1 Killed in Accident With Tree
Vehicles are supposed to stay on the roadway, but sometimes they don’t. Drivers may go off the road and hit large objects, causing catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
Sadly, this was recently the case in New Jersey. A single-vehicle crash in Morris County killed one person and injured another. The fatal accident occurred on the morning of April 28 in Roxbury.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Howard Boulevard and Mt. Arlington Road. A Chevy Express van had gone off the main roadway for unknown reasons and hit a tree. Authorities arrived at the scene and found that the passenger in the van had died. The driver was still alive and taken to Morristown Medical Center to be treated for injuries.
No further details have been released. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Why Do Drivers Hit Trees?
Drivers hitting trees seems to be a common occurrence. Why is this? Trees are often located close to roads, making them common hazards when cars leave the roadway. But still, this begs the question: why do vehicles leave the roadway in the first place? The main reason is driver error. Here are some common causes:
- Loss of vehicle control. One of the most common reasons drivers hit trees is a loss of control, often caused by excessive speed, sharp turns, or sudden maneuvers. When a driver loses control, the vehicle can veer off the pavement and collide with a tree.
- Distracted driving. Using a phone, adjusting controls, talking to passengers, or eating can distract a driver from the road. Even a momentary distraction can cause a vehicle to drift off the road and hit trees.
- Impaired driving. Alcohol, drugs, or certain medications impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired drivers are more likely to make mistakes such as overcorrecting, missing curves, or falling asleep at the wheel. These actions can increase the chance of crashing into stationary objects like trees.
- Drowsy driving. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol. A tired driver may nod off briefly, drift across lanes, or miss turns. Many fatigue-related crashes happen late at night or early in the morning when visibility is low, and reaction times are slower.
- Weather conditions. Slippery roads from rain, snow, or ice can cause skidding. Low visibility from fog, heavy rain, or snow also reduces a driver’s ability to stay in their lane or see upcoming turns and obstacles. Hydroplaning or icy patches can cause the car to spin out and crash into roadside trees.
- Tree proximity. In many areas, trees are planted close to the road’s edge. Unlike utility poles or signs, trees don’t break away upon impact, making collisions with them especially severe.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Car accidents can happen in a number of ways. Many drivers hit trees and other objects for a variety of reasons and these crashes can be fatal.
Get the legal help you need from a Morristown car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. If you have been injured by someone else’s compensation, we can assist you in getting the compensation you are entitled to receive. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (973) 455-1567.
Source:
patch.com/new-jersey/morristown/1-dead-after-car-strikes-tree-morris-county-crash
