New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

New Jersey Personal Injury Law Firm of Blume Goldfaden Empowers Community through “My Lawyer” Smart Phone App

At Blume Goldfaden, providing our clients with the strong legal guidance and action they need is only a fraction of the support we feel our community deserves, which is why we have made “My Lawyer” available to our clients and friends. Knowing what steps should be taken after a motor vehicle accident to protect personal rights and to secure appropriate evidence is invaluable, and the “My Lawyer – travels with me” smart phone application provides that preliminary information.

The “My Lawyer” smartphone app is free and available for both iPhone and Android users. If you, your family, or your friends have been involved in a New Jersey automobile accident, it can provide you with

• An overview of your legal rights;
• An accident checklist;
• A place to collect and save insurance and witness information; as well as
• A place to document photographic evidence of accident details and injuries.

The app also offers free phone consultations and free initial case inquiries. To download the FREE “My Lawyer” smartphone application, you may visit the My Lawyer download page or search for “My Lawyer” in the Android Marketplace or iPhone App Store.

The experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden understand the importance of being able to protect one’s legal rights following an accident. In the potential confusion following an injury accident, consumers may not know what to do or who to call. But now, with “My Lawyer,” you will never be left to wonder about the next step. Our attorneys are committed to protecting your legal rights, wherever you may be. To learn more about our firm or to find out whether you may have a meritorious claim, contact us for a no-cost consultation at 973-635-5400.

New Jersey Car Accident Caused by Driver Using GPS, Sussex County Woman Sentenced

Using a GPS (global positioning system) while driving may seem somewhat innocuous, but a recent New Jersey vehicle accident emphasizes that the use of navigational devices while driving can be dangerous and result in serious consequences.

According to The Star-Ledger, a Sussex County woman has been sentenced to three years’ probation for causing a head-on car accident while she tried to enter an address into her vehicle’s GPS. The 40-year-old woman is required to participate in 100 hours of community service and her driver’s license has been revoked for 90 days.

The crash reportedly took place on November 3, 2009 when the woman crossed over the center line on Route 23 in Franklin, New Jersey. As a result, the woman’s car crashed into another vehicle whose driver suffered a broken leg and ribs. The woman who caused the accident suffered minor injuries. She pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault by auto and reckless driving.

According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,474 people lost their lives in 2009 throughout the United States and an estimated additional 448,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents that involved distracted driving. While many drivers associate cell phone use with distracted driving, not enough drivers realize the potential risks for an accident also occurring when other electronic devices, including GPSs, are used. The NHTSA considers a “distraction” as any particular form of inattention that takes place when motorists’ attention is taken away from the driving tasks to focus on another activity. Distraction is also considered a subset of inattention, which also includes fatigue as well as other physical and emotional conditions of the motorist.

The car accident lawyers in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden have decades of experience in successfully handling motor vehicle accident claims on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys will evaluate your particular situation to determine whether or not a valid claim can be pursued. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Toddler Succumbs to Head Injuries from Newark Police Chase Auto Accident

An auto accident in Newark that stemmed from a police chase resulted in the death of a 14-month-old girl on Saturday, April 9. A Star-Ledger article reports that before the fatal accident, a red Jeep was being pursued by police for many blocks after it matched the description of a stolen vehicle involved in a robbery and shooting incident. However, when the officer saw the suspects driving dangerously, they claim to have stopped the chase for concerns over safety.

The Jeep proceeded to speed the wrong way down a street, crashing into a Cadillac, which then hit a 40-year-old woman, her 10-year-old son, and her 14-month-old niece as they were crossing South 18th Street at 18th Avenue a little before 7:30 p.m. on April 7. The toddler was discovered after the crash on the pavement between the two vehicles. She died from serious head trauma and the three pedestrians, as well as the Cadillac motorist, were transported to and received treatment at University Hospital, only to be later released.

An investigation into the fatal car collision is ongoing and being led by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Police Department. The drivers of the Jeep involved in the police chase are reported to be juveniles, aged 17 and 16. They are facing multiple counts, including eluding, aggravated assault by auto, aggravated assault, receiving stolen property and robbery.

Auto accidents relating to police chases may be complicated, since some fault for the accident may be connected to negligence actions on the part of law enforcement. Sometimes decisions made by a police officer during a high-speed pursuit could be in violation of the department’s standard operating procedure, and, could place the lives of others in danger. So, when a serious injury or fatal car crash occurs following a police chase, there should be a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident, as well as to identify all responsible parties.

No matter how complex a motor vehicle accident is, injury victims and family members of those killed should not be intimidated from pursuing their legal rights. At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey car accident lawyers have decades of experience holding negligent motorists and police officers accountable for the harm their careless and reckless conduct have caused. For a no-cost consultation of your potential claim, call us at 973-635-5400.

Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Over Cruise Control System Flaw

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling specific model year 2000-2002 M-Class and model year 2000-2004 M-Class AMG vehicles. According to the NHTSA vehicle recall alert, approximately 136,751 vehicles are being recalled because of a problem with cruise control that could lead to difficulty or delay in disengaging cruise control, therefore, increasing the chances of a motor vehicle accident.

Mercedes-Benz discovered that under some circumstances, use of the brake pedal in affected vehicles may not automatically deactivate cruise control as anticipated by a motorist. Even though other ways of disengaging cruise control are completely functional, a driver may still experience problems reducing the speed of a vehicle. For example, the degree of force required to undo cruise control to reduce the speed of the car may have to be greater than a motorist expects.

The cruise control system in affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles permits drivers to undo the system by tapping the brake pedal, using the cruise control stalk, or braking the vehicle enough to get to a specific rate of deceleration. However, this may not be an easy process for all motorists and it may occur at a slower pace than is needed to avoid an accident or adhere to traffic laws and signage.

The vehicle safety recall will begin during September 2011 and dealers are expected to fix the vehicles at no cost to consumers.

Components that affect vehicle speed and control, such as cruise control and brake systems, are essential in ensuring motorist safety and preventing auto accidents. If these vehicle parts are flawed in any way, that increases the risk of an accident occurring or can limits a vehicle’s crashworthiness and vehicle occupants and others on the road can be in serious danger of suffering injury or death.

At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey defective car accident attorneys have the experience and resources to successfully handle auto product liability litigation. Auto manufacturers are responsible for designing and manufacturing vehicles that are safe for consumers and the driving public. If this duty is breached, and, innocent drivers and pedestrians are seriously injured or killed as a result, auto manufactures should be held accountable. Call our firm at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation about your potential claim.

Vehicle of On-Duty Patrolman Nearly Hit in Chatham by Woman Charged with DUI and Child Endangerment

The Independent Press reports that a woman was recently put in jail after almost hitting a Chatham Borough patrol car. The 30-year-old woman of Dingmans Ferry, PA was driving with her 6-year-old daughter in the car as well as an adult passenger and that passenger’s 6-year-old son. The vehicle being driven by the woman reportedly drifted across Main Street in Chatham, New Jersey, nearly striking an on-duty officer’s vehicle. When the officer stopped the suspect vehicle the driver apparently displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The two children, who were not properly restrained, were handed over to relatives since the other adult passenger was also found to be intoxicated. Police also stated that a hypodermic needle was seen in the vehicle.

The female driver was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to keep right, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of a syringe.

Information from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, notes that an individual with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater who operates a motor vehicle is driving under the influence (DUI). In this particular story, if the woman had caused an accident that resulted in injury or death, she could have faced serious criminal penalties and civil liability. In addition, if the alcohol consumed was served to her in a bar, restaurant or hotel, it is possible that the establishment where she consumed the alcohol might have liability as well for potentially over-serving a patron who shows signs of impairment.

The New Jersey car accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden have decades of experience holding impaired drivers legally responsible for the harm that they cause. Injured accident victims may be able to obtain compensation for their physical injuries and other damages. Contact our law firm at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Middletown Man Killed, 2 Injured in 3-Car Garden State Parkway Crash

A night-time accident on April 2, near mile marker 120 on Parkway South, resulted in death for one man and mild to serious injuries for his passengers, according to NJ.com. The alcohol-related New Jersey car accident, which caused several hours of backed up traffic lanes, involved a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, a 2004 Ford Freestar, and a 2001 Toyota Sienna.

The three-car crash began when the Chevrolet Cobalt rear-ended the Ford Freestar in the local lanes of the Parkway. The force of the impact overturned the Freestar and caused it to jump the guardrail, after which it landed in the express lanes and was hit by the Toyota Sienna. The driver of the Freestar was pronounced dead at the scene; one of his passengers suffered internal injuries and was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, while the other was taken to Jersey shore University Medical Center due to neck and back pains. Both the driver of the Sienna, and the driver of the Cobalt were uninjured. The driver of the Cobalt was charged with driving while intoxicated; however, the investigation is ongoing.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), there were 257,801 motor-vehicle accidents in 2009. Of that number, 533 were fatal crashes, and 64,348 were crashes resulting in personal injury. Whether due to distraction, fatigue, speeding, or substance abuse, unsafe drivers cause most accidents and should be held responsible for any death or serious injury to other drivers and passengers.

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver, the unsafe driver may be held responsible for your physical pain and suffering and economic losses. The experienced New Jersey car crash injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can advise you on the best course of action for your particular case. Contact us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Freehold Township Car Accident Kills Three

Three people were killed in a Freehold Township car accident, according to a news report in The Star-Ledger. The fatal New Jersey car crash occurred on West Main Street between Route 9 and Trotters Way. Police report that one of the vehicles crossed over a double yellow line and struck a second vehicle containing two occupants.

If a New Jersey car accident is determined to have been caused by the negligent operation of a vehicle by one or more drivers, injured victims and their families may seek compensation for their physical injuries and economic damages and losses. Generally, there is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims in New Jersey. However, if the claims involve a public entity, municipality or the State, there are “notice of claim” requirements which need to be fulfilled much sooner. If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is, therefore, important to contact a New Jersey accident lawyer soon after the accident has occurred in order to have your legal rights protected. If the various Notice of Claim and Statutes of Limitations requirements are not met, the injured party and/or their families may not be able to obtain compensation for their damages and losses.

The family of someone killed in a New Jersey car accident should seek the counsel of an experienced wrongful death attorney. If your loved one has died in a New Jersey motor vehicle accident, contact the New Jersey wrongful death attorneys at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation. For decades, our personal injury lawyers have been protecting the legal rights of injured victims and their families in New Jersey. Call us at 973-635-5400.

New Jersey Car Accident Involving SUV, Injures Three

Two police detectives were critically injured in a New Jersey car accident after their vehicle was struck by an SUV at an intersection. According to a news report in The Daily Journal, the collision occurred at a 4 way intersection which had 2 stop signs, a flashing red light, and a flashing yellow light. Both of the detectives were trapped in their vehicle and suffered critical injuries, but were listed in stable condition at a local hospital. The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries in the New Jersey car accident.

Street intersections are often prime locations for major injury collisions. Intersection accidents may occur for a variety of reasons, including the failure of a driver to yield the right-of-way, confusing traffic control devices or signs, or, an absence of traffic control.

If a car accident was caused by a dangerous intersection or roadway, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway or intersection can be held liable for injuries, damages and losses, assuming certain conditions are met. Claims against governmental entities are regulated under strict Notice of Tort Claim requirements. It is therefore important, if a claim against a public entity is being considered, that victims act quickly in pursuing their potential claim or risk being forever barred from bringing such a claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, contact the skilled personal injury lawyers of Blume Goldfaden at 973-635-5400 to find out how we can help. Our lawyers and staff have the legal resources, knowledge and experience to properly investigate and pursue these claims. Contact us for a no-cost consultation.

21 Children Injured in New Jersey School Bus Accident Involving Minivan

The driver of a minivan was killed in a New Jersey car accident involving a Vernon school bus. The Star-Ledger reports that the fatal bus accident occurred on Route 638 near Old Homestead Road in the Highland Lakes section of Vernon Township. Police report that the collision occurred as the school bus was on its way to Rolling Hills Primary School. The driver of the van was killed in the accident and 21 children on the Decker Transportation school bus were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

New Jersey car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. In cases where a drunk, distracted, or otherwise negligent driver is involved, the at-fault driver can be held liable for injuries and damages sustained in the accident. Injured victims in a New Jersey auto accident can seek compensation for physical pain and suffering, unpaid medical expenses, disability and lost wages.

Victims and their families should refrain from talking to insurance companies or lawyers for other parties until they have retained and been advised by their own legal counsel, who will help protect your legal rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, contact the experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers of Blume Goldfaden to discuss your legal rights and options. Call our accident lawyers at 973-635-5400 to get more information about how to pursue your possible claim.

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.