Newark Car Accident Lawyers
In New Jersey, insurance companies may not take you seriously even after experiencing a horrifying car accident that leaves you physically and financially devastated. Your experienced Newark car accident attorney can stand up for you when this is the case. You should always speak to a law firm first, even if the accident had minimal damage and injuries.
The skilled Newark car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein can establish fault and the extent of your damages, help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law, and recover compensation for your losses.
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Newark?
In New Jersey’s largest city, several roads are known for being particularly dangerous due to high traffic volumes, poor road designs, or bad weather. Newark is a hub intersected by many major roadways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, major interstates, numerous U.S. and state routes, and country roads that increase the risk of car accidents. Some of the most dangerous roads in Newark include:
- Garden State Parkway: A heavily traveled toll road, the Garden State Parkway is notorious for crashes, particularly closer to the city.
- Interstate 78: I-78 experiences significant traffic congestion, high speeds, frequent merging, and proximity to the Newark Liberty International Airport increase accident risks.
- Interstate 280: I-280 is known for its sharp curves, merging lanes, and frequent traffic jams, leading to accidents.
- McCarter Highway (Rt. 21): Running through the heart of Newark, this busy roadway has high accident rates due to speeds, heavy traffic, multiple intersections, and proximity to downtown.
- Raymond Boulevard: Near downtown Newark, Raymond Boulevard has heavy local traffic, pedestrians, and public transit, especially during peak rush hours.
Where Are Car Accidents Most Likely to Occur in Newark?
Car accidents are most likely to occur at major intersections and major thoroughfares with complex traffic patterns, high vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes, and driving behaviors, such as speeding, increase the risks. Accidents are most likely to occur in the following areas:
- Broad Street and Market Street
- Springfield Avenue and Bergen Street
- McCarter Highway (Rt. 21)
- Interstate 95 and Route 1 Interchange
What Are Common Types of Car Accidents?
There are multiple types of car accidents that occur in New Jersey. Some of the most common include:
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?
Car accidents result in a wide range of injuries, which vary in severity depending on the impact and type of collision. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, broken bones, back and spinal cord injuries, cuts, bruises, organ or nerve damage, and death.
While this is not an exhaustive list, there can be many more types of injuries in New Jersey car accidents. Some medical problems may also not come to light at a first checkup. Keeping track of all medical treatment after a car accident is crucial.
What Are New Jersey’s Laws for Reporting Car Accidents?
In New Jersey, car accidents must be immediately reported to the local police or New Jersey State Police if they result in injury, death, or property damage totaling more than $500. Not reporting an accident may result in fines, penalties, license suspension, and complications when filing insurance claims. Failure to report an accident also complicates establishing fault or seeking compensation without an official police report, potentially leading to additional legal repercussions.
Should I Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
It is generally not advisable to speak with insurance companies. All insurance companies have a team of highly skilled lawyers who deflect claims and use intimidating techniques to achieve the desired outcome.
Insurance companies routinely offer early settlements to reduce payouts, and they are usually much lower than your actual damages. If you speak with the insurance company and accept the early settlement offer, you cannot seek further compensation if your total damages exceed what you received.
Before speaking with an insurance company, consult an experienced Newark car accident lawyer who can review your case, determine an accurate estimate of your damages, and ensure you are compensated fairly.
What if the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
In New Jersey, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with your auto insurance policy, it can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage after an accident with an uninsured driver. If you do not have UM coverage, you may be able to file a claim against the uninsured driver directly, though it can be challenging if they lack the financial resources to pay. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to understand your rights and explore the best options for compensation. Consult an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your legal options if the at-fault driver is uninsured.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault for the Accident?
To prove fault, you will need to gather evidence supporting your claims, such as police reports, photos or videos of the scene, damage and injuries, witness statements, medical records detailing your injuries, and expert testimony. If the other driver was cited or arrested for violating traffic laws leading to the accident, such as speeding or drunk driving, those records can strengthen your case for fault substantially.
Can I Recover Compensation if I am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Under New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation if you are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. However, your percentage of fault will reduce the compensation you recover.
If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation, which is why establishing fault after a car accident is crucial. An experienced Newark car accident lawyer can help establish fault and protect your rights to ensure a fair assessment of your responsibility in the accident.
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and losses. Compensation is based on a combination of economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages: The actual expenses resulting from the accident and injuries, such as medical expenses, lost wages and future earning capacity, property damage, home modifications, and rehabilitation.
- Non-economic damages: The intangible costs of the accident, such as emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, and wrongful death.
Can I Seek Compensation for Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident, including ongoing discomfort, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold of “significant or permanent harm.”
Under New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system, you may need to use all of your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits before filing a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. Consult an experienced Newark car accident lawyer who can help guide you through the legal process.
What if a Family Member Died in a Newark Car Accident?
Families in New Jersey have the right to recover economic and non-economic damages if a loved one dies in a car accident, including medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and wrongful death.
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party to help cover expenses related to the accident to provide more financial stability after a loved one’s death. Experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek justice for your loss.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Newark?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is two years from the date of the accident or death. The statute of limitations for minor children is two years after their 18th birthday.
How Long Will My Car Accident Claim Take?
Filing a claim is a multi-step process that involves determining fault, estimating damages, and negotiating with insurance companies, which takes time. Generally, simple cases involving clear responsibility and minor injuries are often resolved in a few months. More complex claims involving disputes over fault, serious injuries, and extensive medical treatment typically take up to a year or longer to settle. If no settlement can be reached and the case goes to trial, it can take even longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
You should begin building evidence for your case as soon as you are involved in an accident. If you are physically able, you should:
- Report the accident to the police.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Minimize conversation and do not apologize to avoid your comments being used against you later.
- Photograph everything at the scene, including injuries, damage, and all contributing factors.
- Gather witnesses’ contact information and statements.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out life-threatening internal injuries. A medical report is also required for your claim.
- Maintain all records and correspondence you receive related to your claim.
- Hire an experienced Newark car accident lawyer with a successful history of recovering maximum compensation for clients.
How Can Goldstein & Goldstein Help Me?
Our experienced Newark car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein can provide a strong case proving the other party’s liability for your injuries and losses through the following actions:
- Witnesses: We interview witnesses and gather their accounts to use as valuable evidence supporting your claim.
- Photos: We will visit the scene and scrutinize any available pictures from the accident for evidence establishing fault, such as vehicle damage, road conditions, and how the vehicles were positioned after an accident, which reveal how the accident occurred.
- Traffic footage: Review any traffic or dashboard camera footage detailing how the accident occurred and the other driver’s actions leading to the car accident, such as lane-changing errors, failure to yield, and any other driving behaviors establishing fault.
- Drug tests: If the police administered a drug test, we will request the results to prove the other driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
As a local firm with 50 years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing personal attention throughout your entire case. When you work with us, you will speak directly with your attorneys from start to finish. Unlike larger national firms, where cases are often handed off to case managers, we ensure you are always in touch with the legal professionals handling your case.
How Much Upfront Costs Does Goldstein & Goldstein Charge?
We work on a contingency basis, which means you incur no fees unless we win your case. If we secure a settlement for you, we charge a percentage of the total amount recovered, which varies depending on the circumstances of the case and the work involved.
The Newark Car Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein Help Injured Clients Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our skilled and experienced Newark car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Call today at 973-675-8277 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in East Orange, New Jersey, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.
