New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

Recently, a New Jersey Transit bus crashed into four vehicles, causing injuries to at least five people. According to a Wall Street Journal news report, the bus accident occurred in Weehawken in the south tube of the Lincoln Tunnel. None of the bus passengers were injured; however, the bus driver, three occupants of a Mercedes Benz, and one occupant of another vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries. Police believe that the bus driver suffered a seizure before crashing into the other vehicles.

It is the legal obligation of mass carrier companies to hire safe drivers. Allowing a dangerous driver or a driver with a serious medical condition to get behind the wheel of a large bus can lead to a devastating New Jersey bus accident. In this case, it is not known if the bus driver had a prior condition. A thorough investigation will likely reveal precisely what caused this injury-causing bus crash.

The statute of limitations is the amount of time a victim has to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Once that time has passed, an injured victim will no longer be able to pursue compensation for their losses suffered from an accident. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations on a personal injury claim is two years. A skilled personal injury lawyer will work diligently to get your claim processed before your time runs out.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in New Jersey, the Princeton bus accident lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein will help you understand and evaluate your legal options. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your rights and receiving full and fair compensation for all your injuries, damages, and losses sustained from a New Jersey bus accident.

A 29-year-old Paterson woman was injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident when a police car struck her. According to a news report in The Verona-Cedar Grove Times, the accident occurred at Pompton Avenue and Bortic Road in Cedar Grove. The injured victim of this crash was struck by a police vehicle as it attempted to make a left hand turn onto Pompton Avenue. The woman was hospitalized with leg and head injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

New Jersey law requires vehicles to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in crosswalks. Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-32, pedestrians must not cross the street “against a stop signal or traffic device.” Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles that have already entered an intersection.

Only after a thorough investigation can liability be determined for a New Jersey pedestrian accident. If the driver is determined to have been at-fault, they could be held liable for the injuries, damages, and losses caused by the accident. If a dangerous intersection or roadway led to the pedestrian accident in New Jersey, the municipal agency responsible for maintaining that street intersection could also be held legally responsible.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, the experienced Princeton pedestrian accident attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein will help you understand your legal rights and options. We examine the details of an accident to assess liability and to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. Call us today 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

It is the responsibility of all motorists to be attentive and cautious at all times. Human error is not, however, the cause of all New Jersey car accidents. Poorly designed and maintained roadways have been known to lead to serious injury crashes. In such cases, the governmental agency in charge of maintaining the roadway may be held liable for the accident.

New Jersey has a number of roadways that have a history of serious accidents. A 2010 study released by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign listed Route 30 in Atlantic County, Route 130 in Burlington County, and US 1 of Middlesex as the three most dangerous roadways for pedestrians. According to CBS News, Interstate 76 in New Jersey is the second most dangerous roadway in the United States for motorists.

There are many dangerous road conditions that can lead to a car crash in New Jersey. For example, some roadways have a dangerous design that makes it inherently hazardous for drivers. Steep curves and sudden dips are common examples of poor roadway design. Other hazardous roadways have inadequate paving and potholes. When the road surface is uneven or poorly maintained, drivers are more at risk of losing control of their vehicles.

Smaller vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles are particularly more vulnerable to potholes and uneven pavement. Roads that do not have guard rails or shoulders may also lead to serious accidents that could have otherwise been prevented. Some roads have inadequate signage and limited visibility.

The New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to hold governing bodies liable for a dangerous roadway. Victims of accidents caused by dangerous roadways should preserve their vehicle, seek medical attention, and to call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation on their case. Personal injury and wrongful death claims against New Jersey governmental agencies must be filed before the statute of limitations expire. It would be in your best interest to seek immediate assistance from a skilled Princeton personal injury lawyer.

In our last blog post, we mentioned that New Jersey has declared a state of emergency because of the major snow storm that has hit. Hopefully, most residents have already gathered the food and supplies they will need to stay inside and ride out the storm. However, there are certain risks, such as injuries from slip and fall accidents, for those who venture out after the storm passes.

For instance, the appearance of ice can be deceiving, leaving a person to believe that where they are stepping will not be slippery. Snow can also make a person more likely than they realize to lose their footing, even for someone who has traversed through winter weather conditions all their life. In any case, the hazards posed by a property owner’s failure to properly clear ice or snow from public sidewalks outside of their premises can be difficult for anyone to avoid.

The Star-Ledger reports that a New Jersey climatologist stated that a 10-inch plus snow storm for the bulk of the state typically occurs about once every three years. Since this major storm is “an unusual event in any winter,” property owners may fail to fulfill their duty of ensuring that areas surrounding their premises are appropriately cleared of snow and ice or posting appropriate warning signs of potential slip and fall risks.

Although it is expected that the weather will get warmer later in the week for New Jersey, with the changes of degree temperatures around 50 for New Year’s Day, the conditions of sidewalks, parking lots, alleys, and stairs can all pose the risk of slip and fall accidents.

Anyone who is injured in a New Jersey slip and fall accident that they believe was caused by another person’s negligence would be well advised to at least discuss their legal options with a Princeton slip and fall attorney. While pursuing a premises liability claim can seem daunting, a skilled lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that negligent parties are held liable for your pain and suffering as well as financial damages associated with your injuries. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation about your slip and fall accident. Call 1-609-240-0040.

Unless you’ve already left the state of New Jersey for warmer climate, there is no denying it or avoiding it – winter is here. The Jersey Journal is one of many news outlets spreading the word of New Jersey’s declaration of being in a state of emergency due to the effects of the blizzard.

Although you may not dare to leave your home or hotel during New Jersey’s major snow storm, especially since authorities are cautioning the public to only travel if they absolutely have to, it is important to be aware of certain slip and fall risks. While businesses and other public facilities are required to post signage or other warnings regarding certain slip or fall dangers, some may neglect to do so, thus leading to a customer or passerby seriously injuring themselves.

No matter how long you’ve lived in New Jersey or how well you’ve fared slippery sidewalks or icy steps, you cannot always rely on the owner of another piece of property to clearly warn of potential slip and fall hazards. You also cannot trust that a property or business owner will properly clear snow or ice from the areas outside their premises, in an alley, or parking lot. A person who slips on ice outside of a business or falls due to the failure of a property owner to maintain its premises amidst harsh weather conditions may be susceptible to suffering broken bones, torn ligaments, lacerations, head trauma, spinal cord injury, and other calamities.

As Princeton slip and fall injury lawyers, we encourage all residents and visitors of New Jersey to use extra caution if you have to visit the grocery store or go to another person’s home. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a slip and fall accident and believe that the accident occurred due to a property owner’s failure to ensure that the public sidewalks next to their entryways were reasonably safe, you may be able to obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Contact our New Jersey premises liability attorneys for more information about your legal rights. Call 1-609-240-0040 for a free consultation today.

One person was seriously injured in a car accident that occurred on a highway ramp in New Jersey recently. According to NJ.com, the multiple-vehicle car crash occurred on Route 440 at eastbound Woodbridge Avenue in Edison. It is unclear how the collision occurred, but the report states that a total of six people have been injured. At least one of those victims sustained serious injuries.

There are many potential causes of a New Jersey car accident. Drivers who tailgate or follow other vehicles too closely have been known to cause rear-end collisions when they cannot properly adjust to the speed of traffic. Distracted driving is also a common cause of serious multiple-vehicle collisions. The injured victims of a car crash in New Jersey that involves multiple cars would be well- advised to speak with an attorney before dealing with the many insurance companies involved in the collision.

Personal injury claims involving many drivers and insurance companies can become extremely complicated. Insurers may offer inadequate settlements that do not fully cover the losses sustained in the car accident. An experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney will ensure that the rights of the injured victims are protected and that the settlement adequately compensates the victims.

The Princeton car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve victims injured in car crashes in New Jersey. We strive to get our clients the compensation they need for medical expenses, time away from work, and the cost of continuing treatment. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation on your case.

A Rutgers student was killed recently when a pickup truck struck her bicycle. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal New Jersey bicycle accident occurred on Route 18 north of New Brunswick. It is not clear if the 21-year-old bicyclist was riding or walking her bike across the street when she was hit. The pickup driver has not yet been cited for the fatal collision.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-14.1, “Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights and subject to all of the duties of the motor vehicle driver.” This means that bicyclists in New Jersey must adhere to the same rules of the road as motorists. Bicyclists who choose to walk their bike across the street, however, are granted the same rights of a pedestrian. For example, when a bicyclist is walking their bike in a crosswalk, motorists must yield right-of-way just as they would in the case of a pedestrian.

The family of someone who has been tragically killed by a negligent driver in New Jersey may hold the at-fault motorist accountable for the crash by filing a wrongful death claim. No amount of money can replace the life of a loved one, but a successful wrongful death claim can help a family handle the financial losses suffered as result of a fatal collision. Common losses compensated by a New Jersey wrongful death claim include medical expenses, funeral bills, lost future income, and mental anguish.

The Princeton wrongful death lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully represented the rights of families of victims who have lost their lives in an accident caused by a negligent driver. If you have suffered such an irreparable loss, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

New Jersey Senator Dick Codey has sponsored a bill that if passed, will increase penalties for those who text and drive in the Garden State. According to NJ.com, those who are caught texting while driving for the first time will face a $200 fine. A second offense could result in a $400 fine and a third offense would cost the violator $600. This increase in penalty is a direct response to the ever-increasing number of car accidents in New Jersey that involve distracted driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 6,000 people were killed and over half a million people were injured as a result of car accidents caused by distracted drivers in the United States in 2008. New Jersey is trying to crack down on distracted driving by having a goal to issue about 10,000 tickets for distracted driving each month.

Drivers who choose to text and drive put everyone on the road at great risk. Distracted driving is a form of negligence. Anyone who causes a car accident because they were texting or talking on a hand-held phone can be held civilly liable for the damages that result from an accident they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and vehicle damage, and more.

The skilled personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record of protecting the rights of injured victims and their families and ensuring that the at-fault parties are held civilly responsible for the damages in a court of law. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in New Jersey, please contact our Princeton car accident lawyers today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

It’s that time of year again! Time to put up holiday decorations and attend parties with friends and family. However, unfortunately each year, a number of New Jersey families have their holiday festivities marred by serious injuries that could have been prevented. According to CNN, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports that 5,800 people are injured each year while putting up decorations for the holidays. Additionally, many others are injured in serious car accidents because they fail to adapt to wintry weather and icy roadways.

There are many steps you can take to prevent injuries and have a safe holiday season for your family and your guests. When you put up holiday decorations this year, make sure you secure your ladder and always have someone there to spot you. Also, having someone hold your ladder in place can also greatly reduce the likelihood of a serious fall accident. You should also be aware of the placement of your electrical cords and plugs. Wetness from ice and snow can cause devastating electrocution injuries. If you are putting up a Christmas tree in your home, consider buying a non-flammable artificial tree. Fresh, real trees become a serious fire hazard once they begin to dry out.

As you celebrate the holidays, remember to drive safely and to drink responsibly. Assign a designated driver or take a cab if you have been drinking at a party. When people drink and drive they put their own lives and the lives of others in serious jeopardy. Also, when you drive in wintry weather, make sure you leave adequate space between you and vehicles ahead of you to allow for sudden stops.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence this holiday season, please contact the New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein to receive more information about pursuing your legal rights. Call our law office at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you secure fair and full compensation for all your injuries, damages, and losses from a personal injury accident in New Jersey.

Recently, seven children were injured in a New Jersey school bus accident when a bus driver lost control of the vehicle. According to a Fox News report, the bus accident occurred on Garden State Parkway in Woodcliff Lake when the bus veered out of control and crashed into the guardrail and some trees. All 14 students on the school bus were evaluated at a nearby hospital and seven of them sustained minor injuries. An investigation is underway to determine why the bus driver lost control of the vehicle.

Families put their trust in bus drivers and schools for providing safe transit for their children. There are many reasons why New Jersey bus accidents occur. In some cases, the accident is the bus driver’s fault. Other bus crashes occur because the buses are not properly maintained by a school district or if the vehicle has a manufacturing flaw. If the accident occurs as a result of driver or the bus company’s fault, then, they could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused by the bus crash. In some cases, the school district can also be held accountable. Compensation may be available for all accident-related medical costs and therapy fees. In cases involving serious injuries, additional compensation may be available for pain and suffering.

The New Jersey bus accident attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein strive tirelessly to protect the rights of injured victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash in New Jersey, please contact our law office by calling 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

A New Jersey train operator has been suspended indefinitely and without pay after being caught texting while working. According to WPIX, video surveillance caught the conductor using a smartphone while traveling between Branch Brook Park Station and downtown Newark.

Mass transit carriers have the responsibility of providing safe transport for their occupants. When a train or bus accident occurs, it is the responsibility of the transit company to provide quick and adequate compensation to the injured victims. Anyone injured in a New Jersey mass transit accident would be well-advised to speak with a reputed New Jersey attorney to discuss their legal options. Compensation may be available to cover medical expenses, time away from work, physical pain, and mental anguish.

Immediately following a train accident in New Jersey, the injured victims may be offered a quick settlement that does not adequately cover the total damages suffered. Accepting a settlement from an insurance company makes it impossible to pursue additional compensation later, which is why it is crucial to speak with an experienced Princeton personal injury attorney before rushing into a settlement. A skilled lawyer can work with medical professionals to determine the true cost of the injury and help victims seek adequate compensation for their injury.

The personal injury lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a successful track record of fighting against insurance companies and large transit authorities and upholding the rights of injured victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey train or bus accident, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today to find out how we can help.

Earlier this month, one person was seriously injured in a New Jersey car crash on a highway ramp. According to NJ.com, the multi-vehicle car accident occurred on Route 440 at eastbound Woodbridge Avenue in Edison. It is unclear how the accident occurred, but the report states that six people have been injured, and at least one victim sustained serious injuries from the New Jersey car accident.

There are many potential causes for these types of car accidents in New Jersey. Drivers who tailgate or follow other vehicles too closely often cause rear-end collisions. Rear-end car accidents are also caused by drivers who travel at an unsafe speed and fail to slow down in time for traffic ahead.

Personal injury claims involving multiple drivers, victims, and insurance companies can become extremely complicated. If you have been involved in such an accident, it would be in your best interest to talk to a lawyer who has experience with personal injury lawsuits and who will fight for your legal rights and protect your best interests. It is never a good idea to rush into a settlement with an insurance company before completely understanding the extent of your injuries or damages.

If you have been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, please contact the Princeton car crash injury lawyers of Lependorf and Silverstein to examine your legal rights and options. We will ensure that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve and that the negligent parties are held accountable. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

A hit-and-run car accident is when the driver, in most cases the one who causes the car accident, flees the scene. Under New Jersey law, all motorists are required to stop and remain at the scene of a car accident until authorities arrive. Moreover, drivers are required to exchange important information such as insurance, driver's license and contacts with other parties involved in the crash. When a driver leaves the scene of the car accident without doing any of the above, the injured victims are placed in a difficult situation.

Injured victims in a hit-and-run car accident are left holding the bills. There are several expenses to worry about in the aftermath of a New Jersey car accident. Medical expenses, loss of earnings and cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle are some of the basic damages and losses victims must face.

There are a number of steps you should take after a car accident to increase your chances of receiving compensation for your losses. It is important that you call the authorities immediately following a hit-and-run collision. Take notes regarding everything about the collision and every detail you remember about the other vehicle and driver involved. Even if you are not sure about the extent of your injuries, be sure to seek medical attention.

Finally, it would be in your best interest to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable New Jersey car accident lawyer who will ensure that your rights are protected. When the responsible driver is not found, an attorney can help an injured victim deal directly with his or her own insurance company. Anyone with adequate uninsured motorist coverage (UM) will be protected from hit-and-run drivers.

When you have to deal with an insurance company, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney first. The Princeton car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have had an excellent track record helping injured victims receive fair compensation for their losses. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 24-year-old man was killed in a Jersey City truck accident when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the fatal bicycle accident took place on Route 1&9 at Duncan Avenue in Jersey City. The man was riding his bicycle across 1&9 when a 2004 Freightliner rig struck him. Police investigating the crash are looking into who had right-of-way at the intersection.

The most common cause of a street intersection accident in New Jersey is failure to yield right-of-way. Under New Jersey law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. The family of someone killed in a New Jersey car accident or bike crash may pursue financial compensation for their losses. A wrongful death claim is filed by immediate family members and seeks compensation to cover medical and funeral costs and lost future income. Anyone who has lost a loved one in a New Jersey bicycle accident would be well advised to speak with a skilled Princeton wrongful death attorney.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey bicycle accident, please contact the experienced Princeton bike crash lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation. Call us at 609-240-0040 today to find out how we can help protect your legal rights and options.

A 65-year-old man was killed in a West Milford car accident on a dangerous section of roadway known as "Dead Man’s Curve." According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal car accident occurred on Clinton Road in West Milford. The man’s 2004 Nissan Sentra crashed into a concrete divider on a steep turn on the road. He was ejected from his vehicle and trapped underneath it. He died at the scene of the crash. Authorities have stated that they are debating whether this dangerous section of roadway needs to be better designed or altered to prevent such accidents.

A number of New Jersey car accidents occur due to dangerous or defective roadways. Roadways can be dangerous because they are not properly designed or because they have visibility issues such as obstructions. In car accident cases where a dangerous roadway is believed to be a contributing factor, the governmental agency in charge of maintaining that roadway could be held liable for the injuries or damages caused. An experienced attorney will review the history of the roadway or intersection where the collision took place to determine if the location has a history of serious car accidents.

The experienced Princeton personal injury lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record of holding negligent public entities responsible. Please remember that there are strict statutes of limitations in dangerous roadway cases that involve governmental agencies. If you have been injured in a New Jersey car accident involving a dangerous or defective roadway, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

A 58-year-old man was killed in a New Jersey car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report on MyCentralJersey.com, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Amboy Avenue. Police say the victim was not crossing the road at an intersection or crosswalk. The victim sustained several fractures and died at a nearby hospital. The 25-year-old male driver has not been charged for the fatal collision but he was cited for driving an uninsured vehicle.

Pedestrians are required under the law to cross the road in a safe manner at a reasonable location. Following a fatal pedestrian accident, investigators need to determine if the pedestrian was acting in a reasonably safe manner and why the driver was unable to avoid the collision. Eyewitnesses have a critical role to play in a New Jersey pedestrian accident because they can confirm details such as whether the victim was in a crosswalk at the time.

The family of someone killed in a New Jersey pedestrian accident as a result of negligence or wrongdoing may file a wrongful death claim to pursue financial compensation for their losses. When the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, compensation may be available by dealing directly with the victim’s insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage allows victims and their families to pursue compensation following an accident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

The New Jersey wrongful death car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have had a successful track record of battling insurance companies on behalf of injured victims or their families. We help families pursue the compensation they need for hospital bills, funeral expenses and lost wages. Please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

If you have been injured in a New Jersey slip and fall accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. It is the legal responsibility of property owners to maintain safe premises and to provide adequate warnings of any potential hazards. Property owners may be held liable for a slip and fall injury accident that occurs on their premises.

Properties that are open to the public must provide reasonably safe premises. Under Tort Law, injured victims of slip and fall accidents must prove that the property owner was negligent in some way. When the floor is wet or a step is damaged, it is the responsibility of the property owner to fix the hazardous condition or adequately warn the visitors on site. Following an accident, the location may be examined to determine if the site was in fact dangerous and whether the property owner was negligent in warning the public of dangerous conditions.

Slip and fall accidents in New Jersey have been known to cause serious injuries. Victims of dangerous premises accidents may suffer broken bones, head trauma and spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries often result in extended periods of time away from work, costly therapy sessions and significant pain and suffering. Depending upon the circumstances of the incident, all losses related to a slip and fall accident may be covered by filing a premises liability claim.

The reputed New Jersey slip and fall accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve injured victims of New Jersey. We offer free case evaluations to anyone injured in a slip and fall accident. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

With the holidays just around the corner and the snow beginning to fall, it is now more important than ever to practice safe driving techniques. In New Jersey, our winters are cold and the roads become icy, which can cause traffic accidents. Some safe driving habits that you can practice to help keep you and your family safe this holiday season include:

• Drive slower and leave at least three times more room in front of you to stop between you and the car ahead of you.
• Brake gently. If you start to skid, ease off the brake and stay calm. Don’t stop suddenly.
• Use lower gears to keep traction. This will come in handy if you drive on hills.
• Turn on your lights even during the day time to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean. Salt, snow, and other substances can leave your windshield cloudy and limit your visibility.
• Take extreme caution when driving over bridges, overpasses or roads that don’t see a lot of traffic. Even if the temperature is warm, you may still encounter ice.
• Avoid using the cruise control feature on your vehicle over icy roads.
• Even though slow moving snow plows can be an annoyance to drive behind, ignore the urge to pass them. Chances are that the road ahead of them is in much worse condition than the road behind them.

Remember, all motorists have a responsibility to themselves as well as to each other to adhere to all traffic rules in order to prevent New Jersey car accidents. However, if you are involved in a car crash that is the result of someone else’s negligence, the experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. Call us today at 1-609-240-0040.