By Eric Shore, Personal Injury and Disability Lawyer
Law Offices of Eric A. Shore
If you were involved in a crash during the January 25 to 26 ice storm in South Jersey, do not assume snow and ice automatically excuse the other driver. What matters is whether a driver failed to adjust by speeding, following too closely, or ignoring hazardous road conditions.
If you are blaming yourself for losing control, pause for a moment. When roads are sheets of ice, even careful drivers can slide. The real question is what choices each driver made before the slide happened.
With another winter storm forecasted later this week, these safety and liability issues are back at the forefront for South Jersey drivers.
The Aftermath of the January 2026 Storm
The January 25 to 26 storm was significant. A state of emergency was declared. Burlington County pre-treated roughly 500 miles of roadway, yet many areas still saw 9 to 10 inches of snow over sub-freezing temperatures.
NJ Transit suspended service. Speed limits dropped to 35 mph on major highways. Even so, many people still had to drive for work, medical appointments, or emergencies. If you were involved in a crash that weekend, what you did next matters.
- Prioritize Medical Care Even If the Pain Feels Minor
Storm-related injuries such as neck strains, concussions, and back injuries often appear hours or days later due to adrenaline.
If you did not go to the ER, see a doctor as soon as possible. Waiting even a few days gives insurance companies room to argue that your injuries are not related to the crash.
- Understanding Fault on Icy Roads in New Jersey
A common myth is that bad weather means no one is at fault. That is rarely how these cases are decided. New Jersey expects drivers to maintain control of their vehicles regardless of conditions.
If a driver rear-ends you and says they could not stop, the response is usually straightforward. If they could not stop safely, they were likely driving too fast or following too closely for the conditions.
Even if you were partially at fault for losing control, New Jersey comparative fault rules may still allow recovery depending on how the crash happened.
- What If the Crash Keeps You Out of Work?
This is where personal injury and disability issues intersect, an overlap often referred to as disinjury.
In a disinjury case, the focus is not just on vehicle damage. It is on how the injury affects your ability to work and earn a living. Lost income, job restrictions, and time away from work often become the most important parts of the case.
Doctor notes, clear work restrictions, missed time records, and accurate job descriptions often matter just as much as imaging results.
FAQ: Your Rights After a Winter Crash
Will my own insurance pay my medical bills?
Often yes. New Jersey is a no-fault state for medical bills. Personal Injury Protection usually pays for treatment first, regardless of fault. PIP does not cover pain and suffering.
What evidence matters most in a storm crash?
Storm cases are decided on proof. Photos of ice, road conditions, vehicle positions, and visibility matter. Keep every medical record and receipt. Gaps in treatment are one of the most common reasons claims fail.
What if my scans look normal but I still cannot work?
Some injuries do not show up clearly on early imaging. Consistent treatment, documented limitations, and clear work restrictions often carry more weight than a single test.
Why Storm Injury Claims Often Fail
Most people do not lose these cases because they were not hurt. They lose because the documentation is thin.
Delaying medical care, relying on a brief police report, posting casually on social media, or failing to document work limitations can all weaken a claim.
If you were injured during the January storm, or if another storm causes a crash, focus on two things immediately. Get medical care and document everything while the facts are still fresh.
For a deeper look at how New Jersey auto accident claims work, visit the Auto Accident Guide:
https://www.1800CANTWORK.com/personal-injury/auto-accidents
About the Author
Eric Shore is a personal injury and disability lawyer at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore. His practice focuses on serious disinjury cases where an accident or health problem interferes with a person’s ability to work and earn a living.
Published: January 28, 2026
