New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

New Jersey Hit-and-Run Accident Involving Van and Dump Truck Causes Serious Injuries

A New Jersey auto accident that involved a van and a dump truck left the driver of the van with serious injuries, the Bucks County Courier Times reports. The accident occurred on the Burlington County Bridge when a metal bar fell off of a dump truck and went through the driver’s side window of the van. The van then veered into opposing lanes of traffic and struck another vehicle. The van’s driver sustained severe injuries and was transported to an area hospital. No other injuries were reported. The dump truck did not stop at the scene of the collision, but the driver may not have known the incident occurred. Officials are searching for the dump truck, which they say is a purple Kenmore truck which may have New Jersey tags.

It is a violation of New Jersey law to leave the scene of an accident. New Jersey Statutes 39:4-129 (a) (Action in case of an accident) 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.” It is also the duty of truck drivers to secure their load properly so it does not pose a potential danger to other motorists.

In the above situation, assuming the owner and driver of the dump truck cannot be identified, the driver of the van still may have the right to pursue a claim for uninsured motorist coverage as a result of this “hit and run” type accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, including that of an uninsured or “hit and run” driver, contact the New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden. We have assisted thousands of injured victims of automobile accidents, helping them to receive fair and appropriate compensation for their injuries and other damages. Call us at 973-635-5400 to find out how we can help you protect your legal rights.

Franklin Township Three-Vehicle Accident Injures Two

Two people sustained injuries in a New Jersey car accident involving three vehicles in Franklin Township. According to a news report in the Gloucester County Times, a 2003 Saab ran through a stop sign at the intersection of Malaga Road and Route 538. The Saab then collided with a 2002 Hyundai, which was traveling east on Route 538. The Hyundai was pushed into a 2001 Ford Focus. The 56-year-old male driver of the Saab and the 46-year-old driver of the Hyundai were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Under New Jersey Statutes 39:4-120.9, drivers must obey all traffic control devices/signs. The law states in part: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall observe and obey any official traffic control device erected at a public-private intersection….”. Violation of this statute, or any other New Jersey traffic law, can be a basis to establish the negligence of a driver who caused a motor vehicle accident. If injuries are suffered as a result of a driver’s failure to obey traffic signs or signals, consultation with a New Jersey attorney familiar with local traffic laws is important in helping to establish the fault of the culpable driver. Even when a driver does not run a red light or stop sign, a violation of a New Jersey traffic law may still be established, such as: the failure to make proper observations of traffic and traffic conditions, or, following another vehicle too closely.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident as a result of another person’s negligence, contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer at Blume Goldfaden. Call 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Pedestrian Injury Accident During Storm

Two people were recently injured in a Newton, New Jersey pedestrian accident after they were hit by a car while crossing a street. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, this New Jersey pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Sparta and Merriam avenues on September 16, 2010. A 23-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman sustained facial injuries and the female victim suffered a leg injury when struck by the vehicle. The female driver, a 23-year-old resident of Andover Township, was cited for careless driving and failure to yield to a pedestrian.

Injured victims of pedestrian accidents, if possible, should immediately call the police to respond to the scene of the accident. It is important to seek evaluation and/or treatment by a medical professional soon after an accident. Many injuries, especially head, neck, back, shoulder and knee injuries, often take time to fully manifest themselves, and may worsen over time if not properly diagnosed or promptly treated. Promptly seeking medical treatment will also create a verifiable record of the injuries sustained and their relationship to the incident. Seeking the advice of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is also recommended.

An experienced personal injury attorney who handles pedestrian accident claims can investigate a claim to determine those responsible for the pedestrians’ injuries. In many cases, defendants may not just include the driver, but also may include municipalities and/or other property owners if a road hazard, lack of proper road signs, malfunctioning or inadequate traffic lights, or road debris/disrepair played a part in causing the accident. If a driver’s intoxication caused the accident, additional claims can possibly be made against bars, clubs, restaurants and/or hotels where the driver was permitted to consume excessive alcohol.

If you have been injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident because of another person’s negligence, it is important to seek the counsel of a skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact the pedestrian accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and evaluation of your potential claim.

Man Killed in New Jersey Pedestrian Accident

A man was killed in a New Jersey “hit-and-run” car accident near the intersection of McCarter Highway and Oliver Street in Newark.

According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, with the assistance of a 9-1-1 caller, police have tracked down the driver who allegedly is responsible for the fatal injury accident. The 34-year-old Brooklyn man, who police say left the scene of the accident, has been arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving without a license.

Under New Jersey law, it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury accident without contacting authorities. Article 39:4-129 (a) 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.”

In cases where the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run accident is not found, victims and their families may have difficulty obtaining compensation for their injuries. In such cases, it is in the best interest of the victim to consult with a New Jersey personal injury attorney who can advise those injured and their families of their legal rights, options and responsibilities, especially the potential availability of uninsured motorist coverage, or, recovery from the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey auto accident or pedestrian accident, please contact the knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden. We have successfully represented accident victims for decades, assisting them and their families in pursuing fair and appropriate compensation for their losses. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and a comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.

Children Injured in New Jersey Bicycle Accident

Two Paterson boys, ages 4 and 9, were injured in a New Jersey bicycle accident after they were struck by a car. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the boys were in a crosswalk on Totowa Road near Hillary Street in Totowa when they were struck. Both children were injured, but were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It is not known at this time if the 92-year-old female driver of the car will be cited for this collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that 716 bicyclists were killed in accidents involving motor vehicles and 52,000 were injured in 2008. Victims of New Jersey bicycle and car accidents often suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical care, and, those who fail to wear protective gear, such as helmets, often suffer more serious injuries. Additionally, parents of children who ride bicycles also are responsible for ensuring that they are properly supervised and instructed regarding bicycle use and safety.

If a bicycle-motor vehicle accident is the fault of the motor vehicle operator, a meritorious claim for compensation may be pursued to recover for unpaid medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, lost earnings, disability and any other losses resulting from the injuries. The knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey bicycle riders and pedestrians. Call us for a no-cost consultation at 973-635-5400.

Rear-End Collision on New Jersey Turnpike Causes Injuries

A 20 year old South Hackensack man sustained a life-threatening brain injury in a car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, his car was rear-ended by a SUV. Two passengers in the car and the driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries. Authorities arrested the driver of the SUV for driving under the influence and for possession of cocaine.

Under N.J.S.A. section 39:4-50 it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher; or to operate a motor vehicle under the “influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug.”

Drunk drivers may not only face criminal charges in the event of an accident, but they can also be held civilly liable for injuries and damages suffered by others in the accident. Injured victims and their families can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for unpaid medical costs, lost earnings, the value of the lost services, disability, and the reasonable value of physical pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, or, if your loved one has been killed or injured as a result of a DUI accident, contact the law offices of Blume Goldfaden at 973-635-5400. Our experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys can help you and your family through this difficult time, and, can assist you to seek fair and appropriate compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and an evaluation of your potential claim.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident in New Jersey

The Star-Ledger recently reported that a 79-year old Marlboro man was killed in a New Jersey car accident when the car in which he was a passenger was struck by another vehicle. The victim was travelling on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge when his vehicle was “rear-ended” by either an SUV or a minivan and was pushed into the center median. The SUV or Minivan left the scene of the accident and police are looking for a blue SUV or minivan with damage to the front driver’s side.

Under New Jersey Statutes section 39:4-129 (a), it is a felony to leave the scene of an accident when someone is injured in the crash. The law 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 until he has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.” Subsection (c) requires motorists to provide information including license number, vehicle registration number insurance information, and, most importantly, to assist in obtaining medical assistance for anyone who may have sustained injury.

In a hit-and-run accident, despite investigation by law enforcement, very often the at-fault party may not be able to be identified. In such cases, it may become a more complicated process for victims and their families to obtain fair compensation for their injuries, damages and losses; in such instances, recovery may be limited to available uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a negligent driver, including a “hit and run” or “uninsured” driver, contact one of the experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden. We will help you navigate through the complex legal process. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential New Jersey car accident claim.

Central New Jersey Auto Accident Injures 10

Ten people were recently injured in an auto accident in Central New Jersey, which involved five vehicles. According to a Star-Ledger news report, the collision occurred on Route 27, north of Cortelyous Lane in Franklin Township. Some of the injured were transported to local hospitals and no one sustained life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Auto accidents which involve multiple vehicles can sometimes be extremely complicated to properly investigate. Investigators need to examine the actions and/or inactions of each and every driver prior to the collision, as well as road and weather conditions in order to help determine the causes of the accident. In any New Jersey auto accident, before one can even discuss compensation for any injuries sustained, it is critical to determine liability (or who is at fault).

Therefore, it is important to have the counsel and guidance of an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer, who will examine all aspects of the incident to determine who the culpable parties are in any such accident. The at-fault party may be held liable for injuries, damages and losses suffered by those who were harmed. Compensation may be sought relative to unpaid medical expenses, disability, lost earnings, physical pain and suffering and property damage.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey motor vehicle accident, contact the personal injury lawyers of Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim. Call us at 973-635-5400 to find out how we can help.

Boy Injured in New Jersey Pedestrian Accident

A 9-year-old boy sustained serious injuries in a New Jersey pedestrian accident after he was struck by a car outside of a music school. According to a news report in the Courier-Post, the accident occurred on Union Street in Medford, New Jersey, when the boy was exiting his music school, ran in between stopped traffic on Union Street and into the path of an oncoming vehicle on the opposite side of the street. Police say the boy suffered arm, leg and head injuries and was transported to a local trauma center. The driver of the car has not been charged.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,378 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2008. On average, a pedestrian is killed in an accident with a vehicle every 2 hours and every eight minutes, a pedestrian is injured. In 2008 alone, 69,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents. The NHTSA report also states that a majority of pedestrian accident deaths occurred in urban areas (72 percent) in 2008.

Some pedestrian accidents are the fault of the pedestrian and not the driver. However, there are a significant number of pedestrian accidents which are caused by distracted, impaired or negligent motorists. Hazardous sidewalk and roadway conditions may also contribute to such accidents (e.g., slick surfaces, poor, absent or malfunctioning traffic controls and signs). If such a hazard existed at the time of the accident, the city, municipality, and both private property owners or public/private entities responsible for maintaining that roadway may also be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries.

Pedestrian accident victims and their families can seek compensation related to the cost of unpaid medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, disability and lost earnings. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the experienced New Jersey pedestrian accident injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost, comprehensive consultation. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a complimentary evaluation of your potential personal injury claim.

Jersey City Hit-and-Run Crash Seriously Injures Two

Police in Jersey City have arrested a driver who reportedly critically injured a 27 year old motorcyclist. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, a 38 year old man, was driving an SUV southbound on Routes 1 & 9 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The motorcyclist was behind the sport utility vehicle, traveling in the same direction, when the driver of the SUV made a sudden U-turn across the four-lane highway.

The motorcyclist collided with the SUV, which then flipped on its side. The SUV’s driver fled the scene on foot, leaving the critically injured motorcyclist and a seriously injured passenger at the scene. The driver was found shortly after the crash and arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault, leaving the scene of an accident, and endangering the life of an injured victim.

According to N.J.S.A section 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.” Subsection (c) of this statute requires all motorists involved in a New Jersey auto accident to exchange important information with other parties (insurance, license, contact information) and render aid to the injured victim or victims at the scene of an accident so they can get prompt medical assistance.

Negligent drivers in New Jersey can not only be criminally prosecuted, but also held civilly liable for serious injuries and losses caused to the victims and their families. Injured victims and their families can seek compensation for unpaid and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, lost wages and disability.

Experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury lawyers, such as those at Blume Goldfaden, advise those injured in motor vehicle accidents of their legal rights and options. We are committed to helping our clients obtain fair compensation for their injuries, damages and losses. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.