New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

Phillipsburg Man Killed in New Jersey Dump Truck Collision

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:55:29 -0500

A 52-year-old Phillipsburg man was killed in a New Jersey car accident when his Honda Pilot SUV collided with a loaded dump truck. According to The Warren Reporter, the fatal truck accident occurred at the intersection of Route 22 and Greenwich Street in Pohatcong. Officials say the eastbound dump truck struck the victim’s vehicle at the intersection, but investigators have received conflicting reports regarding how the accident occurred and which driver was responsible for the collision. The driver of the SUV was killed in the crash and the 58-year-old driver of the dump truck was transported to a nearby hospital where he declined medical treatment.

According to New Jersey Statute 39:4-90,“The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection. When two vehicles enter an intersection at the same time the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the driver of the vehicle on the right.”

It is common for drivers to fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections or for motorists to run through a red light or stop sign. In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for their negligence. When someone is injured in a New Jersey truck accident, the negligent driver can be held liable for the resulting losses suffered by the victim and the victim’s family. When fatal injuries occur, the victim’s family can pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and other related damages.

An experienced Princeton fatal auto accident attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein fights to protect the rights and best interests of victims and their families. We provide free consultations at (609) 240-0040 to anyone who has suffered an injury in a car accident. Please contact us to find out how we can help.

Types of Burn Injuries Suffered in a New Jersey Car Accident

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:35:19 -0500

Some New Jersey car accidents result in major fires. The injured occupants in the vehicle often do not have time to escape before suffering devastating burn injuries that may result in immense pain, permanent disfigurement, and substantial scarring. Victims of these types of accidents have it in their best interests to speak with an experienced attorney who can help determine why the vehicle burst into flames, who was responsible for the accident, and who can be held liable for the substantial losses suffered by the victim.

Toxic gases, flammable fluids, and explosions can combine to result in dangerous car fires. According to The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) one out of every five fires involves a vehicle. FEMA also reports that one out of every eight fire-related deaths results from motor vehicle fires.

Serious burn injuries suffered in New Jersey car accidents can result in damage to the blood vessels and the nerves in the damaged area, swelling, blistering, and shock. Victims may also suffer substantial damage to their throat and lungs. Other possible damages include dysphasia (loss of speech because of burns in throat), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), nausea, edema (leaking fluids causing swelling), paresthesia (numbness of the skin), or musculoskeltal injuries (deep burns that expose the bone).

Sadly, the treatments for these types of injuries are often painful, complicated, and expensive. It is common for victims of car-related burn injuries to require several surgical procedures, skin grafting, and blood transfusions.

The burn injury lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of getting burn injury victims fair compensation for their considerable losses. We provide no-cost consultations to anyone injured in a vehicle fire. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help.

High School Students Injured in Trenton School Bus Crash

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:46:36 -0500

Several high school students were injured in a New Jersey car accident involving a collision between a school bus, two cars, and a house. According to The Times of Trenton, the Notre Dame school bus accident occurred at the intersection of Division and Hewitt streets in Trenton. Officials have not released information regarding how the accident occurred, but it appears that one of the vehicles sustained heavy front-end damage and the bus came to a stop against the side of a house. None of the injuries suffered by the students appear to have been serious, but “a handful” of students were taken to a nearby medical center for evaluation.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 1,409 fatal school transportation-related accidents between the years 1998 and 2008. During that time, there was an average of 142 fatalities per year. Most of the victims of these crashes were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants, but approximately eight percent were school transportation vehicle occupants. In fact, an average of 19 school-age children die in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year.

School bus companies, insurance companies, and school districts have a legal obligation to provide fair compensation for the injuries suffered by children in school bus accidents. Unfortunately, it is common for bus companies to deny responsibility for a crash and for the victim’s family to struggle with expensive medical bills and other related damages. In such cases, a skilled bus accident attorney may be needed to protect the family’s best interests.

The experienced New Jersey school bus crash attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling accidents throughout New Jersey. We know how to hold at-fault parties accountable and how to get fair compensation for our clients. If your child has been hurt in a school bus crash, please call our New Jersey offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

Study: Neglecting Turn Signals Causes Millions of Car Accidents Every Year

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:43:19 -0500

According to a research study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers, drivers either neglect to use their turn signals when changing lanes or fail to turn off their signal 48 percent of the time. Drivers also fail to use their signal 25 percent of the time when making a turn. An MSNBC news report states that these failures to properly use a turn signal result in approximately 2 million roadway collisions each year.

The President of RLP Engineering has stated that this kind of report is unprecedented. If these numbers are accurate, there are twice as many accidents each year involving failure to use a turn signal than there are accidents involving distracted drivers. It is unclear if these new findings will encourage law enforcement officials to cite drivers who fail to use their turn signals.

All New Jersey drivers are required to use a signal when changing lanes or making a turn. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-126: “No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided in the event any other traffic may be affected by such movement. A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.”

If you have been injured in a New Jersey car accident involving a driver who failed to use his or her turn signal, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your losses. Please call a Princeton auto accident lawyer at the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein at (609) 240-0040. We provide free consultations to all car accident victims and their families.

Man Pushing Disabled Vehicle in Brick Killed in Car Collision

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:38:13 -0500

A 40-year-old Brick man was killed in a New Jersey car accident when his 1988 Toyota 4Runner became stalled in traffic. According to The Star-Ledger, the fatal car crash occurred along eastbound Route 70 in Brick. Officials say his vehicle stalled in the middle lane and the man was attempting to push his disabled vehicle over to the shoulder when an Oldsmobile struck it. The victim survived that collision but was fatally injured when a 2009 Toyota Yaris struck his vehicle and pinned him between the Oldsmobile and the Toyota. No charges have been filed against the 23-year-old male driver of the Oldsmobile or the 23-year-old female driver of the Toyota.

There are a number of questions that must be asked when a disabled vehicle is struck on the roadway. What caused the vehicle to stop in the first place? Did a defective auto part or a mechanical malfunction contribute to the crash? Did the driver put the hazard lights on immediately? Was the driver able to get the vehicle over to the shoulder? Why was the other vehicle unable to avoid the collision? Was there limited visibility or was the motorist distracted, speeding, tailgating, or otherwise negligent?

The family of an individual who has died in a disabled vehicle accident should preserve the vehicle for inspection and to contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. If it is determined that a defective auto part or a negligent driver contributed to the accident, then financial compensation may be available for the family’s terrible losses.

The skilled NJ wrongful death lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of getting New Jersey families fair compensation following a fatal accident. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey car crash, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Man Killed in South Brunswick Car Crash

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:33:55 -0500

A 53-year-old man from China was visiting his daughter at Rider University when he was killed in a New Jersey car accident. According to a news report in My Central Jersey, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Route 1 and Henderson Road in South Brunswick. Officials say the collision involved a 2010 Honda Odyssey minivan crashing into the rear of a 2002 Mack Truck. The 53-year-old man who was killed on impact was a passenger in the back seat of the minivan. It is not clear if the 56-year-old male driver of the minivan was injured, but the victim’s 52-year-old wife, 21-year-old daughter, and 7-year-old grandson were all transported to a New Brunswick hospital. Investigators are still searching for information regarding how and why the rear-end collision occurred.

When a passenger is killed in a New Jersey fatal car accident, it must be determined what caused the crash and who was responsible for the fatal injuries suffered by the victim. Was one of the drivers behaving recklessly or carelessly at the time of the crash? Was either driver distracted, speeding, under the influence, or otherwise negligent? In such cases, financial compensation may be available for the victim’s family through a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.

An experienced New Jersey lawyer can help grieving families pursue financial compensation for their terrible losses. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and other related damages.

The reputed NJ passenger injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to determine fault and liability for an accident and how to hold the at-fault party accountable for the losses suffered in the accident. If you have suffered a loss in a New Jersey car accident, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 to better understand your legal rights and options.

The Cost of a Spinal Cord Injury in New Jersey

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:29:22 -0500

Some of the most devastating New Jersey car accidents result in spinal cord injuries that can forever change the victim’s quality of life. Calculating the cost of a spinal cord injury is an important but difficult part of pursuing compensation following an injury accident. Spinal cord injuries are particularly hard to calculate because they often result in permanent losses. A skilled personal injury attorney will work with medical professionals to determine the severity of the injuries, the chances of a recovery, and the potential losses sustained by the victim.

A personal injury claim is a civil lawsuit that victims of New Jersey car accidents can file against the driver responsible for the accident. During the claim process, victims will have to show or prove what they have lost and how much they will lose in the future because of their injuries. To determine current and future losses, there are many questions that must be asked.

Did the victim require emergency medical attention? Were there expensive tests and medical procedures performed following the accident? Did the victim miss work because of the accident? Did the accident result in a spinal cord injury that either limits the amount of work the victim can perform or even prevents the victim from ever working again? Will the victim require physical therapy, additional treatments, prescription drugs, or medical devices? Did the victim suffer physical pain or mental anguish? Does the victim continue to suffer following the accident?

Anyone who has suffered a spinal cord injury in New Jersey would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced NJ spinal cord injury accident attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein. We know how to determine the cost of a spinal cord injury and how to help victims obtain fair compensation for their current and future losses. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Police Officer Killed in New Jersey Turnpike Motorcycle Accident

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:43:38 -0500

A 44-year-old Sommerville police officer was killed in a New Jersey motorcycle accident when his Harley Davidson veered out of control. According to a news report in The Record, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred along the New Jersey Turnpike at the Hudson Bay Extension in Jersey City. Officials say it is not clear what caused the officer to lose control of the Harley. The Paramus man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and a female passenger was injured, but listed in stable condition. It does not appear that any other vehicles were involved, but an investigation is underway.

There are many potential causes of single-vehicle crashes. When a motorcycle is involved, investigators will first consider if the rider was exceeding the speed limit and if he or she was riding recklessly. There are, however, a number of other potential causes to consider. Motorcycles, for example, are often recalled for defective parts that can force the rider to lose control. It is imperative that the motorcycle is preserved in its damaged state for a thorough inspection by an expert. In addition, a dangerous roadway condition such as uneven pavement or potholes may also lead to a serious injury or fatal motorcycle accident.

It would be best for the family of an individual killed in a motorcycle crash to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced personal lawyer. Financial compensation may be available for their terrible loss.

The experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident wrongful death lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling motorcycle accidents in New Jersey. If you have suffered a loss in a New Jersey motorcycle accident, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Man Killed in Hamilton Hit-and-Run Crash

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:39:14 -0500

A 29-year-old man was killed in a New Jersey car accident when the side mirror of a truck struck him. The Times of Trenton reports that the hit-and-run accident occurred on Nottingham Way near North Johnston Avenue in Hamilton. Officials say the man was getting inside his parked car when the mirror of a heavy-duty pickup truck struck his head. The truck left the scene. The man suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at a nearby medical center. The 37-year-old driver responsible for the collision was tracked down and arrested for knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that caused death.

New Jersey motorists have a legal obligation to remain at the scene of an accident when someone has been injured or killed. According to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (a): “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 an individual who has been killed in a hit-and-run accident would be well advised to contact an experienced attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. If the at-fault driver is found, compensation may be available for their losses by filing a New Jersey wrongful death claim. In cases where the hit-and-run driver is not arrested, compensation may still be available through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim's own auto insurance policy.

The experienced NJ hit-and-run accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of representing families that have lost loved ones in New Jersey car accidents. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive case assessment.

Jersey City Teacher Killed in Car Accident

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:36:15 -0500

A 59-year-old math teacher in Jersey City was killed in a car accident when her vehicle was rear-ended and forced into oncoming traffic. According to The Jersey Journal, the fatal car crash occurred along Route 7 in Kearny. Officials say the teacher was driving west in a BMW when it was rear-ended by another vehicle. Her BMW veered out of control and into oncoming traffic, where it sideswiped one vehicle and then struck a Ford Explorer head-on. She died shortly after the accident and three others were injured. The 71-year-old man who rear-ended her vehicle was not injured and has not been charged.

Many rear-end collisions occur as a result of distracted or inattentive driving or a failure to leave enough space between vehicles. According to N.J.S.A. 39:4-89: “The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of the preceding vehicle and the traffic upon, and condition of, the highway.” Drivers who cause rear-end collisions may be held liable for the damages they cause.

The family of an individual who is killed in a New Jersey car accident may have it in their best interest to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced attorney. Financial compensation may be available for the medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and other related damages.

An experienced New Jersey fatal car accident attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein knows how to get families the compensation they need following a tragic car accident. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, please call our offices right away at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Jersey City Bridge Accident Causes Multiple Injuries

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:33:51 -0500

Three people were recently hospitalized following a New Jersey car accident involving multiple vehicles. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the multi-vehicle crash occurred on the Shawn Carson & Robert Nguyen Memorial Bridge in Jersey City. The 26-year-old driver of a Volkswagen says that he was cut off by another vehicle, which forced his vehicle to spin out of control and crash into a guardrail. The 24-year-old male driver of an Acura stopped to help the driver of the Volkswagen when an Audi struck his Acura. The 28-year-old woman driving the Audi and her two passengers were hospitalized with back and neck pain. It does not appear from the report that the drivers of the Volkswagen or the Acura were injured.

Investigations of multiple vehicle accidents can be extremely complicated. It is quite common for multiple drivers to share responsibility for the accident or for the at-fault driver to deny having caused the crash. In such cases, the multiple insurance companies involved may pass liability for the damages between each other or offer inadequate settlements to the victims to make the case go away.

It is important to remember that once you accept a settlement, you will no longer be able to pursue compensation. Therefore, it is in the best interest of injured victims of multiple vehicle collisions to discuss their case with an experienced personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement from an insurance company.

The Princeton auto accident injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of handling complicated car accident cases in New Jersey. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Bicycle Accidents Caused by Dangerous NJ Roadways

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:24:02 -0500

As if negligent car drivers aren’t enough to worry about, New Jersey bicyclists also have to watch out for poorly designed and maintained roadways. Many bicycle accidents result from dangerous roadways each year in New Jersey. There are a number of different types of hazardous conditions that can result in a devastating or even fatal injury. Anyone who has suffered a loss in a New Jersey bicycle accident would be well advised to discuss his or her case with an experienced attorney who will help them understand their legal rights and options.

You can help decrease your chances of suffering an injury in a New Jersey bicycle crash by choosing well-lit roadways that have bike lanes or sufficient shoulders that allow you to stay off the road. Sadly, many New Jersey roadways are riddled with potholes, loose gravel, and debris that put bike riders at great risk. Car drivers may not even notice these types of hazards, but bicyclists can be thrown from their bikes or forced into a vehicle because of the unsafe conditions.

Just as at-fault car drivers can be held responsible for the damages they cause, so too can the governing body in charge of a dangerous roadway. For example, when a poorly designed roadway causes a tragic bicycle accident, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. This can be a challenging process and there are questions that must be asked. Did the accident result from a dangerous roadway condition? Did the government know of the hazardous conditions and fail to fix the problem?

In such cases, the bike accident attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein can help get the victim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related damages. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Bike to Save a Life: Join the Hunger Cycle Tour in Kinnelon, NJ

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:08:06 -0500

Hunger is a serious problem around the world, but it also affects millions here in the United States as well. The World Food Programme, an organization which aims to fight hunger worldwide, states that hunger is the number one health risk in the world and that one in seven people in the world will go to bed hungry tonight.

Though the statistics are alarming, there is something Garden State residents can do to help. In the humanitarian tradition of “thinking globally and acting locally”, the upcoming Brake the Hunger Cycle Tour is a charity bike event in Northern New Jersey in which all proceeds are donated to the efforts to end hunger, both locally and abroad.

Here is all the essential information on this charity bike event so you can cycle to help end hunger:

When: The event will be held Saturday, May 5, and check in will be between 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., depending on the biking route selected.

Where: The Hunger Cycle Tour is at St. David’s Episcopal Church at 91 Kinnelon Rd. in Kinnelon, NJ.

Features: Charity bicyclists can select from 5 different routes for all experience levels, ranging from 4 miles to 62 miles; there will be a giant post ride BBQ with live music; and there will also be goodie bags, door prizes, and a ton of extras for participants!

What to Bring: All riders are required to wear a helmet, but they should also bring: a cell phone, sunglasses, water, spare inner tube, sunscreen, insect repellent, and of course, a smile.

Cost to Ride: For young riders 12 and under, the entry fee is $30. For adults, the entry fee will range from $40 to $50, depending on the biking route. No refunds will be given, but the fee is tax deductible.

The New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein encourage bike enthusiasts to join the Hunger Cycle Tour to help eradicate hunger in the state of New Jersey and all over the world, and wish everyone a very safe ride!

What Catastrophic Injuries are Commonly Suffered in NJ Car Accidents?

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:21:04 -0500

Many people are seriously injured in New Jersey auto accidents every day. Sadly, many of these injuries will never fully heal and victims will likely struggle with decreased physical and mental abilities. Catastrophic injuries are those injuries that change a victim’s life forever, common examples of those suffered in car accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, limb amputations, burn injuries, and severe bone fractures.

One of the most commonly suffered catastrophic injuries involves head trauma. Victims of serious head injuries may suffer from a wide range of long-lasting symptoms including memory issues, emotional and behavioral changes, decreased physical abilities, and difficulties with communication. Additionally, complications with performing everyday tasks such as walking, talking, feeding, or bathing themselves can arise.

Other serious injuries that may be classified as catastrophic involve damage to the back or neck. When the vertebrae are twisted, crushed, or impacted, there is the potential for the spinal cord to sustain damage. Victims of these types of accidents may experience numbness or lack of physical ability around or below the site of the trauma.

Some victims experience catastrophic burn injuries when their vehicle becomes engulfed in flames. Permanent and deep burns can often require expensive medical treatments. Victims may also become scarred and disfigured, which can affect them socially, emotionally, and professionally.

The experienced Princeton catastrophic injury car crash attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand what victims of such serious injuries and their families go through. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New Jersey accident, contact our legal team at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Seeking Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Crash in New Jersey

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:13:47 -0500

It is common for car drivers who are responsible for striking a bicyclist to panic and leave the scene of the crash. When this happens, the injured victim of the hit-and-run accident and his or her family is left to deal with the medical bills and other expenses. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often wonder if the negligent driver responsible for their suffering will be brought to justice and how to seek compensation for their losses if the driver is never found. There are legal options available for hit-and-run victims and a skilled bicycle accident attorney can help.

If the authorities find the at-fault driver, then he or she can be held liable for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages through civil litigation. A personal injury claim against the hit-and-run driver can result in compensation for all of the victim’s losses. If, however, the motorist is not found, then there are other options available.

In cases involving a hit-and-run bicycle accident in New Jersey where the at-fault party is not arrested, the victim may pursue compensation for his or her suffering through the uninsured motorist clause of their own insurance policy. This is why it is critical that all New Jersey families purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help support victims of hit-and-run accidents involving drivers who are not found, drivers who have inadequate insurance, and drivers who have no insurance at all.

The experienced Princeton bicycle crash injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully helping victims and their families obtain compensation after a hit-and-run collision. To discuss your potential legal options at no cost, please call us at (609) 240-0040.