Posted On: February 28, 2011

Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident in Woodbridge

A man in his 20s was killed in a motorcycle accident recently when his bike veered off the roadway and crashed. According to a news report on NJ.com, the fatal crash occurred on Route 1 south of Gill Lane in Woodbridge, New Jersey. After leaving the roadway, the motorcycle struck a utility pole and a guide wire and the rider was ejected from his bike. The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. It is unclear at this time what caused this solo motorcycle accident.

Anytime there is a single-vehicle accident, it is important that a full investigation takes place before any assumptions are made. It is common for police to assume the driver was responsible for the accident, but there are many other factors to consider. For example, investigators should determine if a dangerous roadway or defective part contributed to the crash. There are also many cases where vehicles are run off the roadway by another vehicle.

The family of someone killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in New Jersey would be well-advised to speak to a skilled attorney regarding their legal options. Depending upon the outcome of the accident investigation, the victim’s family may be able to pursue financial compensation for their loss. It would also be a good idea to preserve the crashed vehicle in its current condition so an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions, and other evidence.

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey that was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, please contact the experienced Princeton wrongful death attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein. Families of deceased accident victims can seek compensation in such cases for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, benefits, loss of love, care and companionship, and other related damages. Please contact us today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

Posted On: February 25, 2011

New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer’s Five Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrians often suffer serious injuries or fatalities when involved in a traffic accident. Sometimes, a serious injury or fatal pedestrian accident occurs because the pedestrian was not crossing the street safely or walking in areas designated for foot traffic. Anyone walking on or near a roadway would be well-advised to be cautious at all times. Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent yourself from being in a New Jersey pedestrian accident:

  1. Always assume that motorists do not see you. If you are going to cross the road, wait until you make eye contact with a driver before stepping onto the roadway.
  2. Only cross the road at intersections or in crosswalks. Drivers are more likely to look for pedestrians at these locations.
  3. Always use the sidewalk. If you are walking on a road that does not have a sidewalk, walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
  4. If you are walking at night, wear something bright that will be easy to see. Bicyclists commonly wear reflectors and bright colors to increase their visibility but pedestrians rarely take this precautionary measure.
  5. Take extra caution when walking at night in a city. It is common for drivers under the influence of alcohol to cause serious pedestrian accidents because their reaction time and reflexes are impaired. Pedestrians would be well-advised to refrain from wearing dark clothing, particularly when they are walking at night.

Despite the precautions pedestrians may take, it is impossible to foresee every circumstance. A number of these accidents occur because drivers fail to yield right-of-way to pedestrians. If you were hurt in a New Jersey pedestrian accident due to driver negligence, you would be well-advised to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney.

The knowledgeable Princeton pedestrian accident lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein offer free consultations to injured pedestrians and/or their families at 609-240-0040. We will assess liability for the crash and make sure that the motorist is held liable for the damages you have suffered. If the pedestrian accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway can also be held accountable. Call our law office today to find out how we can help.

Posted On: February 24, 2011

A Quick Settlement Can Be Harmful to Your New Jersey Personal Injury Claim

Many victims of serious New Jersey car crashes become buried in unexpected bills. In addition to medical expenses, injured victims must deal with missing work while recovering from injuries. Additionally, they may have to pay for medical equipment and medications. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, injured victims may be able to pursue compensation for their losses. It is helpful to speak to a skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney before accepting an offer from an insurance company.

Insurance companies are highly profitable corporations that know how to protect their financial assets. If they offer the injured victim a quick settlement, it may be because they know their client was at-fault and want to settle the claim hastily. These rapid settlements rarely cover the full cost of an injury. A settlement for an accident may cover emergency room fees, but it may not take into account losses such as future doctor visits, physical therapy, or time spent away from work. In many accident cases, serious injuries or complications do not surface until weeks after the accident.

Quick insurance settlements rarely take all of these losses into consideration. Once an agreement is settled, a victim may no longer pursue additional compensation. Individuals injured in a New Jersey crash should speak to a skilled attorney before dealing with an insurance company. Rushing into a quick settlement with an insurance company may the biggest mistake you can make with your personal injury claim.

The law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein are here to help protect the legal rights of injured victims and their families. We fully understand that a car accident can have both a severe emotional and financial impact on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Princeton car accident, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your personal injury claim.

Posted On: February 23, 2011

What Are Common New Jersey Slip-And-Fall Accident Injuries?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 1 million people are injured in slip-and-fall accidents each year. Of those injured victims, more than 17,000 are killed as a result of their injuries. These falls can happen anywhere and at any time. It only takes a crack in the floor or a broken step for a dangerous accident to occur. If you or a loved one has endured a serious injury on someone else’s property, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced injury lawyer to examine your legal rights and options.

Victims of New Jersey slip-and-fall accidents may suffer a wide range of injuries. Broken bones in the wrists and ankles are two of the most common major injuries sustained in fall accidents. These types of injuries often result in expensive emergency room visits, physical therapy expenses and in some cases, loss of wages due to time away from work. Other relatively minor injuries that may occur in a slip-and-fall accident include cuts, sprains, bruises and abrasions.

Serious injuries have been known to occur in New Jersey slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners who fail to properly warn visitors of slippery floors or uneven steps may be held responsible for devastating injuries that occur on their properties. Dangerous areas that are reported to a manager or property owner must be clearly marked and repaired as soon as is reasonably possible.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Princeton, please contact the reputed Princeton premises liability attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation. We help injured victims of slip-and-fall accidents hold negligent property owners accountable. We offer free case evaluations at 609-240-0040 to anyone who has suffered an injury in a New Jersey slip-and-fall accident.

Posted On: February 22, 2011

Mother and Two Children Injured in New Jersey DUI Crash

A 30-year-old woman and her two sons, ages 5 and 11, were injured in a Bergen County car accident involving a suspected drunk driver. According to The Record, the car accident occurred on Route 46 in Saddle Brook. The woman was stopped at a red light in her 2001 Mitsubishi Montero when she was rear-ended by a 2004 Honda Accord. The woman and her two sons were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The 45-year-old driver of the Accord was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

New Jersey statute 39:4-50 defines a drunk driver as "a person who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, or operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent." Drivers determined to be under the influence of alcohol may be held liable for the injuries and damages they cause.

Victims of drunk driving accidents who would like to seek compensation for their injuries may file a personal injury claim. A successful civil lawsuit may result in compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, missed wages, and physical therapy. A family may also pursue compensation on behalf of an injured child.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car crash, please contact the experienced Princeton personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein to find out how to pursue legal action. We understand how to assess liability for an accident and will hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: February 21, 2011

Newark Man Killed by New Jersey Transit Train

A 43-year-old man was killed in a Newark train accident when he attempted to cross the train tracks on foot. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the fatal train accident occurred near Newark’s Penn Station. Authorities report that there is no crossing where the collision took place and it is not known why the man was there. An investigation is underway to determine how and why this accident took place.

According to The Federal Highway Administration 2009 report on railroad crossings, 1,896 incidents on public highway-rail crossings resulted in 247 fatalities and 705 injuries in the United States. That same year, 431 people were killed and 343 were injured while trespassing on railroad right-of-way and property. Even in cases involving trespassing, there are sometimes circumstances that allow the victim’s family to receive compensation for their loss following a fatal collision.

A skilled New Jersey accident attorney will carefully review all aspects of a crash to determine who may be held liable for the damages suffered. The railroad authority is usually responsible for clearly marking the tracks and warning pedestrians and drivers of oncoming trains. Failure to provide proper warnings and safety features can result in liability issues for the transit company or the railroad authority.

The personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help families get to the bottom of how and why an accident occurred. In cases involving negligence, we help victims and their families receive fair compensation for a crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey train or auto accident, call our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

Posted On: February 18, 2011

Middlesex County Car Accident Results in Teenager's Death

A 17-year-old high school senior was killed in a Middlesex County car accident when she lost control of her vehicle. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the fatal car crash occurred on Route 130 in North Brunswick. For unknown reasons, the victim's vehicle slid across the highway and into oncoming traffic where it was hit by a truck. Police have not ruled out the fact that her vehicle may have been struck by another car before veering out of control. The crash remains under investigation.

According to a 2009 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, 48 people were killed in Middlesex County car accidents. During that same year, 583 people were killed New Jersey car crashes. Any time someone is killed in a New Jersey auto accident, an investigation is needed to determine who was at fault and if the at-fault party may be held liable for the damages.

The family of someone killed in auto accident would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced New Jersey wrongful death attorney, who will analyze all facets of a particular incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In many cases there may be compensation available to the victim’s family if they choose to file a civil lawsuit against the driver responsible for the crash. Successful claims result in compensation for the victim’s family for all crash-related losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.

The experienced car accident lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein have helped numerous New Jersey families successfully file auto accident-related wrongful death claims. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, which you believe was caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, please contact our law office at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: February 17, 2011

What is the Government's Liability for Dangerous New Jersey Roadways during Winter?

Under certain circumstances, the government may be held liable for the damages caused on a dangerous roadway. Common liability issues for the government include roadside hazards, pavement edge drops, poorly marked construction zones, inadequate warning signs, poorly designed roadways and visual obstructions. In such cases, the government agency responsible for the design and maintenance of the roadway may be held liable for an accident.

Weather conditions are a common and uncontrollable factor in many New Jersey car accidents. Motorists and the government cannot be held responsible for adverse weather conditions. The injured victims of weather-related car accidents may have to rely on their own insurance coverage to receive compensation for their loss. It is the responsibility of each car driver to adjust their speed to fit the weather conditions and to pull over when the adverse conditions make safe travel impossible.

However, the government is not exempt from all weather-related car accidents. For example, if the government fails to repair roads damaged by the adverse conditions, they may be found liable for the accidents that potholes or uneven surfaces cause. Anyone injured in a New Jersey weather-related car accident has it in their best interest to discuss the specifics of their case with a skilled attorney.

An experienced accident New Jersey lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein understands the intricacies of personal injury litigation and the involvement of government liability in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, call our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal options.

Posted On: February 16, 2011

What To Do if You Are Injured in a New Jersey Hit-And-Run Accident

Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious crime under New Jersey law. New Jersey Statute 39:4-129 states: "The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." It is important to remember that victims of hit-and-run accidents have a right to pursue compensation for their injuries whether the police find the driver or not.

Victims of hit-and-run drivers would be well-advised to initially treat the accident as they would any other car accident. Victims, if they are in a position to do so, should write down every detail about the crash and collect information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. It is also important to notify the authorities and seek medical treatment for any injuries suffered. If the motorist is found, the victim may hold the at-fault driver liable for the accident by filing a personal injury claim.

If a hit-and-run driver is not found, the injured victim may still seek compensation by using their own uninsured motorist coverage. Compensation may be available for any damages sustained such as medical bills, lost wages, physical pain and mental anguish. It is important to discuss your case with a skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney before speaking with your own insurance company or the at-fault party's insurance company.

The experienced Princeton injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of New Jersey motorists. If you have been injured by a hit-and-run driver, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and strive to make sure that you receive full compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.

Posted On: February 15, 2011

Girl Injured in New Jersey Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident

A 13-year-old girl was injured in a New Jersey car accident, which police report involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Times, the pedestrian accident occurred on Yardville-Hamilton Square Road at Estates Boulevard in Hamilton the morning of January 31, 2011. The young victim was walking with her 12-year-old sister to Reynolds Middle School when a truck struck her. The girl was in a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision. She sustained injuries including a chest contusion. The male driver of the tan full-size pickup truck left the scene of the crash.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-129, it is a felony to leave the scene of an injury accident: "The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Victims of New Jersey hit-and-run pedestrian accidents would be well-advised to seek the guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney. Even if the at-fault driver is not found, compensation may still be available to the injured victim if they have uninsured motorist coverage (UIM). A knowledgeable Princeton personal injury lawyer can walk a victim through the claims process, while making sure that the victim’s rights are protected.

The experienced Princeton pedestrian accident injury attorneys at Lependorf Silverstein have a long history of helping victims of New Jersey pedestrian accidents. Our reputed attorneys offer free consultations. Call our offices right away at 609-240-0040 if a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one.

Posted On: February 14, 2011

Dangerous Overpass a Possible Factor in Fatal Newark Car Crash

One person was killed in a Newark car accident involving a vehicle going off an overpass. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal car crash occurred on Routes 1&9 near Route 22 in Newark. One person was killed and a second person was critically injured after their vehicle veered off the highway. The cause of this crash is under investigation. However, many local residents have commented on the newspaper's web site that this ramp is potentially dangerous. Many believe that this particular overpass can be hazardous, even in safe weather conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's FARS report, 583 people were killed in New Jersey car accidents in 2009. Of those fatalities, 41 occurred in Essex County. Anytime someone is killed in a New Jersey crash, it is important that investigators consider all possible causes of the crash.

The governing body in charge of a roadway must make sure that it is reasonably safe for travel. Defective design, poor maintenance, lack of safety features and insufficient warning signs could make the government liable for any accidents that occur on their roadways. Any legal action against a governmental entity can be extremely complex because of the specific procedures involved.

The reputed wrongful death New Jersey attorneys at Lependorf Silverstein have a history of holding at-fault parties liable for fatal crashes. We help families receive compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 to determine your options.

Posted On: February 11, 2011

New Jersey Man Killed in Car Accident on Route 55

A Collingswood man was killed in a New Jersey car accident when his vehicle veered off the roadway and into a tree. According to The News of Cumberland County, the fatal car crash occurred on Route 55 in Vineland. The accident victim died from internal injuries after being airlifted to a nearby hospital. It is not clear at this time what caused the vehicle to veer off the road and into a tree. Police do not believe that weather was a factor. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

A car accident may not always be the driver's fault. Sometimes, a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction could play a part. In certain cases, a dangerous roadway condition could cause or contribute to a New Jersey car accident.

When negligence or wrongdoing is involved in a fatal car crash, the family of someone killed in a New Jersey car accident may be able to pursue financial compensation for their loss by filing a wrongful death claim. Compensation may be available for medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and even lost future income. It is important that victims' families refrain from speaking to insurance adjusters or rushing into a settlement without learning about all of the circumstances surrounding the car accident.

If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey car accident and are dealing with an ongoing crash investigation, please contact the experienced Princeton auto accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein. Call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you through what may be a complex legal process.

Posted On: February 10, 2011

Proving Fault in a Princeton Slip-and-Fall Accident

Thousands of people are injured each year when they slip and fall. Critical injuries can be sustained on a dangerous floor, a flight of stairs or uneven ground. In such cases, it can be quite a challenge to determine who was at fault and who should be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain the premises and make sure that visitors are warned when there is a danger.

It is important to remember that a property owner cannot always been held liable in a Princeton slip-and-fall accident. For example, a property owner cannot usually be held liable for not cleaning up a spill immediately. However, if the spill was not cleaned up within a reasonable amount of time, thus causing a slip and fall injury, the property owner can be held liable. A property owner is also not typically responsible for someone tripping on something that an ordinary person should reasonably expect to see and avoid. However, every situation is different.

There are certain criteria to hold a property owner responsible for a trip-and-fall accident. The owner of the premises must have caused the dangerous condition to exist. The owner of the premises or an employee must have known about the dangerous condition, but did nothing about it. Also, the owner or employee should have had the time and the opportunity to discover and remove the dangerous condition. In a slip-and-fall case, a judge or jury would determine whether the property owner was careful by looking into whether they took adequate and reasonable steps to keep the premises safe.

Determining fault and liability in a slip-and-fall case can be tricky. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, please contact an experienced New Jersey premises liability lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and make sure that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Posted On: February 9, 2011

Steps to Take if You are Bitten by a Dog

Victims of New Jersey dog bites have legal options to recover financial and non-economic losses suffered in the attack. The steps taken by the victim following a dog attack may affect their ability to pursue compensation for damages. First, a victim must identify the animal involved in the attack, who the dog's owner is and if the animal has been recently vaccinated for rabies. It is then crucial that the victim seeks immediate medical attention. Dog bites can cause serious injuries and leave permanent scars. Quick and proper care will increase the victim’s chances of a complete recovery.

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you should collect the owner's insurance information. Request the policy information and all pertinent contact numbers. If anyone witnessed the attack, you should collect their information as well. Throughout the process of speaking to any authorities or to an insurance company, make sure you never admit fault for the attack or provoking the animal. An accomplished New Jersey dog bite injury lawyer can help you recover monetary compensation for damages associated with the attack.

It is also important that you never discuss money or settlements with the dog owner. Do not allow anyone involved with the case to record your conversations and do not accept any money for the attack without speaking to an attorney. When the proper steps are taken, compensation may be available for all medical expenses, pain and suffering, and time away from work.

The skilled Princeton dog attack attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of dog bite victims in New Jersey. If an animal has injured you or a loved one, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your claim.

Posted On: February 8, 2011

What to Do if You Have Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in New Jersey

Traumatic brain injuries must be accurately diagnosed and treated immediately following an accident to give the victim a reasonable chance at recovery. Assuming that a brain injury will get better over time is a huge mistake that could be detrimental to the health of the victim. Anyone who has sustained serious head trauma or brain injury would be well- advised to seek medical attention right away. Failure to see a doctor immediately following an accident may give your insurance company reason to believe that the injury was not serious in the first place.

Anyone who has suffered a blow to head that resulted in pain, bruising, loss of memory, headaches, dizziness or blurred vision should see a doctor right away. Irrespective of how you feel immediately after an accident, getting prompt medical attention is imperative. A doctor will assess the damage and determine the course of treatment. These types of injuries can result in long-lasting impairment and disabilities. With proper treatment, medication and rehabilitation there is a greater chance that the victim may fully recover.

If at any time during the process of pursuing compensation for your injury you believe that you may be denied coverage or benefits, do get in touch with an experienced brain injury attorney. A skilled New Jersey brain injury attorney will protect your rights and make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Traumatic brain injury is usually extremely costly to treat. The lengthy rehabilitation process is also expensive. An experienced attorney will make sure you do not have to suffer financially because of your injury.

The reputed Princeton personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the trials and tribulations faced by the victim of a serious brain injury and his or her family. We offer free consultations to anyone that has suffered a traumatic brain injury in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Posted On: February 7, 2011

New Jersey Car Accident Proves Fatal for Man

A 54-year-old man was killed in a New Jersey car accident that involved a 2003 Dodge Ram and a 2003 Ford Taurus crashing head-on. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal car accident occurred on Route 71 in Brielle on January 17. Police believe the victim’s vehicle veered into oncoming traffic. The 54-year-old man from Brick died in a nearby hospital and the 17-year-old female driver of the Taurus sustained minor injuries. It is unclear what caused the victim to lose control of his vehicle.

According to the Department of Transportation's 2009 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 34 people were killed in Monmouth County car accidents. During that same year, 583 people were killed in New Jersey car crashes. Whenever someone is killed in a New Jersey car crash, the victim’s family would be well-advised to seek the guidance of a skilled wrongful death attorney.

Driver error does play a factor in many head-on collisions, but it is not the only possible cause of a crash. In some cases, a defective auto or a dangerous roadway may contribute to the accident. Additionally, there are many cases where other vehicles may be involved. The family of someone killed in a head-on collision has it in their best interest to retain the services of an experienced car accident attorney who will work with investigators to determine the true cause of the accident.

The NJ personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help their clients assess liability for a crash. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost wages and other damages. If you have lost a loved in a car accident, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Posted On: February 4, 2011

Teenager Injured in New Jersey Pedestrian Accident

A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured in a New Jersey car accident when a car struck him as he crossed the street on January 16. According to The Bergen County Record, the injury pedestrian accident occurred on Route 46 and Seventh Street in Clifton. The victim was crossing the road when a Honda Civic struck him. He sustained head, leg and shoulder injuries. It is unclear if the victim was using the crosswalk or if the driver failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian. The crash remains under investigation.

Under New Jersey statute 39:4-35, drivers must yield right-of-way to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. A new law that went into effect in 2010 requires New Jersey motorists to not only slow down at crosswalks when a pedestrian is present, but to also come to a complete stop. Drivers who fail to yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street at intersections and crosswalks may be held liable for the accidents they cause.

Victims of New Jersey pedestrian accidents may pursue financial compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury claim. The family of a juvenile who has been injured by a negligent driver may file a claim on their behalf. Compensation may be available for medical bills, lost wages, physical pain and mental anguish.

The skilled New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of injured victims. We offer free consultations to anyone injured by a negligent driver. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a New Jersey car accident, call our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Posted On: February 3, 2011

Girl Killed in New Jersey Train Accident

A 16-year-old girl was killed in a New Jersey Transit train accident on January 16 when a train struck her as she crossed the tracks. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal train accident occurred near Main Street in Ramsey. Police say that the girl stepped into the crossing and did not attempt to move out of the way. It is unclear how many witnesses saw the fatal crash or how and why the Hoboken-bound train could not stop in time to avoid the collision. It is also unclear if the crossing had adequate working warning signs and gates.

According to The Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, there were 52 New Jersey train accidents in 2009. Of those, 25 accidents were caused by human factors. Train accidents may also occur as a result of track issues, equipment failure or signal malfunctions. Whenever there is a serious train accident, it is important that hasty conclusions are not made and that ample time is given for a thorough investigation.

Some train accidents result from operator negligence or negligence on the part of the governing body in charge of the crossing. In such cases, the negligent party may be held liable for damages associated with the accident. The family of someone killed in a New Jersey train accident would be well-advised to speak to a skilled attorney to discuss their legal options.

The Princeton wrongful death accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein work with qualified experts and investigators to assess fault and liability in train accident cases. We help families understand their rights and help them pursue fair compensation for their losses. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a train accident, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Posted On: February 2, 2011

How to Talk to an Insurance Adjuster after a Car Accident in New Jersey

It is important to be mindful of what you say, especially to an insurance company, in the aftermath of a serious car accident. Accidentally or inadvertently accepting responsibility or taking the blame for a crash may affect the amount of compensation that may be available to you. That is why anyone who is seriously injured in a New Jersey auto accident would be well-advised to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before discussing their case with the insurance companies involved. This is the conclusion of our three-part series discussing what you should do after you are involved in a car accident in New Jersey.

There are several steps you can take while speaking to an adjuster that could help prevent you from making mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. When speaking to an adjuster, you may want to request that your conversation is not taped. Without a lawyer present, speaking on the record could be a mistake that comes back to hurt you. If an adjuster requests a medical release, it would be in your best interest to refuse that request. It is common for these medical releases to be connected to your entire medical history and not just your condition that resulted from the accident in question.

There are signs you should look out for that may indicate that an insurance adjuster plans on refusing you payment. If the adjuster is avoiding you and does not return your calls, you should be concerned. If the adjuster does not want to put anything in writing, you also may have a problem.

Remember that insurance companies are highly profitable corporations. To remain that way, they often find ways to refuse claims and dismiss cases. Before speaking with the insurance company involved with your car accident, please contact a New Jersey personal injury attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein by calling 609-240-0040 to discuss your claim. Our knowledgeable and skilled lawyers have successfully fought insurance companies on behalf of injured clients in New Jersey for many years.

Posted On: February 1, 2011

How to Calculate Medical Expenses after a New Jersey Car Accident

Determining the losses suffered following a serious New Jersey car accident can be a complicated process. Accepting a settlement that does not adequately cover the medical expenses related to a serious injury will jeopardize a victim’s ability to pursue additional compensation. That is why it is crucial to speak to an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney when trying to determine the value of your claim. This is the second part in our three-part series that discusses the steps you should take following involvement in a New Jersey car accident.

A skilled lawyer will work with medical professionals to determine the true cost of an injury. Many serious injuries require extensive medical treatments that may sometimes span several weeks or months. Broken bones, for example, require expensive rehabilitation for full mobility and strength to be recovered. Catastrophic injuries such as brain damage and spinal cord injuries may require a lifetime of nursing care and medical support.

Prescriptions, medical equipment, and follow-up hospital visits are medical expenses that are often overlooked by insurance companies. Even someone with adequate health coverage may find themselves fighting with their insurer to have the procedures they need covered. In cases where a serious injury causes cosmetic damage, it is common for health insurance companies to refuse coverage for plastic surgery because the procedure is not deemed necessary. This is one of many potential stressful situations an injured victim may face following a car crash in New Jersey. To make sure all of your medical expenses are covered, you may need to file a New Jersey personal injury claim with the assistance of a lawyer.

The reputed Princeton car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the type of compensation that is available to victims of New Jersey car crashes. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation. Let us help you determine the potential value of your personal injury claim.

Tomorrow, we will conclude our three-part series about what to do after you are in a car crash in New Jersey.