New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

New Jersey dog bite attacks can result in not only serious physical injuries, but can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact on victims. Anyone who has been severely bitten by a dog is often left wondering how they will pay for their mounting medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, under New Jersey law, dog owners may be held accountable for the injuries and related losses their pets cause. Injured victims of dog bite attacks would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who can help them secure fair compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.

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 or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.”

To pursue compensation through civil litigation, a victim will have to prove that the defendant owns the dog, that the dog injured them, and that the victim was not trespassing or provoking the animal at the time of the attack. It is common for dog owners to deny responsibility for the actions of their pets. So, injured victims often have to resort to civil litigation in order to receive fair compensation.

The Princeton dog bite injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help their clients pursue compensation for losses such as medical bills, surgical procedures, past and future suffering, and time away from work if they have sustained serious injuries in a dog bite attack in New Jersey. To discuss your legal options with one of our skilled lawyers, please call 609-240-0040 right away.

Large passenger vans are often used to transport groups of people for community and school events because they are cheaper and smaller than buses. Unfortunately, 15-passenger vans are prone to rollover accidents and serious injury collisions. Church groups, community organizations, senior centers, and childcare centers should not utilize 15-passenger vans to transport members considering the significant risks involved. Any group or organization considering using any type of passenger van to transport people would be well-advised to follow the many passenger van safety tips shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA lists the three main causes of 15-passenger van rollover accidents as inexperienced drivers, improper tires, and poorly loaded cargo. These vehicles handle differently depending on the vehicle's weight. An inexperienced driver may fail to adjust accordingly. Companies utilizing these dangerous vehicles often fail to check the tires or make sure that the tires are properly maintained. Over or under inflated tires may blow out and once these vehicles go out of control, it may be difficult even for an experienced driver to regain control of the vehicle.

Van drivers should ensure that all passengers are wearing their seat belts and that the passengers are aware of the visibility issues they may be causing by blocking windows with cargo. Van drivers should also never suddenly jerk the wheel or exceed the speed limit to reduce the chance of a rollover accident occurring.

The experienced New Jersey 15-passenger van accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of helping injured passengers of van accidents get the compensation they need from all negligent parties. We carefully conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of these types of accidents, including whether the van manufacturer, driver, or other factors are to blame for the rollover. If you or a loved one has been injured in a 15-passenger van accident in New Jersey, please contact 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation today.

A 54-year-old man was killed recently after a car struck his bicycle in Somerset County. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal bicycle accident occurred on East Main Street in Bridgewater. The bicyclist was fatally injured when a vehicle struck him from behind. The driver of the Mercedes Benz involved in this fatal crash failed to remain at the scene of the accident. Officials have requested information from anyone who may have witnessed this tragic hit-and-run accident.

It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident, especially when someone has been injured or killed. New Jersey Code 39:4-129 states: “The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene.”

The family of someone killed in a bicycle accident in New Jersey may pursue financial compensation from the at-fault driver by filing a wrongful death claim. This process becomes more complicated when the negligent driver leaves the scene of the crash and the authorities are unable to locate the at-fault party. In such cases, compensation may still be available through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim's or the family's own auto insurance policy.

The knowledgeable bike accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know and understand how to handle complex accident cases, including hit-and-run accidents or incidents that involve uninsured or underinsured motorists. Please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

Children are particularly vulnerable to dangerous dog bite injuries. Whenever a child is attacked by a vicious dog, there is the potential for catastrophic injuries or even death. It is important to not only protect children from potentially dangerous dogs, but also to teach them how to be safe around dogs in general. Here are some dog safety tips that adults can practice as well.

It is important to never approach an unleashed dog that you do not know. Additionally, dogs that are nursing, eating or sleeping should not be bothered. If a potentially dangerous dog approaches you, it is in your best interest to stay still. Running away may provoke the dog to chase you. Making eye contact with the animal may make the animal feel nervous or threatened. If the dog does attack, it is best to remain still or to even lie like a log.

It is best not to approach strange dogs. If you know the dog or if the owner is nearby and you are about to pet the dog, it is important to let the dog sniff your hand first. Any sudden movements or unwanted touching may startle the animal. Children need to be taught that dogs do not like being hugged or pulled.

If an animal injures you or a loved one it is important to seek medical attention, find, or identify the dog's owner and to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16 allows injured victims of dog attacks to hold the dog owner accountable for the injuries suffered whether or not the dog has a history of violent behavior.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite attack, please contact the experienced New Jersey dog bite injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein. We have helped numerous dog bite victims obtain fair compensation to cover damages including medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization, and even cost of cosmetic surgery. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

A head-on collision in Morris County resulted in one fatality and two injuries. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal accident occurred on Route 206 in Chester Township. A 76-year-old woman was killed after her minivan crashed head-on into a school bus. The car's driver was killed, but the 56-year-old female driver of the school bus and her 65-year-old male passenger suffered only non-life-threatening injuries. The authorities are not sure what caused the victim's minivan to veer into oncoming traffic and cause this fatal New Jersey bus accident.

Many head-on collisions involve one vehicle veering into opposing lanes of traffic., According to New Jersey Statute 39:4-82.1, “Whenever any highway has been divided into two roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed so as to impede vehicular traffic, 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, barrier or section.”

If an investigation determines that the driver was solely responsible for veering into oncoming traffic, the at-fault driver's insurance can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victims. Damages that may be covered in such cases include medical expenses, past and future suffering, lost wages, and more.

The experienced bus accident attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein work with investigators to determine liability for all types of accidents, including bus accidents. We help victims get the compensation they need while holding the negligent party accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in New Jersey, please call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to schedule your free consultation.

One resident and one firefighter were injured in a fire recently that involved nearly a dozen apartments and two businesses. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the apartment fire occurred on Ferry Street in Newark. The Estrela Da Beira Supermarket and Continental Hardware were the two businesses damaged in the fire. The two injuries suffered were related to smoke inhalation and neither appears to be life threatening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to a 2009 report by the Division of Fire Safety, 71 civilians and two firefighters were killed in fires. During that same year, 717 firefighters and 432 civilians were injured during a fire. A total of 29,625 fires were reported throughout the state that year alone.

Anytime injuries are suffered in a house fire, it must be determined what caused the fire and if the property owner was negligent in anyway. This is relevant because if the property owner failed to take steps to prevent the fire from occurring, and therefore the injuries suffered, injured victims may file a premises liability claim against them.

Forms of property owner negligence relating to fires include a failure to build to code, failure to install and monitor fire alarms, failure to provide fire extinguishers or sprinklers, and a failure to make sure the electrical wiring in the building is safe. When a fire is directly linked to a property owner's negligence, the injured victims may pursue financial compensation for their losses through civil litigation.

The experienced personal injury attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of helping those who have been injured due to another person’s negligence. We help our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, damages, and losses. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

Property owners are responsible for the incidents that occur on their premises. When a property has a pool, for example, the owner has a legal obligation to provide reasonably safe conditions around the pool. When a dangerous condition around the pool leads to an injury accident, the property owner may be held liable for the damages suffered. However, the process of filing a premises liability claim in New Jersey may become complicated when the property owner is a friend of the victim or a member of the victim's family.

No one wants to be put in a situation where they have to sue a friend. Unfortunately, there are cases in which the only way to receive compensation is by holding the negligent property owner accountable for an accident that occurred on their property. Here are some questions to ask immediately after a swimming pool accident. Does the pool have adequate fencing around it? Do the doors that lead to the pool have locks or an alarm? Are there unsafe conditions such as cracked pathways around the pool? Does the pool owner leave toys around the pool that may draw a child near it? The answers to these questions may help determine if the pool owner or homeowner was negligent in any way.

It is important to remember that a settlement from a premises liability claim will come directly from the property owner's insurance policy. They should not personally suffer financially from a lawsuit. The most a homeowner with adequate insurance may suffer financially is the potential hike in insurance premiums.

The skilled Princeton premises liability lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle many different types of injury accidents in New Jersey. If you or a loved has been injured in a swimming pool accident or are looking to file a premises liability claim, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

A 21-year-old woman was recently killed in a car crash when her white Acura RSX veered off the roadway. According to The News of Cumberland County, the fatal accident occurred on Ramah Road in Lawrence Township. The Acura crossed the centerline, went off the roadway, struck a wooden pole, spun around, struck a tree, and ended up on its side. It is not clear what caused the single-vehicle crash but there were no signs of braking at the scene of the accident.

There are a number of causes of single-vehicle crashes and some of them do not involve negligent driving. The driver may be at fault if they were speeding, fatigued, distracted, or drunk. Circumstances in which a single-vehicle accident victim was not solely responsible for the crash include a dangerous roadway condition, a defective auto part like a faulty brake system, or the involvement of another vehicle that left the scene after the crash.

Anyone who has lost a loved one in a single-vehicle accident in New Jersey would be well-advised to preserve the damaged vehicle for a thorough inspection and to contact an experienced attorney. The vehicle should be examined by an expert for product defects, malfunctions, design flaws, and other evidence that may indicate negligence on the part of someone other than the deceased driver.

The experienced New Jersey car accident wrongful death attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein are committed to helping families obtain fair and full compensation for the loss of their loved one in accidents due to negligence. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to learn more about the legal options available to you if you have lost a loved one in a car crash in New Jersey. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations.

A 22-year-old woman was injured in a truck crash recently when her vehicle ended up under a tractor-trailer. According to NJ.com, the accident occurred on the Interstate 80 near the Essex Street exit in Lodi. The young woman was critically injured when her vehicle was wedged under the tractor-trailer. It is unclear what caused the two vehicles to collide. An investigation into the New Jersey truck accident is underway.

Side and rear underride truck accidents can be absolutely devastating in terms of injuries and fatalities. Cars that slide under a trailer are in a position to be crushed by the weight of the trailer, which puts any occupants in the passenger vehicle at risk for fatal injuries. Whenever this type of truck accident occurs, there are a number of questions that must be asked.

Did the truck driver change lanes without looking to see if a vehicle was alongside the trailer? Did the truck driver brake suddenly? Did the trailer have the legally required amount of reflective tape and reflectors? Was either motorist distracted, speeding, or under the influence?

Victims of truck accidents in New Jersey may seek financial compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered by filing a personal injury claim against the truck driver, the trucking company, or the truck owner. Every case is different and it often takes a skilled attorney to determine who is liable for the injuries suffered and how much compensation is available for victims.

The knowledgeable Princeton truck accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have many years of experience successfully handling all types of truck accident cases. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

All property owners n New Jersey have a legal obligation to provide reasonably safe conditions for visitors to and residents of the premises. When an apartment fire occurs, for example, investigators will have to determine what role the property owner or property manager may have played in failing to prevent the fire. Depending on the circumstances, victims of apartment fires may be able to pursue financial compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered.

There are many questions that investigators must ask following an apartment fire in New Jersey. Was the building constructed using dangerous materials? Is the wiring in the building up to code? Did each apartment have working smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishers? Were the residents provided information on the fire escape routes in case of an emergency? If the investigation shows that the injuries suffered were connected to a property owner's negligence, the victims may be able to seek compensation by filing a premises liability claim.

It is common for injured victims to have to file a civil lawsuit to receive fair and full compensation for their injuries and related losses. Negligent property owners may be held responsible for damages including medical bills, time away from work, hospitalization, continued treatments, surgeries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. It is common for property owners to deny responsibility, to fail to have adequate insurance, and to claim that the victim was the one responsible for the fire.

The skilled premises liability lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to hold at-fault property owners accountable for the incidents that occur on their properties. Usually, these are incidents that can be prevented. If you have been seriously injured in an accident on a property due to negligence, we will fight hard for your rights and ensure that you are fairly and fully compensated. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

Whenever the steel frame of a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, there is the potential for a catastrophic injury or death. Injured victims of pedestrian accidents in New Jersey often suffer substantial physical, financial, and emotional losses. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, compensation may be available for the many types of injuries the victim has suffered.

The most common physical injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents are broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), back injuries, and internal organ damage. These types of injuries may require immediate and prolonged medical treatments, expensive surgeries, extended physical therapy, and long periods of time away from work. In many cases, the injured victim may never again return to the life they had before the accident.

When a New Jersey pedestrian accident is caused by someone else's negligence, victims can seek monetary compensation to cover various damages and losses. Such damages could include past, current, and future medical bills, lost wages, and the costs related to medical devices and prescription drugs. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress may also be included.

A personal injury claim is a civil lawsuit in New Jersey that allows a victim to hold a negligent driver liable for the injuries and related losses suffered in an accident due to negligence. Not only will it become necessary to prove that the driver was at-fault for the collision, but it is also important for the victim to properly calculate the total damages suffered. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Princeton can help a victim determine the true value of a personal injury claim. There are cases in which a city, town, or governmental agency responsible for maintaining a roadway may be held liable, if the pedestrian accident was the result of a dangerous roadway.

A 55-year-old man was killed in a car accident recently after his vehicle slammed into a pole. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal crash occurred on Deliah Road near Kingsley Drive in Egg Harbor Township after the man lost control of his 1991 Buick LaSabre, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and striking a pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this fatal crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report investigating the many causes of single-vehicle run-off road (ROR) crashes. Driver error was a strong commonality in many of the crashes investigated. Drivers who were drunk or speeding were found to have a much greater chance of driving off the roadway. Driver behavior was not, however, the only contributing factor in many of the accidents studied.

The report stated that run-off road crashes are more likely to occur in adverse weather conditions and during nighttime. A single-vehicle fatal crash involved a vehicle going off the roadway 90.2 percent of the time when the car was at a curve and only 62.1 percent of the time on a straight roadway. This means that the design of the roadway can contribute to a crash as well. Any time a crash occurs on a curve it must be determined if the roadway was designed poorly and if it was inherently dangerous.

There are many potential causes of a single-vehicle car crash in New Jersey and the driver is not always at fault. The family of someone killed in such an accident would be well-advised to preserve the vehicle in tact so it can be carefully examined by an expert for product defects, malfunctions, and other evidence in order to determine liability.

The experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully handled numerous car accident cases on behalf of injured clients and families of deceased car accident victims. If you have been injured in a car accident, or, if you have lost a loved one in a crash, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

At least 19 people were injured in a bus accident recently after a bus carrying 28 passengers that was on its way to Trenton crashed. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the accident occurred on Route 81 in Upstate New York. The bus was traveling through a rainstorm when it went out of control, rolled down a grass embankment, and overturned. It does not appear that any of the injuries suffered by victims were life-threatening. Officials say the 30-year-old male bus driver was driving at an unsafe rate of speed at the time of the accident.

New Jersey Statute 39:4-98 states: “The driver of every vehicle shall…drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.” This means that motorists must adjust their speed to weather, traffic, and roadway conditions.

When the speeding motorist is a bus driver, there are many people who may suffer because of the driver's negligence. If an accident occurs due to the bus driver's wrongful actions, then, the passengers can seek compensation from the bus company for their injuries, damages, and losses. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, and rehabilitation costs.

There is a limited amount of time that a victim injured in a bus accident in New Jersey can pursue compensation. If you have been injured in a bus crash, please call the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein right away at 609-240-0040 to find out how our bus accident lawyers in Princeton can help.

There are a number of steps that someone injured in a New Jersey car accident should take to ensure that their rights are protected. The authorities should be notified immediately following a crash and the injured victim should exchange information with any other parties involved and witnesses to the collision. The injured victim should also seek medical attention to increase the chances of a full recovery and establish a medical record of the injuries suffered. In addition, victims would be well-advised to keep a journal about the crash.

It is easy to forget important details about a collision. Taking notes about where the crash occurred, how it happened, how fast the vehicles were travelling, and the time of the accident can prove useful down the road. Once the specific details surrounding the incident are written down, the journal should become more personal.

Medical bills and lost wages are not the only kinds of losses that may be taken into consideration during a civil lawsuit. Injured victims of negligent drivers may also seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical pain and mental anguish. Keeping a daily journal about the struggles the injuries have caused can help prove the extent of suffering endured by the victim. Are you no longer able to do physical activities you once loved? Do you feel pain as you perform normal, daily activities? Write it down and be specific.

The reputed New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help get our clients the compensation they need and rightfully deserve after they are involved in an accident caused by another person’s negligence. To learn how we can provide you with the legal representation you need during this difficult time in your life, call our law offices at 609-240-0040.

A man was injured recently when his vehicle overturned after crashing into another vehicle. According to a news report in The Times, the car crash occurred at Princeton Avenue and Spruce Street in Trenton. The collision between the two vehicles resulted in the man being suspended upside down in his overturned car. Rescue crews were able to extricate the victim and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. It does not appear that anyone else was injured in the New Jersey car crash. It is not clear what led to the collision or if the authorities intend to cite either driver for a traffic violation.

There are a number of questions that must be asked following an accident. What caused the two vehicles to collide? Did one of the motorists fail to obey a traffic control device? Did the design of the vehicle make it prone to overturning? Did safety devices in the vehicle such as airbags or seatbelts function the way they were supposed to function in the event of a crash? Did the roof collapse on the occupants? Was either motorist distracted or exceeding the speed limit? The answers to such questions may help determine who should be held civilly liable for the injuries and losses sustained by victims in the accident.

Injured victims of car accidents in New Jersey may seek financial compensation from the at-fault party by filing a personal injury claim. Losses that can be compensated include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

The reputed New Jersey car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record of helping victims who have been injured in an accident obtain fair and full compensation for all their injuries, damages, and losses. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today to discuss your legal rights and options if you have been injured due to another’s negligence.

Drunk driving is a serious problem throughout the United States and in New Jersey. Each year, a number of fatalities and injuries can be attributed to traffic accidents that involve alcohol and/or drugs. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have less control over their motor functions and they are more likely to drive in an erratic or reckless manner. Consequently, the injuries suffered in drunk driving accident are often catastrophic or fatal.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 37,261 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2008, 13,846 were alcohol-related. That means nationally, 37 percent of all fatal car accidents that year involved a drunk driver. New Jersey's average is slightly below the national average. In 2008, 590 people were killed in car accidents in New Jersey, with 33 percent of those fatalities involving alcohol. Additionally, 26 percent of all fatal car crashes in the state that year involved a driver who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-50, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol may be held criminally liable for their actions by the authorities and civilly liable for the damages suffered if the injured victim or the deceased victim's family chooses to file a civil lawsuit following a car crash in New Jersey.

The skilled car accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein help victims who have been injured by a motorist who was driving drunk or otherwise negligent receive the compensation they need and deserve. To discuss whether you have a valid claim against a driver or to find out how much your claim may be worth, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040. We always offer free consultations to injured victims and their families.

A truck driver was seriously injured in a truck accident recently after his vehicle veered off the roadway and into a river. According to NorthJersey.com, the accident occurred on Route 15 in Jefferson. The 40-year-old man driving the truck lost control and it veered into the center median and came to rest in a river. The truck driver was reported to suffer series injuries but has been listed in stable condition. The cause of the crash is unknown and an investigation is underway.

Because of the long hours truck drivers work, driver fatigue and distracted driving play a part in a large number of truck accidents in New Jersey. When the negligence of a truck driver contributes to a crash, they may be held liable for the injuries and losses suffered by victims in the crash.

There are a number of factors that can lead to a truck driver losing control of a vehicle. Was the trailer loaded correctly? Did the truck driver, truck owner, mechanic and shipping company inspect the tires and brakes before the trip? Did another motorist make the truck driver swerve? In such cases, compensation may be available both through workers’ compensation insurance and through a third-party claim. If the truck driver's negligence injures others on the roadway, those victims can seek compensation from the trucking firm for their injuries and accident-related losses.

The Princeton truck accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have an extensive track record of successfully helping injured truck accident victims secure fair and full compensation for their losses. We work with investigators to prove liability in order to help our clients hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. To discuss your potential claim at absolutely no cost, please contact us at 609-240-0040.

A 9-year-old girl was killed in a swimming pool accident recently that occurred at a motel. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the accident occurred at the Skyview Manor Motel in Seaside Heights. The young victim was one of about 20 people who were in the pool area at the time of the drowning. The girl was underwater for about two minutes before being rescued. Attempts to revive her failed and she died at a local hospital. It is not clear if the child was supervised at the time.

It only takes a moment under the water for a child to suffer a serious or fatal injury. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 3,443 fatal unintentional drownings in 2007. Approximately one in five drowning victims are 14 years of age or younger. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, victims' families may be able to seek financial compensation for their irreparable losses.

These types of tragedies are entirely preventable. Pool owners would be well-advised to encourage safe pool use. For example, pool toys should only be in the pool if they are being used. Otherwise, they only serve as visual obstructions. Anyone who owns or works on a property with a pool should learn CPR. Children should not be allowed in a pool unless they are carefully supervised at all times. In cases where negligence is involved, the property owner or caregiver can be held accountable for the child's injuries or wrongful death.

The experienced personal injury attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein help families who have lost a loved one in a swimming pool accident and other types of incidents. We work with investigators to determine liability in order for the negligent party to be held accountable for their actions. For more information about pursuing your legal rights, call our law offices at 609-240-0040.

More people take to their bikes during the summer than any other time of year. More bikes, of course, means there is the potential for more bicycle accidents. Bike collisions in New Jersey are tragically common and the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. This summer, make sure you and your family are safe by following safe riding habits at all times.

One reason why there are more summertime bicycle accidents than other times of year is because it is warmer at night. Riding your bike at night is particularly dangerous because of limited visibility. Nighttime riders should have a white light on the front of their bike and reflectors on the front, pedals and rear of the bicycle. Additionally, bright clothes should be worn at all times. If possible, it can even help to wear a reflective vest.

Many summertime bicycle accidents occur near New Jersey's beautiful beaches. All bike riders should remember that many drivers leaving the beach have likely been drinking. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are less likely to obey traffic control devices or properly yield the right-of-way to bicyclists. Always bike defensively and keep your eyes open for dangerous or reckless drivers.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-10.1, only individuals under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in New Jersey, but all bike riders would be well advised to wear a helmet. It may feel too warm in this summer to wear a helmet while riding, but failure to wear an approved and properly fitting helmet can put you at risk of a serious head injury in the event of a crash.

The bicycle accident attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein wish you and yours a safe summer. However, if you or a loved one are injured in a bike crash caused by the negligence of another, please do not hesitate to call our law offices for a free consultation at 609-240-0040.

Most slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey result in minor injuries, such as bruises and scrapes. Under certain circumstances, however, serious injuries can be suffered in these types of incidents. In some cases, victims suffer severe head injuries, multiple broken bones, and even spinal cord damage. Injured victims of slip-and-fall accidents may seek financial compensation for their losses, particularly if their injuries were caused by negligence on the part of a property owner.

Victims who are not able to brace themselves during a fall may strike their head against the floor. While some victims of head trauma only suffer mild headaches or concussions, others may sustain a wide range of injuries, such as memory loss, blurred vision, or loss of other mental and physical abilities.

Broken bones are perhaps the most common serious injuries suffered in New Jersey slip-and-fall accidents. Depending upon the type of fall, victims may suffer a broken hip, ankle, or wrist. These types of injuries often require extensive medical procedures, time away from work, and physical therapy. Victims of falling accidents who awkwardly twist their back or who fall particularly hard may sustain spinal cord damage. Symptoms may include debilitating back pain, numbness, and even paralysis.

Not all slip-and-fall accidents result in valid premises liability claims. To pursue financial compensation from a property owner, the injured victim will have to prove negligence. Was the accident the result of a dangerous condition, such as a cracked floor or a damaged step? Was the owner aware of the condition? Did they fail to warn visitors to the property about the existing hazards?

The slip-and-fall accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to prove liability for these types of accidents. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to better understand your legal rights and options.

For the first time since 1997, a person has been killed by rabies in New Jersey. According to The Bergen County Record, a 73-year-old woman died after a dog bite attack. Authorities believe the woman came in contact with rabies while in her native country of Haiti back in April 2011. She began to develop symptoms of the deadly virus on June 25, 2011, in New Jersey. It is not clear exactly what caused her to have the fatal virus or if medical professionals should have been able to prevent her tragic passing.

Rabies is typically transmitted through a scratch or bite from an infected animal. To help prevent the spread of this potentially lethal virus, dog owners are required have their pets registered and vaccinated. Rabies is a treatable virus but it must be properly diagnosed early. If rabies goes untreated, it may result in a fatal infection of the brain called encephalitis.

Under New Jersey Statutes 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 or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.” This means that dog owners are responsible for the damages their pet causes, including the spreading of rabies.

The skilled dog bite attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully held negligent dog owners financially liable for the injuries, damages, and losses their pets cause victims to suffer after a dog bite attack. If you have been injured in a dog bite attack in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 59-year-old truck driver was killed and approximately 20 people were injured in a recent bus accident that involved a tour bus and a tractor-trailer. According to NJ.com, the fatal accident occurred on the Interstate 90 in Waterloo. Both the vehicles that collided caught fire. The man driving the truck was killed in the crash and at least 20 of the 50 occupants of the tour bus were injured. It is not clear who caused the New Jersey bus crash. An investigation is ongoing.

This bus accident is not the first of its kind this year. In fact, The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report that, nationwide, 32 people have been killed and 323 have been injured in a total of 17 tour bus accidents already this year. Tour bus drivers have come under greater scrutiny recently, particularly since the fatal bus accident on March 12, 2011, that involved a bus driver falling asleep at the wheel.

The family of someone killed in a bus accident in New Jersey may seek financial compensation for their losses by filing a wrongful death claim. Surviving victims of these types of collisions may seek compensation for their losses as well by filing a personal injury claim. In either case, a skilled attorney can help prove liability and pursue fair and full compensation for the damages suffered.

The experienced Princeton bus accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling serious injury accident cases. To discuss how to pursue financial compensation for the injuries or losses you have sustained, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 today. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations to injured victims and their families.

A man was killed recently after he was struck by a New Jersey Transit Train. According to NJ.com, the fatal New Jersey pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Market Street and South Midland Avenue in Elmwood. The train, which was carrying about 700 passengers, was going from Suffern, New York, to Hoboken, New Jersey, when the fatal collision occurred. It is unclear what caused the accident.

Whenever a pedestrian is killed in a train accident, there are a number of questions that must be asked. Was the victim aware that a train was coming? Was it a suicide attempt? Did the location have working railroad crossing lights, alarm or crossing gate? Was the train operator distracted? Was the train speeding? Did the operator use the warning horn while approaching the intersection? Did alcohol play a part in the crash? There are a number of different circumstances that could allow the victim's family to pursue financial compensation from the train operator, the train company, or even the governing body in charge of maintaining the intersection.

Injuries suffered in train accidents in New Jersey are often fatal because of the size, weight, and speed of these trains and the damage they can do to people or even smaller vehicles. The family of someone killed in a train accident would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney who can work with investigators to determine the cause of the crash and liability.

The reputed New Jersey pedestrian accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of injury accidents, including pedestrian and train accidents. We provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone who has lost a loved one in an accident caused by another person’s negligence. Call us today to find out how we can help.