New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

South Brunswick Four-Car Accident Injures Two

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:47:14 -0500

Two people were injured in a New Jersey car accident involving four vehicles. According to a report by The Star Ledger, the injury accident occurred on Cranbury Road in South Brunswick. Officials say the male driver of an SUV veered into oncoming traffic where he struck a subcompact car driven by a woman in her 70s before striking two other vehicles. The woman was critically injured and a driver of one of the other vehicles was hospitalized as well. It is unclear what caused the crash and an investigation is underway.

Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-88: "A vehicle shall normally be driven in the lane nearest the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway when that lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn." Additionally, "a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety." Drivers who make a dangerous lane change or who cross into oncoming traffic may be held liable for the damages they cause.

Auto accident injury victims who have suffered losses as a result of negligent drivers can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to fight for victims' rights and make sure that they receive just compensation for their losses.

The car accident lawyers in South Brunswick at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the best interests of injured victims and their families. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free case evaluation.

Piscataway Accident Kills Motorcyclist

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:36:01 -0500

A 49-year-old Piscataway man was killed in New Jersey motorcycle accident after a vehicle struck his motorcycle. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on South Washington Avenue at Centennial Avenue in Piscataway. Officials say the motorcyclist was driving north when a southbound car turned left and struck him. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. It is unclear if the 59-year-old male driver will be cited for the fatal New Jersey motorcycle accident.

Drivers attempting to make a left turn at an intersection or into a private drive are legally required to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic before making a turn. Left turn accidents often involve drivers who fail to notice or yield to oncoming motorcyclists. In such cases, the rider will likely be thrown from his or her vehicle.

The family of a deceased New Jersey motorcycle accident victim would be well advised to contact a knowledgeable attorney who can help them determine liability for the collision. It is common for drivers to deny causing the crash and for their insurance companies to offer inadequate settlements. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that fair compensation is offered to the victim's family.

An experienced Piscataway personal injury lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein can help families pursue compensation for damages such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and emotional distress. Our attorneys provide free consultations at (609) 240-0040 to anyone that has been injured or lost a loved one in a New Jersey crash.

Preventing Super Bowl Weekend Drunk Driving Accidents

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:39:56 -0500

Super Bowl weekend is nearly upon us. As we gather with friends to watch the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots, it is important we remember that there will be an increased number of drunk drivers on the roadway. Every Super Bowl weekend, motorists who have been drinking while watching the game take to the roadway assuming that they are capable of driving safely. If you are celebrating the Super Bowl game with friends, please remember to use caution and drive safely.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Super Bowl Sunday has become one of the most dangerous days nationwide on our roadways because of fatal auto accidents caused by impaired drivers. The NHTSA states that 48 percent of fatalities nationwide on Super Bowl Sunday involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

If you drink this Super Bowl Sunday, please do not make the mistake of thinking you are sober enough to drive. It only takes two to four drinks for a driver to be considered under the influence of alcohol. Any amount of alcohol can impair your ability to think clearly, focus, and react appropriately to your surroundings on the roadway.

It is important to remember that other drivers on the roadway may be under the influence of alcohol. Be on the lookout for drivers who are behaving erratically. If you see a driver who is behaving erratically, stop and notify the authorities. If you or a loved one is injured by a drunk driver this Super Bowl Sunday, please contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer who will help you better understand your legal rights and options.

The experienced Princeton drunk driving victim lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl Sunday. If you are looking for advice, please contact our law offices at (609) 240-0040. We provide free consultations to anyone who has been injured in a New Jersey accident.

Bicyclist Killed in New Brunswick Hit-and-Run Car Crash

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:32:24 -0500

A 26-year-old man was recently killed in a New Jersey bicycle accident involving a hit-and-run driver, according to The Star Ledger, on Georges Road in New Brunswick. Officials say the New Brunswick man was riding his bicycle when a dark-colored Toyota 4Runner, built between 1995 and 2002, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck him. The 26-year-old bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The 4Runner immediately left the scene of the accident. Officials are looking for the public's help to track down the hit-and-run driver.

New Jersey motorists are legally required to stop and remain at the scene of an accident when someone has been injured or killed. According to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129: "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 until he has fulfilled the requirements of subsection," including contacting the authorities and exchanging information with the injured victim.

The family of someone killed in a New Jersey hit-and-run accident would be well advised to discuss how to pursue compensation for the victim's wrongful death with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney can inform families in such cases about how they may seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policy in cases where the hit-and-run suspect is not found.

The reputed New Jersey bicycle accident injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of handling hit-and-run cases in New Jersey. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a complimentary consultation.

Tips to Prevent Bicycle Accidents in New Jersey

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:08:08 -0500

Bicycle riders are prone to suffering devastating injuries whenever they are involved in a collision. While no amount of safety precautions can prevent all New Jersey bicycle accidents, there are steps that bicyclists can take to help prevent being struck by a vehicle.

One of the most important steps for bicyclists to staying safe on the roadway is to make themselves seen. All riders should wear bright and reflective gear while riding, whether it is dark out or not. Bicycles should have a white flashlight on the front near the handlebars and reflectors on the back of the pedals and behind the seat. Bicyclists should also make it a habit to not enter an intersection until they have made eye contact with any nearby driver. Assuming that you are seen by a driver can be a tragic mistake.

All bicyclists would be well advised to ride facing oncoming traffic and to stay to the far left side of the shoulder. Cycling routes should be preplanned around roadways with safe and wide shoulders and adequate street lighting. Last, but not least, New Jersey bicyclists should always remember to wear a helmet, which has been proven to help prevent catastrophic head injuries and fatalities.

The New Jersey bicycle accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully handled personal injury cases representing the rights of injured bicyclists and their families. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a New Jersey bicycle accident, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Two Killed in Jersey City DUI Collision

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:03:23 -0500

Two people were killed and a third person suffered severe burn injuries in a New Jersey car accident involving a driver who was under the influence. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Grand Street near Grove in Jersey City. Officials say a 34-year-old man was under the influence of an undetermined intoxicant when he crashed his truck into the back of a taxi. The taxi then crashed into a pedestrian and burst into flames. A 44-year-old passenger in the taxi and a 41-year-old pedestrian were killed in the crash. The driver of the cab was pulled from the burning vehicle with severe burn injuries. The 34-year-old driver faces two count of death by auto and one count of driving while intoxicated.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-50, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher. It is also illegal to drive while under the influence of a "narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug." Drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence may be held liable for the damages they cause.

The family of someone killed in a DUI collision would be well advised to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney. It is important to remember that criminal charges and a conviction in the criminal case will not result in financial compensation for victims' families. A civil lawsuit filed by the victim's family against the drunk driver could, however, result in financial compensation for their terrible loss.

The skilled NJ drunk driving victim lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of holding drunk drivers financially liable for their actions. If you have lost a loved one in a DUI collision, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

How is the Value of a New Jersey Personal Injury Claim Determined?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:55:48 -0500

Have you been injured in a New Jersey car accident? Was the other driver at-fault for the crash? Are you wondering if compensation is available for your medical bills, lost wages and other related losses? Under New Jersey law, victims of negligent drivers may hold the at-fault motorist accountable for the losses suffered in the crash by filing a personal injury claim. Victims of negligent drivers should contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer who will help them determine how much their potential claim could be worth.

No two cases are the same, but in general, the most serious injuries result in the largest settlements or awards. The goal of civil litigation is to help a victim of negligence recover monetary compensation for the injuries, damages, and losses he or she has suffered and to hold the at-fault party liable. All physical, financial, and emotional losses will be taken into consideration. The damages should include not only the current medical expenses the victim is facing, but also the cost of future medical and rehabilitative treatment required for a full recovery.

The victim can also pursue compensation for all of the wages lost because of the accident and time spent away from work during the healing process. Additional compensation should be available for those who are disabled and unable to work because of the injuries suffered. A skilled personal injury attorney can also help calculate non-financial losses, such as physical pain and mental anguish. The court will take into consideration the type of negligence involved and how much compensation was given to victims of similar injuries.

The experienced law team at Lependorf & Silverstein helps victims of injury accidents get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you would like to discuss how much your claim might be worth, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040.

Fatal Bernardsville Car Accident Involves Cement Mixer

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:52:10 -0500

A 36-year-old driver of a cement mixer was killed in a New Jersey car accident involving two other vehicles. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the fatal truck accident occurred on Route 202 at Whitenack Road in Bernardsville. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fatal collision. The driver of the truck succumbed to his injuries after being flown to the hospital. A 24-year-old woman was also flown to a hospital with unknown injuries and a third driver, a 53-year-old woman, was treated and released for her injuries. The photos from the crash site show that the impact was severe enough to overturn the cement truck and crush at least one of the two passenger vehicles involved.

Any time there is a serious NJ intersection accident, it must be determined if one of the drivers failed to properly yield the right of way. Did one of the drivers run through a stop sign or a red light? Were any of the motorists speeding, distracted, under the influence, or otherwise negligent? In cases involving driver negligence, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the losses suffered in the crash.

The family of someone killed in a car accident on the job would be well advised to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help them pursue compensation both through workers’ compensation benefits, as well as through civil litigation against the at-fault driver.

The experienced Princeton auto accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to help families get the compensation they need after the loss of a loved one. If you have lost someone in a fatal New Jersey accident, please call one of our skilled personal injury attorneys at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Dump Truck Overturns Killing New Jersey Woman in SUV

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:48:52 -0500

A woman was killed in a recent New Jersey car accident after a dump truck overturned and crushed her SUV. According to a news report in The Courier Post, the fatal truck accident occurred on Haddonfield-Berlin Road near Morris Drive in Cherry Hill. Officials say a vehicle making a left turn forced the dump truck driver to swerve out of the way, causing the sand in the dump truck to shift and making it tip over onto the SUV. The woman inside the SUV was fatally injured in the crash. Neither the dump truck driver nor the driver of the turning car was injured. It is unclear if either of them will be cited for the fatal truck collision.

Under New Jersey law, motorists making a left turn are legally required to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. When an accident is caused by a driver making a dangerous left turn, there are a number of questions that must be asked. Was the driver distracted or under the influence of alcohol? Why was the oncoming vehicle unable to avoid the collision?

Motorists determined to have been negligent at the time of the accident can be held liable for the resulting damages. When someone is killed in a crash, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In such cases, compensation may be available to surviving family members for medical bills, lost future wages, funeral expenses, and other related damages.

A skilled fatal auto accident attorney in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein can help protect the rights of injured victims and their families in New Jersey. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to schedule your free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

What to Do if You Have Been Injured in a New Jersey Bus Accident

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:29:24 -0500

Victims of New Jersey bus accidents may seek financial compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses from the at-fault bus driver and the bus company. Unfortunately, it is common for victims to have their claims denied and for insurance companies to cut corners by offering inadequate settlements. To protect your rights, here are a few tips you may wish to consider in the event you or a loved one is injured in a bus accident.

Any time there is an injury accident involving a bus, there should be a police report on the incident. It is important that your name is on the police report showing your involvement in the incident. It would be in your best interest to write down the location and time of the crash. It would also be a good idea to write down as much information as possible including the name of the bus driver, the bus company, the identification number of the bus, and the common carrier insurance information. If you have a cell phone with a camera, be sure to take pictures of where you were sitting, the damage to the bus, the crash site, and even of your own auto accident injuries.

It will also be in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention. Your medical records will serve as evidence of when you were injured and how severe your injuries were. During the healing process, journal your struggles, how you felt, and what you could or could not do as a result of your injuries.

Last, but not least, it is crucial that you contact an experienced lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled Princeton bus accident attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein knows how to hold bus companies and bus drivers accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. If you have been injured in a New Jersey bus accident, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Three Injured in Egg Harbor Township Car Accident

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:26:46 -0500

Three people were injured in a New Jersey car accident after a car veered into oncoming traffic. According to a news report in The Press of Atlantic City, the car crash occurred on Ocean Heights Avenue in Egg Harbor Township. Officials say a 38-year-old man let his car cross a double yellow line before striking a car driven by a 47-year-old man. The two drivers and a 36-year-old passenger were all trapped inside their vehicles. They all suffered what were described as minor to moderate injuries. The first driver was charged with failure to maintain his lane, as well as failure to wear a seatbelt.

N.J.S.A. 39:4-88 states: "When a roadway has been divided into clearly marked lanes for traffic, drivers of vehicles shall obey the following regulations: a. A vehicle shall normally be driven in the lane nearest the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway when that lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn."

Victims of negligent drivers would be well advised to speak with an experienced injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the ongoing investigation. At-fault drivers may be held liable for losses such as medical bills, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

The experienced New Jersey auto accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help victims of negligent drivers get fair and full compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car crash, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Man Killed in Sussex County Rollover Accident

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:22:47 -0500

A 77-year-old man was killed in a Sussex County car accident after his pickup truck was hit by another vehicle. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the fatal car crash occurred where Route 15 crosses Ice Plant Road in Lafayette. Officials say the man was traveling west when a southbound 2003 Honda Civic, driven by a 23-year-old woman, struck the man's 2002 Toyota pickup truck. He suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Officials do not believe that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The woman involved in the crash suffered leg injuries and was hospitalized for treatment. There was no mention of citations issued.

A motorist does not have to be cited by the authorities to be held civilly liable for a fatal auto accident in New Jersey. The family of the victim will have to prove that driver negligence was a contributing factor in the collision. Did the other driver run a stop sign or red light? Was the other motorist speeding, distracted, drunk, inattentive, or otherwise negligence? Did the other driver fail to yield the right-of-way at an intersection? These are a few questions that often come up in these cases.

In such cases, the injured victim or the family of the deceased victim would be well advised to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help them pursue their legal rights. In cases where negligence is involved, families of deceased victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses and funeral costs.

A New Jersey wrongful death attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein will help families receive the compensation they need following a fatal crash. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey car accident, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.

Newark Man Injured on NJ Turnpike after Beam from Crane Shears Top Off Van

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:01:07 -0500

A 63-year-old Newark man was injured after a steel beam dangling from a construction crane on the New Jersey Turnpike swung and lopped off the top of his van. According to a news report in The Times of Trenton, the New Jersey construction accident occurred on the turnpike just south of Interchange 8. State troopers say construction workers who were working on the turnpike-widening project were trying to lift a steal beam with a crane. The force of the impact cut off the top of the man's Econoline van, causing it to overturn. He was left with facial lacerations, but his injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. Officials are investigating the cause of this accident.

Construction crane accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. According to the web site Craneaccidents.com, there were 303 crane accidents in the United States in 2009, in which 197 people died. Crane accidents may be caused by operator error or negligence, a defective or malfunctioning crane, weather or wind conditions, and improper loading.

If a "bystander" or passerby is injured in a construction crane accident, the construction company and/or the agency that is undertaking the construction can be held liable for the victim's injuries. A number of questions may arise in such cases. Did the workers load the crane correctly? Was there a violation of safety procedures at the construction site, which caused or contributed to the incident? Were the workers properly trained and supervised?

Injured victims of crane accidents, whether they are construction workers or members of the public, should contact an experienced lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights, and ensure that they are fairly and fully compensated for their injuries and losses. The skilled New Jersey crane accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully represented individuals and families who have been harmed by someone else's negligence. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.

Egg Harbor Township Car Accident Causes Multiple Injuries

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:18:18 -0500

Several people were injured in an Atlantic County car accident that resulted in a female passenger getting trapped in one of the vehicles. According to a WPVI news report, the injury accident occurred near Ocean Heights Avenue and Blackman Road in Egg Harbor Township. Officials have not released information about how the collision occurred. The extent of the victims' injuries is also not known yet. Emergency workers rescued a woman from inside one of the damaged vehicles with the Jaws of Life. An investigation is ongoing.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, there were 10,388 reported car accidents in Atlantic County in the year 2010. That number reflects a slight decrease from the 10,685 accidents that occurred in 2009 and the 10,508 accidents that happened in 2008. Of the 10,388 Atlantic County car accidents that occurred in 2010, 2,745 resulted in injuries.

In car accident injury cases, it is important to determine fault and liability. If the crash was the result of negligence or wrongdoing, the auto accident injury victim can hold the at-fault party accountable for the crash with the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages and losses resulting from the accident from the responsible party.

The experienced Princeton car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help the victims of New Jersey car accidents obtain the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you have suffered an injury in a car crash, please call (609) 240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options at absolutely no cost.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:17:26 -0500

Have you suffered some form of personal injury, but you are not sure if you have a "case" against the person or agency who hurt you? An experienced personal injury attorney can determine the value of your case and give you sound advice as to how to pursue your claim. A good personal injury lawyer will always examine your case at no charge, and give you sound advice as to how to proceed to collect damages.

Personal injury comes in a variety of types. While most of us think of personal injury as something relating to car accidents, there are also many successful personal injury cases filed which deal with contaminated drugs or food, a slip and fall, and accidents related to work. Any type of injury which causes pain and suffering is probably a case which can be handled by a professional personal injury attorney.

Personal injury lawyers work with you to determine the value of your case, or how much you can expect to receive in damages. This amount will depend on several factors.

The first thing a personal injury attorney will consider is the extent of your injuries. Despite wide-spread stories of multi-million dollar settlements for a simple accident with minor injuries, this is rarely the case. In most cases, minor injuries mean small settlements. However, if the injury is relatively minor but unfortunately promises to present long-term problems, the figure may be higher. Medical bills will also determine the amount of your settlement; if you have large expenses from being treated for your injuries, a good personal injury attorney will necessarily seek more in damages than if you have only small medical bills.

Another thing a good personal injury lawyer will consider is the nature of the accident and how it was caused. Liability can be a tricky issue, and a good personal injury attorney will consider who caused the accident, where the accident occurred, and who is ultimately responsible for the accident. The answer to this question may be different than you would expect; for example, if someone borrows a car and causes an accident while driving, both the owner of the car and the driver may be liable for the damages caused.

Finally, a lawyer will evaluate what your case is likely to bring if it goes to trial, versus the amount offered in settlement. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, for a very good reason: you never know if you will win a lawsuit, and rather than risk an expensive and protracted trial process, it may be financially wiser to take a settlement. However, it is usually wise to let an experienced personal injury attorney determine this amount. Determining what is a good settlement amount and what is insufficient is a skill, which is developed through experience and education. Many inexperienced lawyers grossly overestimate or underestimate how much a case should realize. It is far better to secure the services of an expert personal injury attorney if you have sustained an injury, and be sure that your case brings in what it is truly worth.

This guest blog post was provided by the Anaheim personal injury lawyers in California at Bisnar Chase, a law firm with a reputation for honesty and an unparalleled track record of success.