need to be decided by a jury. Our team includes Certified Civil Trial Attorneys, a distinction that reflects our commitment to excellence in the courtroom and our deep understanding of New Jersey law.

When you contact our firm, you are gaining a “rapid deployment team” ready to act immediately. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we are willing to meet you at your home or in the hospital if your injuries prevent you from coming to our offices. While we have deep roots in Union County, we proudly serve clients across the entire state of New Jersey, providing the aggressive yet compassionate representation that families need when life throws them a curveball.

Contact Bramnick Law Today for a Consultation About Your Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a holiday accident, do not let the insurance companies dictate your future. You deserve a legal team that will fight for the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us today at 866-845-5571 or visit our website to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Let our family help yours find the justice and peace of mind you need to move forward.

Disclaimer: 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.