Posted On: June 28, 2011

Jersey City Woman Charged in Connection with Dangerous Dogs

A 60-year-old woman has been charged with criminal contempt for failing to get rid of two African Boerboel dogs that were involved in multiple dog bite attacks. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the dogs were taken into custody following an incident in January in which the aggressive animals attacked the woman's husband. The two dogs were previously saved from being put down following an attack back on May 15, 2009. The woman failed to send the two dogs away as required by the court. This failure to obey the judge's ruling put everyone in her neighborhood in danger of being attacked by her vicious dogs.

Not only can dog owners potentially face citations from the authorities for the actions of their dogs, but they can also face civil litigation from anyone injured by their pet. According to New Jersey law: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.”

Dog bite victims often suffer lacerations, puncture wounds, scratches, and even broken bones in an attack. They are typically left with permanent physical scars and severe emotional trauma. Injured victims of New Jersey dog bite attacks may pursue financial compensation for losses including hospital bills, lost wages, cost of cosmetic surgery, and even psychological counseling.

The Princeton dog bite attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. We make sure that injured victims of dog bite attacks receive fair compensation for the damages they have suffered after they are bitten by a dog in New Jersey. To discuss your legal rights and options following a dog bite, call our law offices at 609-240-0040. We offer no-cost consultations to injured victims and their families.

Posted On: June 27, 2011

Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Newark

A 21-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle accident recently after his vehicle crashed into another motorcycle. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Route 1&9 near the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Newark. For unknown reasons, the man lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into one of his friends with whom he was riding. Officials are looking into whether speed was a factor. A number of local residents who have commented on the article stated that this location has a number of potholes that could have caused the victim to lose control of his bike.

Whenever someone is killed in a motorcycle crash in New Jersey, there are a number of questions that must be asked. Was the rider solely at-fault for the crash or did some other factor contribute to the crash? Did a dangerous roadway contribute to the crash? If so, it is possible that the governing body in charge of the roadway may be held responsible for the crash? In cases where a defective roadway causes a motorcycle accident, the injured rider, passenger, or the family of the deceased victim can file a claim against the public entity responsible for maintaining the roadway.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that allows a victim's family to pursue damages following a fatal accident, including lost future income, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. An experienced attorney can work with investigators to determine what caused the crash and who may be held accountable for the family's irreparable loss.

The skilled motorcycle accident lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein help grieving families in New Jersey get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve following a fatal accident caused by another’s negligence. We provide no-cost consultations to anyone that has suffered a loss in an accident in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Posted On: June 24, 2011

Report Finds Boating Deaths in New Jersey Increased in 2010

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that while boating deaths decreased nationwide last year, New Jersey actually saw an increase in the number of fatalities relating to boating accidents. According to NJ.com, in 2010, eight people were killed in New Jersey boating accidents. That is an increase from the six boat accident fatalities reported in 2009. Nationally, boating deaths decreased to a record low of 672. It is not clear if the decrease in fatalities nationally is related to an increased awareness of boating safety or a decrease in boating activity in general.

Anytime someone is injured or killed in a boating accident in New Jersey, it must be determined what caused the accident. As with any injury accident, determining fault and liability is important. One common cause of New Jersey boat accidents is operating a vessel or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Boating under the influence as serious as driving a vehicle on a roadway while under the influence. Reckless operation and failure to wear safety gear such as life jackets can also result in boating accident injuries and fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, it may be in your best interest to seek legal guidance from a skilled personal injury attorney in New Jersey. Injured victims of negligent boat operators may pursue financial compensation for losses including medical bills, loss of wages, and more.

The attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to get injured victims the compensation they need and deserve. We offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations at 609-240-0040 to injured New Jersey residents and their families. Call us to find out how we can help.

Posted On: June 23, 2011

Learning More About Toxic Chemical Inhalation Injuries in New Jersey Workplaces

The inhalation of toxic chemicals at a New Jersey workplace can result in serious injuries or even death. The consequences of toxic inhalation include damage to the lungs, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, seizures, and in the most serious cases, organ damage and death. Dangerous chemicals that can commonly be found in workplaces include benzene (rubber and oil plants), manganese (welding), asbestos (older buildings), and vinyl chloride (industrial plants). Anyone who has suffered an injury from toxic exposure in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek representation from a skilled attorney that has experience handling similar cases.

Toxic exposure injuries can occur suddenly as the result of an on-the-job accident or they may occur slowly over time. It is the obligation of employers, property owners, and contractors to provide safe workplaces for New Jersey workers. When someone begins to suffer symptoms of toxic chemical inhalation, they should report their injuries to their employer right away and then seek prompt medical attention.

Seeing a doctor right away will not only increase the victim's chances of a full recovery, it will also help prove the extent of injuries suffered and create a medical record. Often, someone filing for workers’ compensation benefits may have a difficult time proving they did not seek medical attention right away for injuries sustained.

The work injury lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein help victims who have suffered due to toxic chemical exposure and other workplace accidents receive the financial support they need. Our attorneys provide no-cost case evaluations at 609-240-0040 to anyone injured on-the-job in New Jersey. Call us today to find out how we can help you and your family navigate the complex legal system and obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Posted On: June 22, 2011

Who is Liable for a Train Accident in New Jersey?

According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, 27 people were killed in train accidents in New Jersey in 2010. That represents a slight increase from the 25 people killed in New Jersey train crashes in 2009. While these numbers include suicides, they also represent accidents that may have been caused by railroad companies, operators, car drivers, and mechanical failures. In these cases, it is very important to determine fault in order to ascertain who should be held liable for the damages suffered by innocent victims.

Some train accidents result from operator negligence. Train operators who fall asleep at the wheel, speed, or drive distracted may put everyone on the train and near the train tracks in danger. In such cases, the train operator and the transit authority that hired the negligent worker may be held liable for the damages suffered in a train crash.

Other New Jersey train accidents may involve a failure to provide adequate traffic warning devices. When a crash occurs at a railroad crossing, it must be determined if the warning lights were working, if the crossing gate was down, and if the warning bells sounded. Depending upon the location, the governing body or the railroad company responsible for maintenance may be held liable if a train crash results.

Injured victims of train accidents and their families would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled personal injury attorney in Princeton. The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of helping injured victims in New Jersey receive the compensation they need from negligent parties. Please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights if you have been injured due to another’s negligence.

Posted On: June 21, 2011

Dealing with Catastrophic Burn Injuries in New Jersey

Serious burn injuries in New Jersey are painful, debilitating, and often life-changing. A catastrophic burn injury is one that causes permanent and significant damage to a person's body. Burn injuries can affect not only a person's appearance, but also pose functional problems. Victims of catastrophic burns suffer indescribable pain that require multiple treatments that can be as painful as the initial burn injury. Depending upon the circumstances of the New Jersey burn injury accident, an injured victim may be able to pursue financial compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.

The three types of burn injuries commonly sustained in accidents are chemical, thermal, and electrical:

  • A chemical burn may result from the skin making contact with a dangerous chemical such as acid;
  • A thermal burn is when the skin is exposed to extreme heat, such as fire; and
  • An electrical burn is when someone makes contact with an electrical current. With electric burns, the skin, tissues, and even muscles can become damaged.

These types of serious burn injuries may involve an apartment fire, an electrocution, car accident, cooking accident, or even a construction accident. The exact cause of the accident will affect whether or not the victim is able to pursue financial compensation.

When negligence or wrongdoing is a factor in a serious New Jersey burn injury accident, the at-fault party may be held liable for the damages. A personal injury claim is a civil lawsuit that allows a catastrophic burn injury victim to hold the at-fault party responsible for the losses a victim suffered. Victims of burn injuries may pursue compensation for losses including past and future medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

The New Jersey burn injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help burn victims get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve after an accident results from another’s negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered serious burn injuries, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

Posted On: June 20, 2011

Hamilton Township Worker Sues Employer for Harassment and Racial Slurs

A female employee in Hamilton Township has filed a discrimination lawsuit against her employer, alleging she suffered sexual harassment. According to a recent article in The Times, the woman states that she was subjected to racial slurs as well as jokes about her sexual orientation. The woman said she found nooses hanging in her work area and was physically groped by a female co-worker. The woman accused of groping her was suspended. However, in the lawsuit, the woman alleges that the sexual harassment and mistreatment occurred over the years and involved several supervisors and co-workers.

Sexual and other types of harassment in a workplace should never be tolerated. Harassment in the workplace can be verbal, and may involve off-color or offensive jokes about the person's gender, race, or sexual orientation. Nonverbal harassment can involve someone forwarding obscene materials via email, making insulting comments, or making obscene motions or noises. Physical harassment includes undesired touching, rubbing, pinching, grabbing, groping, or assault.

Victims of sexual harassment in New Jersey can be men or women, and the harassers may be of the same or opposite sex. It is the employer's responsibility to keep their employees safe and maintain a safe, harassment-free workplace. If you believe that your employer has been ineffective in protecting you from any type of harassment, you would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced lawyer.

The Princeton sexual harassment victim attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of successfully protecting and upholding the rights of New Jersey workers who have suffered harassment. We will carefully review your case and ensure that the wrongdoers are held accountable. If you have been harassed while on the job in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

Posted On: June 17, 2011

When Do You Need to Contact a New Jersey Attorney about Insurance Bad Faith?

By law, insurance companies in New Jersey must offer the services they promise. Of course, insurance corporations are highly profitable and it is in their best business interest to refuse claims and to offer inadequate settlements so that they don't hurt their bottom line. When a company egregiously breaks their duty of good faith and fair dealings by wrongfully denying a claim or reducing the value of a claim, the plaintiff may file a standard breach of contract claim to hold the insurance company liable for their actions.

When motorists in New Jersey purchase an auto insurance policy, they believe that insurance companies will hold up their end of the bargain when it is time for a payout, if the situation calls for it. Drivers pay their monthly premiums with the hope that the money will be there for them when they need it the most. Insurance companies cannot deny your claim unless there is a valid reason for it. If a claim is unfairly denied, a plaintiff can file an appeal or a civil lawsuit.

It is not, however, in the best interest of an injured victim to wait for the claim to be denied before speaking with a skilled Princeton insurance bad faith attorney. Throughout the process of dealing with the insurance company, there may be signs of a future denial. Is the company not returning your calls? Is the company evasive or hard to reach? Is the application process taking longer than expected?

If you have questions about whether or not the insurance company you are dealing with is acting in bad faith, please contact the reputed lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein. Our attorneys know how to hold insurance companies accountable for bad faith or breach of contract. If you or a loved one has been the victim of insurance bad faith in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: June 16, 2011

Investigation Finds Uneven Pavement Caused Bus Crash in Ocean County

A local police investigation has determined that an uneven roadway was a contributing factor in a bus accident in Ocean County that resulted in two people being injured. According to The Press of Atlantic City, the bus crash occurred on May 17, 2011, on Route 9 in Ocean County. The tires of the bus slipped off the pavement, causing the vehicle to strike a utility pole and crash into a home. Two people were hospitalized with injuries following the New Jersey bus crash. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) has repaved a portion of the roadway near the accident site and they have plans to continue the repairs. The report does not state if this crash will encourage the DOT to take a harder look at many of the dangerous roadways throughout New Jersey.

When the quality or design of the roadway is a contributing factor in a bus accident in New Jersey, the governing body in charge of the design and upkeep of the roadway may be held liable for any accidents that result. Common examples of dangerous roadway conditions include loose gravel, large potholes, uneven surfaces, and hazardous curves and slopes.

Holding the government liable for damages suffered in a bus collision is not easy. Injured victims would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney. With skilled representation, an injured victim may pursue financial compensation for losses such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In many cases, civil lawsuits have forced governmental agencies to make roadways safer to prevent future accidents.

The experienced bus accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to determine liability for a bus crash in New Jersey. We have a successful track record of securing fair compensation for our injured clients in cases that involve public entities. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: June 15, 2011

What Constitutes Dog Owner Negligence in New Jersey?

A dangerous New Jersey dog bite attack can happen at any time and with any dog. Even a seemingly gentle dog with no history of dangerous or vicious behavior can attack a person unprovoked. Some animals, however, have a history of violent behavior and their dog owners have a legal and moral responsibility to protect others from their dangerous pet. It is not necessary to prove negligence in all dog bite attacks in New Jersey, but additional compensation may be available in cases where the incident occurred because of the dog owner’s negligence.

Under New Jersey Statute 4:19-16: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog.” As long as the victim was not trespassing at the time of the dog attack, they should be able to pursue financial compensation for losses including medical bills, lost wages, cost of surgeries and/or rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.

There are cases, however, in which the injured victim may have to prove liability for the dog bite attack. Was the victim on private property or was the victim in the act of committing a crime? In such cases, liability for the dog bite may become more complicated. Some cases involve shared responsibility between an injured victim and the dog owner.

If you have suffered serious injuries as the result of a dog bite attack in New Jersey, please contact an experienced Princeton dog bite attorney like those at Lependorf & Silverstein. We understand the statutes that relate to New Jersey’s dog bite laws and know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable for your injuries and losses. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today for more information about pursuing your legal rights.

Posted On: June 14, 2011

Importance of Photographic Evidence in a New Jersey Car Accident Case

Part of the process of receiving compensation for a car accident in New Jersey is proving who was at fault for the collision. When the at-fault motorist denies responsibility, it becomes the victim's responsibility to prove fault by utilizing firsthand accounts, police reports, other physical evidence, and eyewitness testimonials. One way to help bolster your personal injury case is to have photographic evidence of the accident, your injuries, and other damages you have suffered.

Before camera phones became popular, it was always a good idea to keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment. This may still be a worthwhile venture, but a camera phone with a good quality resolution should be sufficient. Photos should be taken of the damage to the vehicles, the positioning of the vehicles, and the site where the car crash took place. Having photos of skid marks may also prove valuable. Injured victims should also take photos of their injuries.

Remember, an accident scene is very quickly cleared up. A lot of important evidence that is critical to your case may be lost if you do not act quickly. The first priority immediately after a New Jersey vehicle collision is to make sure you and others in your car are safe. Once that is accomplished, make sure you or others have not been seriously injured. After that, proceed to collect all the evidence you possibly can to help strengthen your case and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation from the negligent motorist(s) at fault.

The experienced car accident attorneys in New Jersey of Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims get the compensation they need following an auto accident. We provide no-cost consultations and case evaluations on all potential claims at 609-240-0040. Call us today to find out how we can help you.

Posted On: June 13, 2011

Pregnant Woman Killed in Head-On Collision in Gloucester County

A pregnant 29-year-old woman was killed in a car accident in Gloucester County recently after her vehicle was struck head-on on Pitman-Downer Road in Washington Township, according to a news report in The Gloucester County Times. The woman was driving a 2005 Ford Escape west when an eastbound 2011 Toyota Camry veered into her lane of traffic. The woman and her unborn child suffered fatal injuries. She was nine months pregnant at the time of the fatal New Jersey car accident. CBS 3 News reported that the 21-year-old male driver of the Camry admitted to looking at his GPS when he veered into oncoming traffic. It is unclear from the report if the driver will be cited or arrested for causing this tragic head-on car collision.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-82.1: “Whenever any highway has been divided into two roadways, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway and no vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space.” Such New Jersey car accidents are often caused by distracted drivers who are, for example, talking on a cell phone, texting, eating or fiddling with controls in the vehicle. Distracted driving is negligent driving. When you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving, then you are putting yourself and others in grave danger.

The family of someone killed in a car accident in New Jersey due to another's negligence may pursue financial compensation for their loss by filing a wrongful death claim. In such cases, compensation may be available for damages including hospital bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

The skilled Princeton wrongful death lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein offer their condolences to anyone that has lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in New Jersey. If you would like to discuss your legal rights and options for holding a negligent driver responsible for their actions, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: June 10, 2011

Police Officer Injured in Car Accident in Rutherford, NJ

A police officer and another driver were injured recently in a car accident that occurred at an intersection in Bergen County. According to NJ.com, the injury accident occurred at Route 17 and Highland Cross in Rutherford. The police vehicle was travelling east when it crashed into a northbound car at the intersection. The police officer was heading toward a traffic stop to assist another officer at the time of the New Jersey injury car crash. It is not clear if the police vehicle had its emergency lights on at the time. The extent of the injuries suffered by the accident victims in this case is also unclear.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-91: “The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of way to any authorized emergency vehicle when it is operated on official business.” New Jersey motorists must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles that have their sirens or lights on. When an emergency vehicle does not have emergency lights on, determining liability for a car crash in New Jersey may become more complicated.

Anyone injured in a New Jersey intersection car accident would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney. Compensation may be available for losses such as medical bills and lost wages. The process of seeking and obtaining such compensation is often complicated, and having the right representation can make all the difference.

The reputed car crash attorneys in Princeton of Lependorf & Silverstein help injured victims of car accidents in New Jersey receive the compensation they need and rightfully deserve after an accident. If you believe that your injuries were caused by a negligent driver, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Posted On: June 9, 2011

Teen Killed in Car Crash in Upper, New Jersey

An 18-year-old teenager was killed in a car accident recently after his vehicle struck a tree and rolled over on Mount Pleasant Road in Upper, New Jersey, according to a news report in The Star-Ledger. Three passengers in his vehicle were injured as well. It is not clear at this time what caused the vehicle to roll over. The extent of the passengers' injuries is also not known at this time.

In any single-car collision, there are a number of potential factors that must be considered. Did driver error play a part in the New Jersey rollover car crash? Is it possible another vehicle forced the car off the roadway? Did the vehicle roll over because of defective design or an auto defect? Was the accident caused by a dangerous or defective roadway? In any auto accident case in New Jersey, it is important to ask these questions in order to determine precisely what occurred and why.

Anytime someone is killed in a car accident in New Jersey it must be determined if someone else’s negligence contributed to the fatal crash. In such cases, compensation may be available for damages such as medical and hospital bills, funeral expenses, and lost future wages. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.

The experienced Princeton car accident lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein help those who have suffered a loss due to a car crash in New Jersey. Our attorneys will analyze all aspects of a case and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: June 8, 2011

New Jersey Court Rules Uninsured Passengers Cannot Sue For Damages After Car Accidents

Uninsured motorists cannot sue for personal injuries suffered in an accident, even if they were a passenger in their own vehicle, according to a recent ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court. The Star-Ledger reports that under the recent ruling, uninsured passengers may not pursue compensation for the personal injuries they have suffered either, if they are the registered owner for a vehicle that does not carry auto insurance. However, the law still maintains that if a person is uninsured but does not own an automobile, they can file a lawsuit. Before this decision by the Supreme Court, it was unclear if uninsured passengers were allowed to seek compensation for their injuries. The intention of the law is to force all motorists, whether they are driving or not at the time of the New Jersey car accident, to have adequate auto insurance coverage.

All registered vehicles in New Jersey require insurance coverage. Auto insurance coverage options usually include liability insurance, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage (UIM). Liability insurance covers vehicle damage, personal injury protection covers medical bills, and uninsured motorist coverage offers protection in case of a car crash with someone who does not have insurance or who has inadequate insurance coverage.

When someone suffers a serious injury in a car accident, they would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled New Jersey car crash attorney. Injury law can be complicated and it is never easy to deal with an insurance company. An experienced lawyer can protect the rights of the victim while pursuing fair compensation for the damages suffered.

The knowledgeable lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. Let us help you get the compensation you need for medical bills, time away from work, and financial compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as the result of the negligent actions of another. Call us at 609-240-0040 if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New Jersey.

Posted On: June 3, 2011

Safety Tips to Follow to Avoid New Jersey Bicycle Accidents

According to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, a head injury is the most serious injury type and the most common cause of death among bicyclists. It is for this reason that all bicyclists under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet. In fact, all bicyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet while riding to help prevent catastrophic head injuries. Of course, the best way to avoid a serious New Jersey bike crash injury is to practice safe riding habits.

Bicyclists should not cross the street without first coming to a complete stop and making sure that motorists are aware of their intentions. Even though motorists in New Jersey are supposed to give the same right of way privileges to bicyclists as they do other drivers, it is common for drivers to fail to yield to bicyclists at intersections because of the smaller size of the bicycle. Drivers, for example, do not consciously look for a bicycle at a street intersection.

When possible, it is best for bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. When this is not an option, bicyclists should ride on the shoulder facing traffic. When riding at night, bright and reflective gear should be worn. Reflectors should be installed on the front and back of the bike frame as well as on the bike pedals. Also, a white light should be placed on the front of the bicycle to help illuminate the path ahead and to help oncoming vehicles see the bicyclist.

Despite these safe habits, there is always the possibility of bicycle accidents being caused by negligent drivers. When a New Jersey bike crash does occur, the Princeton bike accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein are here to help. Our experienced attorneys provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Call us today to find out how we can help.

Posted On: June 2, 2011

Teen Injured in Washington Township Pedestrian Accident

A teenager suffered head injuries recently in a pedestrian accident after a car struck him at a street intersection on Woodbury-Turnersville Road at Farrier Avenue in Washington Township, according to ABC 7 News. The head injuries suffered by the teenager were extensive enough to require surgery. It is unclear at this time if the authorities will cite the driver responsible for the New Jersey pedestrian accident.

Often, pedestrian accidents that occur at intersections require a full investigation in order to determine who was at fault for the collision. Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-32 and 33, pedestrians must use crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Additionally, New Jersey Statute 39:4-36 requires drivers to come to a complete stop and to stay stopped for pedestrians crossing the street in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection. Drivers that fail to yield right-of way to pedestrians may be held liable for the accidents and injuries they cause.

Injured victims of pedestrian accidents in New Jersey may pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim. Compensation may be available for damages including medical bills, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization and physical therapy. Seeking compensation for an injury accident is not always easy. Many cases involve insurance companies unwilling to offer an adequate settlement and drivers who refuse to admit responsibility for the collision, which is why it may be in a victim’s best interest to consult with a New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more about the options available to them.

The skilled attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein handle a wide variety of accident cases in New Jersey, including pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a negligent driver, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 right away. We will review your case and help you determine if compensation is available for the losses you have suffered.

Posted On: June 1, 2011

New Study Shows Decline in Car Accidents Involving Teens

A decade ago, New Jersey adopted the Graduated Driver’s License law to help bring down the number of fatal car accidents that involved teenagers. Basically, the law restricts the number of passengers allowed in a vehicle driven by a teen and limits the use of electronic devices in the vehicle while driving. According NJ.com, the number of fatal car crashes that involve teens is down about 42 percent since New Jersey adopted this law 10 years ago. In 2010, 33 teenagers were killed in car accidents in New Jersey, which is the lowest number of total teen car accident fatalities since 2001.

The most common causes of teen car crashes in New Jersey are speeding, distracted driving and driver inexperience. Parents would be well-advised to teach their teens safe driving habits, to limit their teens’ nighttime driving, not allow multiple teenagers in one vehicle at a time, and to completely ban cell phone use while driving. It is also the responsibility of parents to lead by example. If your teen sees you talking on a cell phone or texting while driving, they are likely to do the same.

When a minor is injured in a New Jersey car crash, the victim’s family may pursue financial compensation on the minor’s behalf. By filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party, compensation may be available for losses such as hospital bills, medical expenses such as rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and more. Although these laws have significantly reduced the number of car crashes that involve teens, there are still thousands of young people in our country who are seriously injured or killed in car accidents every year.

The experienced Princeton car crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein provide free consultations to anyone who has been injured in a car accident in New Jersey caused by a negligent motorist. We will fight for your rights, remain on your side, and hold the negligent parties liable for your injuries, damages, and other accident-related losses. Call 609-240-0040 today to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.