New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

Collecting evidence is an important step in the process of securing fair compensation for the injuries suffered in a New Jersey car accident. Some of the evidence should be collected and documented immediately following a crash, but many important pieces of evidence can be preserved shortly thereafter.

Photographs can be powerful tools in documenting a car crash. Photographic evidence of the location of the accident, the vehicles involved, the damage done to the vehicles, and of the injuries suffered can all be useful. Returning to the crash site can be a valuable experience if many of these photos could not be taken the day of the accident. Take notes of the location, how the accident occurred, and what you were doing at the time of the crash. If possible, take photos of the crash site from many different angles and try to take the photos around the same time of day that the crash occurred.

Your vehicle should be preserved in its damaged state for an investigation and photographs should be taken of any other vehicles involved. Also, if anyone witnessed the crash, their contact information could prove invaluable. It is also important to request a copy of the police report. This report may not be used to prove liability but it will include proof that you were involved and that you were injured. In many cases, the police report will provide the investigator’s determination of how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

The knowledgeable New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein also recommend that injured victims keep a journal of the injuries they have suffered. Write down not only the financial losses you have suffered but also how your injuries has affected your daily life. To discuss ways to protect your rights and get the compensation you rightfully deserve, please call our offices at 609-240-0040. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations to injured victims and their families.

Injured victims of New Jersey car crashes have the right to pursue financial compensation for many of the losses they have suffered. Unfortunately, it is common for insurance companies to deny claims or refuse to pay an adequate settlement. In such cases, the injured victim would be well-advised to research their legal options and to seek the counsel of a skilled attorney.

You should make sure that you have as much solid evidence as possible to back up your personal injury claim. Do you have medical records proving the injuries you have suffered? Did you request a copy of the police report that contains details that support your involvement in the crash? Do you have contact information for witnesses who saw the car accident?

When dealing with a New Jersey insurance company, it is important to take extensive notes of all statements that are made. Write down the details of every conversation you have with the insurance company and all of the questions you are asked. Throughout the process you should stay honest and concise. You should also never admit fault for a crash. If your claim is still denied, you may request a letter of explanation detailing their denial. If you disagree with their decision, you may reapply or file an appeal.

The experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to deal with insurance companies following a serious injury accident. If you are worried that your claim may be denied, please call our offices at 609-240-0040. We will review your accident and help you determine the best course of action in your particular case. Call us today to find out how we can help.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Additionally, “mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.” While not every accident can be prevented by careful driving habits, there are a number of steps that teenagers should take to decrease their chances of being involved in a car accident. The NHTSA points out three key factors to reduce teen driver fatalities – increasing seatbelt use, implementing graduated driver licensing, and reducing/eliminating teens’ access to alcohol.

How safely teens drive depends on the example their parents set. There are a number of steps parents can take to make sure that their teens are safe while driving. Experts suggest installing a camera in the car to monitor their driving habits. There are also several other steps you can take as a parent, such as restricting all access to alcohol; always make sure they buckle up; ban all texting and talking on the cell phone while driving, even if there is a hands-free device; and set a curfew. For example, make sure your teen has their car in the driveway by 10 p.m. Also, you should require your teen not to have more than one passenger at a time. Statistics show that more accidents involving teens occur when there are more passengers in the same age range in the vehicle.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that was the result of another motorist’s negligence, the New Jersey car crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein are here to help. We offer free consultations to all injured car accident victims and their families. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to examine your legal rights and options.

Very often, there is a significant discrepancy in what an injured victim of a New Jersey car accident may request from an insurance company and what an insurance company may offer the victim. If you have been injured in a car crash in New Jersey, it may be in your best interest to have a basic understanding of how insurance companies will determine the value of your personal injury claim.

First, an insurance company will look at the financial losses that were suffered in the accident. They will typically add together the medical bills incurred as a result of the accident as well as the amount of wages the victim may have lost during the recovery process. These types of losses are typically easy to calculate because they are quantifiable and relatively straightforward.

The complicated part of determining the value of an injury claim involves non-economic damages and future expenses. Non-economic damages could include anything from the physical pain and suffering as a result of the accident to emotional distress. Future losses may include repeat visits to the hospital and physical therapy expenses. Every insurer works differently and each case is unique. It takes a skilled Princeton car collision attorney to guide injured victims through what can be a complex process in order for them to receive the full compensation they need.

The experienced lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims receive fair compensation for all the injuries, damages, and losses they have sustained in an accident caused by another’s negligence. To discuss the potential value of your claim at no-cost, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 today.

A 47-year-old woman was killed recently in a New Jersey car accident when her vehicle veered off the roadway. According to a news report, the fatal car accident occurred on Main Street near Union in Toms River. For unknown reasons the victim’s vehicle veered off the road and struck a utility pole and tree. She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Investigators are trying to determine what may have caused her to lose control of the vehicle.

According to the 2009 Crash Facts report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 63 people were killed in Ocean County car accidents. This number represents a significant increase from the 38 people who were killed in Ocean County car accidents in the year 2008.

Family members of someone killed in a New Jersey car accident would be well advised to preserve the vehicle in its damaged state for thorough expert analysis. In cases that involve single car collisions, it is important to look into whether a dangerous roadway or defective auto part caused the accident. A qualified expert will conduct an independent and through analysis of the vehicle to determine whether the accident was caused by a defective or malfunctioning auto part.

If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident in New Jersey, please contact the experienced New Jersey wrongful death car crash lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation at 609-240-0040. We will analyze all facets of the incident, hold negligent parties accountable and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses.

Five people were injured recently in a car accident that involved four vehicles inside the Holland Tunnel in Hudson County, according to a news report in The Jersey Journal. An investigation is underway to determine what may have caused the four vehicles to collide. The victims of the multi-vehicle collision suffered neck, back, and head injuries. It is unclear if any of the drivers involved will be cited for the New Jersey car crash.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 22 people were killed in car accidents in Hudson County during the year 2009. During that same year, 583 people were killed in car accidents in the entire state. Anytime there is a serious injury or fatality accident in New Jersey, it is important to determine what caused the crash and how it could have been prevented.

Depending upon the type of insurance coverage the injured victims of a New Jersey car accident have, they may need to prove who was responsible for the crash. Car accidents that involve multiple vehicles often result in complicated claims processes because they involve several victims and insurance companies. Anyone injured in this type of crash would be well-advised to not accept a settlement until after they have the offer reviewed by an experienced personal injury attorney. Rushing into a premature settlement may make it impossible for the victim to receive fair and full compensation for all the injuries, damages, and losses suffered in a crash.

The skilled Princeton car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of representing injured clients and their families in a wide variety of personal injury cases, including car crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.

One person was killed in a train accident recently after he stepped onto the tracks and was truck by an oncoming Amtrak train near Jersey Avenue Station in New Brunswick, according to a news report in The Star-Ledger. It is not clear from the report why the pedestrian was on the train tracks, and officials are still examining the cause of the fatal New Jersey train accident.

A thorough investigation is needed whenever someone is killed in a train accident in New Jersey. There are a number of questions that must be answered. Was the victim trespassing at the time of the crash? Was the train operator using the horn to warn the pedestrian? Was the train going at a high rate of speed? Was the operator distracted? Were the tracks and train properly maintained? Were there sufficient signs and warning signals at the track?

There are a number of potentially liable parties who may be responsible for a New Jersey train accident. The family of someone killed in a train crash would be well advised to seek legal guidance to help them determine fault and liability in order to hold them accountable and to receive compensation for their losses. Damages that may be covered by a successful civil lawsuit include medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost future wages.

The Princeton personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of serving injured victims and the families of New Jersey who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights or to schedule a free consultation.

When someone has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, it is necessary to notify the police. The police report is an official document that contains information about the crash and a determination as to who may be responsible. A police report will not only document a victim’s involvement in an accident and show that injuries were sustained, but it may also help prove liability.

A police report can also serve as a useful tool for a skilled attorney during the process of negotiating terms with an insurance company. The report will contain pertinent information about the crash such as the date, time, location, weather, and traffic conditions. It will also include the police officer's observations and opinions regarding who the officer believes caused the crash. If the officer believes a driver violated a traffic law, the information will also be included in the report.

If you have been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, make sure that you discuss your side of the story with the officer filing the report. If you are too hurt to do so, or a police officer does not show up at the crash site, you can file a report at the station. Having this useful document can make the difference between holding an at-fault driver accountable for their actions and not being able to receive compensation for your losses.

The experienced Princeton car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein understand how to get our clients the compensation they rightfully deserve after a crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

A recent Transportation Department report states that half of New Jersey’s highways are deficient. According to NJ.com, only 20 percent of New Jersey’s highways are rated “good” while 30 percent are considered “fair.” The report defines “deficient” as a roadway that has potholes and cracks that can slow down traffic and cause vehicle damage, and half of the state’s roadways are rated as such. Government officials have announced new plans to repair many of the damaged roads over the next five years.

Dangerous roadways have been known to cause or contribute to serious injury accidents. When a motorist hits a large pothole or uneven surface, there is a chance that the vehicle may veer out of control. In such cases, the governmental agency in charge of maintaining the roadway may be held liable for the damages suffered in the crash.

Injured victims of New Jersey hazardous roadway accidents may pursue financial compensation through civil litigation. In such cases, compensation may be available for losses such as hospital bills, time away from work, physical pain, and mental anguish. The injured victim will have to prove that the roadway’s poor conditions caused the accident and that the governing body in charge of the roadway was aware of the issue and failed to act accordingly.

Holding a governing body responsible for a crash is not easy and it often requires a skilled attorney with experience and a successful track record handling similar cases. The reputed Princeton motor vehicle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to work with investigators to assess liability for a crash. To discuss how to hold a governing body liable for the damages suffered in an accident caused by a dangerous roadway, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

A male and a female driver were both injured in a truck accident recently that involved a 1996 Ford Ranger and a 2005 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. According to a news report in The Gloucester County Times, the accident occurred on the Harding Highway in Franklin Township, New Jersey. For unknown reasons, the female driver of the Ranger veered into oncoming traffic where it struck the tractor-trailer. Both drivers were hospitalized following the collision. Officials are looking into what caused the pickup to veer into oncoming traffic.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2009 Crash Facts, 69 people were killed in New Jersey commercial truck accidents. During that same year, 3,216 people were injured in New Jersey truck accidents. Whenever a truck accident occurs, it may be necessary for investigators to determine if the truck driver exhibited negligence in any way that may have led to the crash.

In any accident, it is important to determine the cause. Defective auto parts, for example, may result in a motorist losing control of their vehicle. Dangerous roadway conditions such as large potholes and poorly designed curves can also lead to head-on collisions. All aspects of a crash should be considered before investigators come to a conclusion regarding the cause.

The experienced Princeton truck accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein work with investigators to determine the cause of an accident and who may be held liable for the injuries suffered. Our skilled attorneys provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone injured in an accident in New Jersey.

Whenever someone is injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, it is important to determine what caused the crash and who was responsible. In 2010, New Jersey expanded the rights of pedestrians and increased penalties for motorists who fail to properly yield right-of-way at intersections and crosswalks.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-36, motorists must come to a complete stop “and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk.” Before this revision, drivers were required to yield but not to completely stop at crosswalks. Drivers must also “yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” Pedestrians do not, however, always have the right of way.

“No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.” This means that injured pedestrians who unsafely step into traffic at a dangerous location may not be able to pursue financial compensation for the injuries they have suffered. There are a few exceptions. In cases that involve a negligent motorist or a dangerous roadway, the pedestrian may hold the negligent driver or the governing body in charge of maintaining the roadway liable for injuries, damages, and losses they have suffered.

The New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record representing injured pedestrians in New Jersey. Our goal is to obtain fair and full compensation for our injured clients and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. For more information about how to pursue your legal rights after an accident in New Jersey, please contact our office at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

A 42-year-old man was killed recently in motorcycle accident when the bike he was riding struck a curb. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred at a K-Mart parking lot on Route 38 in Moorestown, NJ. For unknown reasons, the man lost control of the motorcycle. The report does not specify if the man had a motorcycle license, if the motorcycle was properly maintained, or if another motorist caused the rider to veer out of the way and lose control.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,553 motorcycle riders were killed in the United States in the year 2005. Despite making up only 2.5 percent of all registered vehicles and accounting for only 0.4 percent of all vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists account for 10.5 percent of all traffic fatalities. These statistics proves just how dangerous riding a motorcycle can be. During that year, 44 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents were single-vehicle crashes.

The most common cause of single-vehicle Princeton motorcycle accident lawyers is driver error or negligence. It is a mistake, however, to assume that a rider is solely responsible for a fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crash. Very often, we find that a dangerous roadway or a defective part could also cause a serious injury or fatal motorcycle crash. Anyone who has lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident would be well-advised to preserve the vehicle in its damaged state and to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney to learn about the legal options available to them.

The skilled Princeton motorcycle accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to assess liability for an accident and how to pursue financial compensation for a family that has suffered the loss of their loved one in a motorcycle crash. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey motorcycle crash, please contact our law office to schedule a free consultation today.

A 28-year-old man was killed in a New Jersey car accident when he exited his vehicle and was struck by a car on the highway. According to The Star-Ledger, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Interstate 280 in East Orange. The man exited his vehicle after being involved in a crash. As he walked in the right-center lane of traffic, a 2007 Lincoln Town Car struck him. He died at the scene of the crash. The fatal collision remains under investigation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2009 Crash Facts report, out of 583 traffic fatalities in New Jersey, 157 of the fatally injured victims were pedestrians. Anytime a pedestrian is killed in a New Jersey car accident, it must be determined who had the right-of-way and why the driver was unable to avoid the collision.

The family of someone killed in a New Jersey pedestrian accident may pursue financial compensation for their loss by filing a New Jersey wrongful death claim. In such cases, compensation may be available for funeral expenses, hospital bills and lost future wages. An experienced wrongful death attorney will work to hold the at-fault driver civilly liable for the fatal crash.

The dedicated Princeton pedestrian accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein work diligently to make sure that our injured clients are fairly compensated for all the damages they have sustained. Our experienced personal injury attorneys approach all cases with sensitivity, dignity and respect. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and ensure that you obtain just compensation. Call us today 609-240-0040 today for a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.

A New Jersey personal injury case could become a lengthy proceeding depending on the nature and circumstances of the case. As time progresses, it is common for evidence to be lost, misplaced, destroyed or damaged. Cases may be ruined and claims may be disputed because valuable evidence is lost. It is crucial that you do everything in your power to preserve and protect evidence related to the injuries you have suffered in order to increase your chances of obtaining just compensation for your losses.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, take numerous pictures of the crash site and the vehicles involved. If possible, file a claim before either vehicle is repaired. If you have been harmed in a New Jersey slip and fall accident, similar steps should be taken. Photograph the site of the accident and see what you can do to preserve the location as is for a thorough investigation.

Other important pieces of evidence that should be preserved include defective products and damaged clothing. It may seem odd to preserve a torn or bloody piece of clothing, but you never know what piece of evidence can bolster your case. Taking quality photos of your injuries immediately after an accident is also important. As you heal over time, continue to take photos. Also, keep injury journals documenting the pain you are suffering and how the injuries you have suffered are keeping you from leading a normal life. This will help prove the extent of your injuries and the effect they have had on you and your family.

The skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know and understand the importance of preserving evidence. We take the necessary steps following the incident to preserve and protect the evidence in the case. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

A woman was critically injured in a New Jersey car accident when her vehicle went underneath the trailer of a truck. According to Today’s Sunbeam, the New Jersey under-ride collision occurred on the Delaware Memorial Bridge in Pennsville Township. Investigators are trying to determine how the victim's Mercedes ended up underneath the trailer. The Mercedes was crushed under the tandem wheels of the trailer and the woman sustained life-threatening injuries. A male passenger in the Mercedes sustained non-life-threatening injuries; both occupants were hospitalized.

According to the official Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website, in the year 2009, there were 69 fatalities in the state of New Jersey as a result of large truck accidents. During that same year, 3,216 people were injured in New Jersey truck accidents. It is unclear what percentage of the accidents were truck under-ride crashes.

Under-ride truck accidents occur when a car is wedged completely or partially underneath a big rig's trailer. These types of crashes are often devastating because a large trailer can crush the roof of a car, increasing the potential for catastrophic or fatal injuries. Common causes for truck accidents include reckless truck drivers, dangerous roadways and unsafe lane changes. It is also common for these crashes to involve a trailer that does not have proper reflective tape thereby causing a motorist to rear-end the trailer; this usually happens at night time or when visibility is low.

The experienced Princeton truck crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully represented a number of victims injured in New Jersey truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey big rig crash, please do not hesitate to call 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal options.

New Jersey is a "choice state," which means that drivers may choose no-fault insurance or a standard policy that allows them to sue an at-fault driver following a car accident. With New Jersey no-fault insurance it is typically only possible to file a lawsuit if the injuries suffered are severe and the damages suffered exceed the limits of the victim’s insurance policy. In such cases, it may be necessary to prove fault for the crash. If the injured victim has chosen a basic insurance policy, it may be necessary to prove fault even following a minor collision.

Proving fault is relatively easier when one of the drivers is cited for the crash by the authorities. Driving while intoxicated, running a red light and speeding are all forms of driver negligence that may result in a citation or arrest. A driver does not, however, need to be cited for an accident to be held civilly liable for the damages suffered.

Many car accidents involve partial liability shared between two drivers. In such cases, both drivers may share the costs of the injuries suffered. A determination must be made as to whether both drivers share equal responsibility or if one driver was more responsible for causing the crash. These are examples of cases where having an experienced and knowledgeable Princeton vehicle accident lawyer on your side could make a significant difference in the type of compensation you receive.

The skilled New Jersey personal injury attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims of New Jersey car accidents obtain fair and full compensation for the injuries, damages and losses they have sustained. Please contact us at 609-240-0040. We will examine the facts and circumstances of your case and help you determine the best course of action.

A driver and passenger, both 19 years old, were injured in a New Jersey car accident which may have involved an improper left turn. According to The Times, the injury car accident occurred at South Broad Street and Kim Valley Road in Hamilton. The crash occurred when the 19-year-old driver turned his car in front of a truck. When the two vehicles collided, the passenger in the car was trapped inside. The driver of the car suffered lacerations and the passenger sustained leg injuries. It is not clear if the driver of the truck was injured. Police have cited the car's driver for making an unsafe turn.

New Jersey statute 39:4-115 states that a driver "intending to turn to the right or left at an intersection where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic or police officer, shall proceed to make either turn with proper care to avoid accidents." Drivers must yield right-of-way to all oncoming vehicles before making a turn.

At-fault drivers in such cases can be held liable for injuries, damages and losses. Passengers who are injured in a crash may pursue compensation for accident-related damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and continuing treatment and care. When the at-fault driver is a friend or family member of the victim, the injured passenger may be hesitant to file a claim. Injured victims of New Jersey accidents should know that most damages suffered in a crash are covered by the driver’s insurance company and not directly by the driver.

The knowledgeable Princeton motor vehicle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims understand their legal rights and options. We help our clients receive fair compensation for all their losses. To discuss your potential claim, please call our offices at 609-240-0040.

There are many potential causes of New Jersey bicycle accidents. When someone is injured while riding their bike in New Jersey, they may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence. Injured victims can seek compensation for losses such as time away from work, medical bills and even non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. Very often, the at-fault party is a negligent driver, but there are cases where bicycle accidents are caused by dangerous or defective roadways.

Bicycles provide no real protection for their riders, and so bicyclists involved in an accident are prone to serious injuries. When an accident is caused by a hazardous roadway, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable for the damages. In order to do this, the victim will have to show that the hazardous roadway caused the accident and resulting injuries and that the governing body in charge of the roadway could have prevented the crash by rectifying the problem.

Examples of dangerous roadway conditions that can lead to New Jersey bicycle accidents include potholes, damaged sewer grates, uneven pavement, bike trails that are not properly maintained, lack of bike lanes and dangerous railroad crossings. Such hazardous roadways can cause catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. A bicyclist who has been injured as a result of a dangerous roadway would be well-advised to contact a reputed New Jersey personal injury lawyer who has the experience standing up and fighting against public entities on behalf of injured clients and their families.

The knowledgeable Princeton bicycle accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. We understand the difficulties and challenges that come with filing a claim against a governmental entity. Our tenacious, skilled injury lawyers are here to help you recover fair compensation for all your injuries damages and losses. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.