Posted On: March 31, 2011

Three Pedestrians Injured in East Brunswick SUV Accident

A 20-year-old man, a 56-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man were injured in a New Jersey accident when an SUV struck them. According to The Star-Ledger, the pedestrian accident occurred on Dunhams Corner Road at Colonial Drive in East Brunswick. The three pedestrians were walking in a marked crosswalk when a 2006 Nissan Murano, driven by a 53-year-old man, struck all three of them. It is unclear how seriously the victims were hurt or if the driver will be cited for the collision.

Under New Jersey Statute 39-4-36: "The driver of a vehicle must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk, but shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks may be cited and held liable for the damages they cause.

Victims of a pedestrian accident in New Jersey can hold negligent drivers liable for the damages suffered by filing a personal injury claim. Damages that may be covered by a civil lawsuit include hospital costs, medical expenses, time away from work and pain and suffering. Injured victims often need the guidance and counsel of an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer to help handle insurance companies and to be successful with their claim.

The Princeton pedestrian accident injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve the injured victims of New Jersey car accidents. We provide free case evaluations at 609-240-0040 to anyone injured by a negligent driver in New Jersey. We help our clients get the compensation they need while holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions.

Posted On: March 30, 2011

Who is Liable when a New Jersey Truck’s Defective Brakes Cause an Accident?

When the brakes fail on a tractor-trailer, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Determining why the brakes failed affects who may be held liable for the accident. There are many reasons why New Jersey commercial truck brake failure may occur. Poor truck maintenance is among the leading causes of brake failure in big rigs. When a trucking firm fails to properly maintain its fleet, serious malfunctions could occur. Another cause for brake failure is overloading. When a truck is overloaded, it can put a great deal of stress on the brakes, causing it to fail.

When an 80,000-pound vehicle barrels out of control, the consequences can be devastating. When a collision occurs between an out-of-control truck and smaller vehicles, the occupants of the passenger vehicles suffer major injuries. Holding truck drivers, truck insurance companies and part manufacturers liable for a crash can be a complicated and stressful process.

Having a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side can help expedite the process and ensure that your rights are protected. If the brake failure occurs as a result of poor maintenance or overloading, the trucking company can be held liable. In some cases, a defective auto product could also lead to brake failure. In such cases, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product could also be held liable.

The Princeton truck crash injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling all types of truck collisions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a New Jersey truck accident caused by brake failure, please call our office today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.

Posted On: March 29, 2011

Boy Injured in New Jersey School Bus Accident on Route 35

A 9-year-old boy was injured in New Jersey when the school bus in which he was a passenger collided with a Jeep. According to The Star-Ledger, the bus accident occurred on Route 35 in Woodbridge Township. Police believe the crash was caused by a 31-year-old man who turned his Jeep directly in front of the school bus. Of the 10 special education students on the bus, only the 9-year-old boy was injured. The driver of the Jeep has been cited for failing to yield right-of-way to a school bus.

Drivers making a left turn must yield right-of-way to all oncoming traffic. A failure to properly yield right-of-way may result in a serious injury accident. Drivers who violate New Jersey Statute 39:4-115 by failing to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles may be held liable for the accidents they cause.

According to the 2009 Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 13 people were killed in New Jersey bus accidents. During that same year, 1,243 people were injured in New Jersey bus crashes. Bus companies, including school bus operators, have a legal obligation to provide the utmost duty of care to their passengers. This means that by law bus companies must act quickly to provide compensation to anyone injured while riding on one of their buses.

The family of a child injured in a New Jersey school bus accident would be well-advised to speak to a skilled personal injury lawyer to better understand their legal rights and options. The experienced Princeton child injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have had a successful track record representing injured victims and their families. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: March 28, 2011

Three Injured in Pennsville Township Rollover Accident

Three men were injured recently in a car accident that resulted in one vehicle overturning and multiple victims getting trapped inside their vehicles. According to NJ.com, the crash occurred in Pennsville Township on route 49. For unknown reasons, a Ford Mustang and a Toyota SR5 collided. The 70-year-old driver of the red Mustang, which crashed into a guardrail after the collision, was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. A 51-year-old driver and a 55-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries after their Toyota SR5 overturned about 100 feet away from the Mustang. It is unclear what caused the New Jersey car crash or if either driver will be cited for the injury accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, 14 people were killed in car accidents in Salem County. This is a slight decrease from the 16 fatal injuries suffered in accidents in the area in 2008.

Whenever someone is injured in a car accident in New Jersey, they would be well-advised to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney regarding their legal rights and options. Compensation may be available for medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, and pain and suffering. A highly skilled lawyer can assess the details of the crash and determine if the at-fault party can be held civilly liable for the damages sustained by the victims.

The Princeton car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of car accident claims in New Jersey. We have a reputation for our passion and commitment to obtain fair compensation for our clients. Call our law office at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

Posted On: March 25, 2011

What Should You Do After a New Jersey Bicycle Accident?

If you have been hurt in a bike accident in New Jersey, the steps you take immediately after the crash will affect your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. The first thing you should do is contact the local authorities before seeking medical attention for your injuries. It is important that you file a police report so there is a record of the accident. Do not negotiate terms with the driver involved or admit fault for the crash. Instead, simply exchange information with the driver and wait for emergency services to arrive.

When the police arrive at the scene of the New Jersey bicycle crash, make sure your account of the incident is included in the report. If the police do not come, you should file a report at the nearest station within 24 hours. The police report may later serve as a valuable tool to explain how the crash occurred. You should also preserve your damaged bicycle, take photos of the crash scene, obtain eyewitness contact information, and keep track of your medical records.

Motorists who cause serious New Jersey bike crashes often dispute the charges while their insurance company may deny the victim’s claims. In such cases, an experienced attorney may be required to help protect the rights of the victim. A skilled lawyer can negotiate terms with insurance companies, and when necessary, represent the victim in a civil lawsuit.

The New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims hold at-fault drivers accountable for the accidents and injuries they cause. If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, call us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Posted On: March 24, 2011

Head-On Car Collision in Hamilton, NJ Proves Fatal

A 73-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were killed in a head-on car accident recently. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal crash occurred on West Jersey Avenue in Hamilton, New Jersey. Officials say a 2002 Toyota Sienna and a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer collided head-on. The two fatally injured victims were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles. It is unclear which vehicle turned into oncoming traffic and what led to this tragic New Jersey car accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 43 people were killed in car accidents in Atlantic County in 2009. During that same year, 583 people were killed in crashes in New Jersey. Anytime someone is killed in an accident, a thorough investigation will be needed to determine who or what was at-fault for the crash and who, if anyone, should be held liable for it.

Anyone who has lost a loved one in a fatal accident would be well-advised to speak to an experienced wrongful death lawyer. If another motorist's negligence caused a crash, the victim’s family can file what is known as a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Compensation may be available for all losses suffered, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and emotional distress.

The Princeton wrongful death attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help families receive the compensation they need following a tragic accident. We understand that significant financial hardships a victim’s family suffers and treat every case with care, attention, and commitment. Call us at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: March 23, 2011

Teenager Killed in Toms River Pedestrian Accident

A 16-year-old boy was killed in a pedestrian accident recently when he was struck while crossing the road. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal accident occurred on Route 70 in Toms River. The young victim was killed when a 1997 Chevy Tahoe, driven by a 37-year-old Lakehurst resident, struck him. The young victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the New Jersey pedestrian accident. It is not clear if the driver will face charges for the collision.

Whenever someone is killed in a pedestrian accident, there are a number of questions that must be answered. Did the pedestrian cross the roadway at a crosswalk or intersection? Did the motorist yield right-of-way to the pedestrian as required by law? Was the pedestrian crossing at an unsafe location? Was the motorist traveling at an unsafe rate of speed, which prevented them from stopping in time to avoid the collision? Was the accident the result of a dangerous condition on the roadway or street intersection?

A driver does not have to be cited or face criminal charges in order to be held civilly liable for a pedestrian accident. If a accident was the result of negligence or wrongdoing, the family of the victim can file a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral costs, loss of future earnings, and other damages.

The experienced Princeton pedestrian accident attorneys attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims and their families understand their legal rights and options following an accident. If you have been seriously injured in an accident, please contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: March 22, 2011

CPSC Raises Concerns Over Pool and Spa Covers Testing and Entrapment Risks

Last year, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were 400 swimming pool drownings in the United States, the majority of which were children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The federal safety agency has investigated the procedures used to test pool and spa drain covers to see if they were sufficient to conclude the flow rate of these covers, and found that the protocols used by some facilities may not have been proper. As a result, some of the covers that have been certified by these facilities may not comply with certain safety standards. Pool and spa drains that use these covers with flow ratings that are inaccurate may fail to prevent the hidden dangers of drain entrapment.

The CPSC will hold a public hearing on April 5 to get answers from three testing labs about the protocols that are used to test pool and spa drain covers. Agency officials say they are specifically doing this to assess the potential impact on consumer safety and understand the changes that are being made to testing procedures.

CPSC reports that since 1990, 130 people have become entrapped on pool and spa drains, which resulted in 27 fatalities. Children are particularly vulnerable to such entrapment. How does this occur? The suction from a pool drain can be so powerful that it can even hold an adult under water for an extended period of time.

If you have a pool or spa in your home, it is critical that you make sure that the appropriate drain covers are in place. Missing and broken drain covers are a major reason why entrapment incidents occur. Before using your pool or spa this year, please have a professional inspect it for entrapment hazards.

If your child has been injured in a swimming pool accident or because of pool drain entrapment, please contact the experienced New Jersey child injury attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein. If your child has been injured due to a violation of safety standards or a company’s failure to comply with these important federal safety standards or due to inadequate testing, our attorneys may be able to help you obtain compensation from negligent parties. Contact our skilled lawyers at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: March 21, 2011

Child Injured in Jersey City Pedestrian Hit-And-Run Crash

A 6-year-old boy was injured in a New Jersey car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the pedestrian accident occurred on Nostrand Avenue in Jersey City. The boy was following his brother who had crossed the street when a black Honda Accord struck him and drove away without stopping. The young victim sustained broken toes and injuries to his foot and ankle. He has already undergone one surgery and there is at least one more surgery he will need soon. The family and the police are searching for the driver responsible for the accident.

Cases involving hit-and-run drivers may result in serious criminal charges if police are able to apprehend the at-fault party. Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-129 it is a felony to leave the scene of an accident when someone has been injured or killed. The victims of hit-and-run drivers would be well advised to seek legal guidance to determine how to pursue compensation for the injuries suffered.

Very often, victims of New Jersey hit-and-run accidents are left with significant expenses due to hospitalization, treatment and rehabilitation. If the hit-and-run driver is not identified, victims could seek compensation through the uninsured/underinsured provision of their own motor vehicle insurance policy. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging and it would be in the best interests of victims or their families to consult a knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury attorney.

The skilled Princeton pedestrian accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to work with insurance companies to pursue compensation for an accident involving a hit-and-run driver. You can reach our office directly at 609-240-0040 to discuss the specifics of your case at no charge.

Posted On: March 18, 2011

Man Injured in New Jersey Truck Accident on Interstate 295

A 48-year-old man was injured when the tractor-trailer he was driving overturned on the highway. According to The Gloucester County Times, the truck accident occurred on Interstate 295 in Logan Township. The male trucker from Florida sustained injuries in the crash, which were not life-threatening. The reasons for the tractor trailer rig overturning are unknown.

There are many potential causes of a tractor-trailer rollover accident. Common causes include improperly loaded trailers, defective truck parts, poorly maintained trailers, inexperienced truck drivers and dangerous roadways. Truck accidents in New Jersey can prove extremely devastating for occupants of other, smaller, motor vehicles. In a big rig accident, especially in a jackknife or rollover where other vehicles are involved, it is often the occupants in the passenger vehicle who suffer catastrophic injuries.

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, paralysis or even death. If the accident is the truck driver's fault, both the driver and his or her employer could be held liable for the victims' injuries. Trucking companies usually have powerful legal defense teams on their side. So, it is critical for seriously injured victims to get an experienced New Jersey truck accident attorney on their side, who will fight for their legal rights and protect their best interests.

The truck accident lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims or their families obtain just compensation for the damages they have suffered. For more information about pursuing your legal rights, please contact us at 609-240-0040. We always offer free consultations to injured accident victims and their families.

Posted On: March 17, 2011

Man Suffers Head Injuries in New Jersey Pedestrian Accident

A 70-year-old man was injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident when an SUV struck him as he crossed the street. According to a news report in The Asbury Park Press, the major injury pedestrian accident occurred on Route 9 in Lacey. The man was crossing the street when a 2001 Ford Explorer driven by a 29-year-old man hit him. He sustained serious head injuries and was flown to a nearby hospital in critical condition. An investigation is ongoing.

According to The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey experiences a higher number of pedestrian injury crashes and fatalities when compared to the nation as a whole. This is why New Jersey adopted new pedestrian safety laws in April of 2010, to force cars to come to a complete stop at crosswalks when a pedestrian is on the roadway.

The responsibility for serious pedestrian accidents falls on both the pedestrian and the motorist. Even when someone is crossing the road at a location where there is no crosswalk, authorities may investigate why the driver was unable to avoid the collision. If they determine that the driver caused the accident by speeding, driving distracted or operating a vehicle recklessly, the driver may be held liable for the crash. In cases where dangerous roadways are involved, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held accountable.

The experienced New Jersey pedestrian injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims secure fair compensation for their injuries, damages and losses. We carefully examine the circumstances of each case and make sure the victim receives the compensation he or she rightfully deserves. For a free consultation, call us at 609-240-0040 today.

Posted On: March 16, 2011

Tour Bus Crash Proves Fatal on the New Jersey Turnpike

Two people were killed, two were critically injured and 40 others sustained injuries in a bus accident on the New Jersey Turnpike, the night of March 14, 2011. According to a UPI news report, the tour bus bound for Chinatown was traveling south on the turnpike when it went off the left side of the road, onto the grassy median, and hit the overpass support. The bus driver and a 20-year-old passenger were killed. Two other passengers were taken to local hospitals in critical condition. This bus crash occurred two days after a casino bus, also headed to Chinatown, crashed on the Interstate 95 in the Bronx resulting in the deaths of 15 people.

Bus accidents in New Jersey could occur for a variety of reasons. In any tour bus accident, several questions arise. Did the bus driver suffer a medical condition? Was the driver fatigued or asleep at the wheel? Did auto defects or mechanical malfunctions play a part? In any serious bus accident, investigations can take weeks or months to get completed. It could be several months before investigators even determine the cause of the crash.

However, it would not be in the best interests of the injured victims of a bus crash or the families of deceased victims of a bus crash to wait that long to file a claim. Mass carriers, whether they are public or private, have an obligation to provide their passengers the "utmost duty of care." What this means is that bus companies are responsible for the safe transport of their passengers. If the accident is the result of driver negligence or poor vehicle maintenance, the bus company can be held liable for injuries, damages and losses.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New Jersey bus accident, please contact the experienced New Jersey bus crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, who will remain on your side through the complex legal process, fight for your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: March 15, 2011

Cell Phones Causing Car Accidents in New Jersey

Distracted driving is a serious problem in New Jersey. Drivers looking at a cell phone to make a call or send a text message are more likely to cause an accident because their eyes and attention are not on the roadway. New Jersey law enforcement is doing their part to cite drivers who use their cell phones without a hands-free device, but this is not a strong enough deterrent to stop all New Jersey cell phone car accidents. If you have been injured by a negligent driver in a New Jersey car accident, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for the damages suffered in the crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that up to 25 percent of all police-reported vehicle accidents involve a driver who was distracted. Since March 1, 2008, it has been a primary offense in New Jersey to use a cell phone without a hands free device. This means that an officer may pull you over for using your phone to make a call or send a text and, consequently, give you a $100 citation.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by an inattentive driver, you could seek compensation from the at-fault driver for injuries, damages and losses you have sustained. Proving that the at-fault driver was distracted would require a skilled personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can use eyewitness accounts, police reports and cell phone records to prove that a driver was using a cell phone at the time of an accident.

The Princeton cell phone accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help their clients receive compensation for losses such as medical bills, pain, suffering and lost wages. Call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: March 14, 2011

Tips To Help Prevent a Nighttime Pedestrian Accident in New Jersey

Some of the most devastating New Jersey pedestrian accidents occur at night. After the sun sets, visibility for motorists and pedestrians is lowered and the likelihood of the driver or the pedestrian having alcohol in their system is increased. There are a number of steps New Jersey residents can take to help lower the chances of being involved in a fatal nighttime pedestrian collision.

Pedestrians would be well-advised to assume that drivers do not see them before beginning to cross the road. Even if the pedestrian legally has the right of way, they should wait to make eye contact with an oncoming motorist before stepping onto the roadway. It is common for drivers to overlook pedestrians at night. Assuming that a motorist will be attentive is a dangerous mistake for a pedestrian to make.

It is common for bicyclists at night to wear bright and reflective gear but pedestrians are rarely as careful. Pedestrians should make every effort to stay on brightly lit roadways and to stay on sidewalks when walking at night. If you must walk where there is no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic and step as far off the roadway as possible when a car is approaching. It may also be in your best interest to walk in a group as larger groups of people are more likely to be seen by motorists.

If a negligent driver injures you or a loved one in a pedestrian accident in New Jersey, call the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040. Our highly skilled lawyers will review your case for free and help you understand your legal rights.

Posted On: March 11, 2011

What Damages can be Claimed in a New Jersey Dog Attack?

Victims of New Jersey dog bite attacks may face substantial financial hardships in addition to their physical injuries. Under New Jersey Statute 4:19-16: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person…regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness shall be liable for the attack.” This means that the victim should be able to hold the dog’s owner accountable for all related damages suffered in the dog bite attack.

There are many serious injuries that dog bite victims may suffer. The most common injuries suffered are cuts, lacerations, and bite marks. These types of deep and painful wounds often require stitches and surgeries. Children are particularly vulnerable to visible and permanent scars because their face may be at the same level as the dog’s teeth. It is common for dog attack claims to not cover plastic surgery, but a skilled Princeton dog bite injury attorney will make sure that this important and necessary procedure is included in a settlement.

Other damages that may be covered by a claim include the emergency room fees, therapy bills, and the cost of prescription drugs. Non-financial losses such as physical pain and mental anguish may also be covered by a dog bite injury claim.

The experienced dog bite injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of injured victims in New Jersey. We provide no-cost case evaluations to anyone harmed in a vicious dog attack. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Posted On: March 10, 2011

New Jersey Driver Killed after Runaway Wheel Crashes through Windshield

A 47-year-old man was killed in a car accident recently that involved a runaway tire. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal crash occurred on the Garden State Parkway near Exit 138 in Kenilworth, NJ. The man was driving his white Hyundai Sonata with his 25-year-old daughter when a rear wheel of another vehicle bounced over the median and crashed through his windshield. The man was killed in the accident while his daughter was uninjured.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-56.8, the public entity responsible for the upkeep, design, and maintenance of a roadway may be held responsible for a crash that involves debris they failed to remove. Whenever someone is killed because of debris on the roadway, it will become necessary to determine if the government body in charge of the road was responsible for the debris or if a motorist let the debris fall from their vehicle. If it is found an accident was caused by a negligent driver, they may be able to be held responsible for the accident and related damages.

The family of someone killed in a car accident in New Jersey may pursue financial compensation for their tragic loss by filing a wrongful death claim. Damages that are usually covered by a wrongful death claim include funeral bills, lost future income and benefits, loss of love and companionship, and more. If an accident was a hit-and-run and the driver is not found, the uninsured motorist provision in the victim’s car insurance policy may also cover damages.

The reputed Princeton fatal car crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein offer their condolences to anyone that has lost a loved one in a car accident in New Jersey. Please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation to learn how we can help you receive compensation for your loss to help you during this difficult time.

Posted On: March 9, 2011

New Jersey Teenager Killed in Middletown Car Accident

An 18-year-old Middletown man was killed in a car accident recently when the vehicle in which he was a passenger struck a tree. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal crash occurred on Cooper Road near Route 35 in Middletown, NJ. The victim was riding in a 1992 Honda Accord that split in two when it veered off the highway and struck a tree. The young victim was killed and his two friends, both 18-year-old men, suffered severe injuries. Police believe that excessive speeding played a factor in the crash and they are trying to determine if the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

Drivers under the age of 21 who have alcohol in their blood may face serious criminal penalties if they are involved in a serious accident. New Jersey law only requires a blood alcohol concentration of .01 or above for an underage driver to face DWI charges. The family of someone killed by an underage drunk driver may also pursue monetary compensation for their loss.

Filing a civil lawsuit against a friend or friend of the family can be a difficult and stressful process. The family of someone killed in a New Jersey car accident would be well-advised to recognize that the at-fault parties' insurance will have to cover the bulk of the damages suffered in the crash. When someone losses a loved one because of the actions of a negligent driver, they should not also have to bear the burden of the financial losses suffered in the crash.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident in New Jersey that you believe was caused by a driver’s negligence, the knowledgeable Princeton wrongful death attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help you determine if you have a meritorious wrongful death claim. Please call us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Posted On: March 8, 2011

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately Following an NJ Workplace Injury

Any New Jersey worker injured on the job should report the incident right away to their employer. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately following the incident to increase the chances of a full recovery, as well as to establish the extent of the injuries suffered. Workers’ compensation insurance companies all have different requirements and restrictions when it comes to filing claims, so it is critical that you examine your legal rights and options with the help of a knowledgeable workplace accident lawyer.

It is natural for you to be comfortable seeing your own doctor when you are injured; however, your work may not accept their diagnosis. If your employer is going to be held responsible for your workplace injury through workers’ compensation benefits, they may want to have a say in which doctor you see and what treatments you are offered. Many workplaces have a list of approved doctors available to their employees in case of an accident.

With the assistance of a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney, injured workers may even be able to get a second opinion covered by their employers insurance. This may be a complicated process and a lawyer may be needed to ensure that the victim’s rights are protected. The rights of an injured New Jersey worker include compensation for medical bills related to a workplace injury and partial compensation for time spent away from work during the recovery process.

The work injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help the injured workers of New Jersey receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. We help our clients obtain adequate workers’ compensation benefits so they can recover and return to work. If you or a loved one has been injured in an on the job accident in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.

Posted On: March 7, 2011

Liability for Crime-Related Injuries Suffered on New Jersey Public Property

Under New Jersey premises liability laws, property owners are required to offer reasonably safe conditions to any and all visitors. When someone is injured on a person’s property, the owner may be held liable for the damages, particularly if their negligence contributed to the accident. Under certain circumstances, a property owner may even be held liable for an injury that occurs during a criminal act on their property. Anyone injured on public property would be well-advised to speak to a skilled attorney about their legal rights and options.

Not all criminal activity on public property provides the basis for a valid premises liability claim. In many cases, the injured victim will have to prove that negligence on the part of the property owner caused or contributed to the incident. An experienced lawyer will ask the following questions: Were there similar acts on the premises in recent years? Did the property owner beef up security after those incidents? Were any other steps taken to improve security and safety such as the use of surveillance cameras? What other crime prevention measures were taken by the property owner?

If a property owner was negligent and took no steps to secure the premises despite several incidents on the property, they may be held responsible for the damages suffered. A successful New Jersey premises liability claim could result in compensation for medical bills related to the incident, wages lost while healing, and pain and suffering.

The Princeton premises liability attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein provide free consultations to injured victims and their families. We have had a successful track record of holding negligent parties liable for the accidents they cause or failed to prevent. Call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Posted On: March 4, 2011

Two Killed in New Jersey Turnpike Car Crash

Two people were killed in a car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike in Middlesex County recently. According NJ.com, the fatal car crash occurred near Exit 13 in Woodbridge. The passenger and driver were killed when their 1998 green Dodge Neon crashed into an overpass column. Police say that the driver may have been exceeding the speed limit when the vehicle veered out of control and crashed into the support.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 583 people were killed in New Jersey car crashes in 2009. During the same year, 48 people were killed in car accidents in Middlesex County. Whenever there is a traffic fatality, it is in the best interest of the victim’s family to speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney to obtain more information about pursuing their legal rights.

Following a fatal car accident, a victim’s family may seek compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, lost benefits, and pain and suffering. The victim’s family may also hold the at-fault driver liable for their loss by filing a New Jersey wrongful death claim. A full investigation of an accident may be needed to prove fault and liability in a car accident case.

The Princeton wrongful death attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully protected the rights of those who have lost loved ones in New Jersey car accidents as a result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. We protect our client’s rights while holding at-fault parties civilly liable for their actions. Please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

Posted On: March 3, 2011

Three Killed after Car Crashes into NJ School Building

A 20-year-old woman and two men, ages 20 and 21, were killed in a car accident recently when their vehicle crashed into the side of the Pine Beach Elementary School in Ocean County. According to NJ.com, police have stated that it appears as though the 2011 Hyundai Accent was traveling at a high rate of speed when it crashed into the brick wall of the school library. All three occupants of the vehicle were killed in the collision, and officials say the occupants were not wearing their seat belts at the time. A follow-up report states that heroin and prescription painkillers were found in the car after the fatal crash.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 583 car accident fatalities in New Jersey in 2009, 63 occurred in Ocean County. Thorough investigations are needed following fatal car crashes to determine who was at fault and how it could have been prevented. In cases where a dangerous roadway, defective auto part, or another motorist is found at fault for the crash, the driver’s family may pursue compensation for their loss. In cases involving the death of a passenger, the at-fault driver may be held liable for the damages suffered.

The family of a passenger who is killed in a New Jersey car accident may file a wrongful death claim against the driver responsible for the crash. Family members of a deceased car accident victim can seek compensation from the at-fault party for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

The Princeton car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help New Jersey car crash victims and their families understand their legal rights and options. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, please contact us at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.

Posted On: March 2, 2011

Driver Cited for Injury Bicycle Accident in Pennsville Township, NJ

A 46-year-old Carneys Point man was injured in a bike accident recently when a car struck his bicycle. According to a news report on NJ.com, the bicycle crash occurred on North Broadway in Pennsville Township as the bicyclist was riding on the shoulder when a vehicle driven by a 63-year-old man turned in front of him. The bicyclist was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials say the driver was at fault and was issued a citation for careless driving. It is unclear why the motorist failed to see the bicyclist.

According to a 2008 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 20 people were killed in New Jersey bicycle accidents, which accounts for 3.4 percent of all traffic accident-related fatalities across the state. It is common for bicyclists to be overlooked by distracted and negligent drivers. Anytime a bicyclist is injured in an accident, especially due to someone else's negligence, they would be well-advised to speak to a skilled lawyer to learn about their legal options.

One option that may be available to injured bicycle accident victims is to file a personal injury claim, which is a civil lawsuit that allows the victim to hold the at-fault driver responsible for the injuries and damages sustained in a New Jersey accident. Common damages recovered in a successful claim include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and cost of continued treatment such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.

To understand the compensation that may be available to you following a car or bicycle accident in New Jersey, please call an experienced Princeton bicycle accident lawyer of Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation. We have a long history of securing fair and full compensation for our clients.

Posted On: March 1, 2011

Garden State Parkway Car Crash Kills Teen

A 19-year-old man from Middlesex County was killed in a car crash recently after he lost control of his vehicle and crashed. According to The Star-Ledger, the fatal accident occurred on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge, NJ. The teenager was traveling south in his 1995 Honda Civic when his vehicle spun out of control and struck a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which in turn struck a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. Police believe the fatally injured victim was not wearing a seatbelt since he was ejected from his Civic during the crash. It is unclear at this time what may have caused his vehicle to veer out of control.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 48 people were killed in Middlesex County car accidents in 2009. During that same year, 583 total people were killed in New Jersey car crashes. Anytime someone suffers a fatal injury in a crash, the victim’s family has it in their best interest to speak to a wrongful death attorney to discuss their rights and options.

In many cases, the family of someone killed in New Jersey car accident is able to pursue financial compensation for their loss by filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. The party responsible for the crash can range from a negligent driver to the government in charge of maintaining a dangerous roadway or the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part, which may have contributed to the crash. Every case is different and only a skilled attorney can properly assess fault and liability.

The experienced New Jersey fatal car crash lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully helped numerous families determine fault and liability in the aftermath of a fatal car accident. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and completely confidential consultation.