Auto Accident Lawyer in Cranford, NJ

When you’ve been injured in a car accident in Cranford, New Jersey, you need an attorney who knows your community—because we live and work here too. At Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC, our office is located right here in Cranford at 1150 Raritan Road. We understand the local roads where accidents happen, from the busy Garden State Parkway exits to downtown Cranford’s intersections, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose a Cranford-Based Auto Accident Attorney

There’s a significant advantage to working with attorneys based in your own community after a car crash:

• Our Office is Here: Meet with your attorney at 1150 Raritan Road—no traveling to Newark or Elizabeth while you’re recovering from injuries
• Local Road Knowledge: We drive these roads every day. We know the dangerous intersections, the challenging merge points on the Parkway, and the traffic patterns that cause accidents
• Union County Court Expertise: We regularly handle auto accident cases at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, just 15 minutes away
• Community Investment: When we help you after a Cranford accident, we’re helping a neighbor
• Immediate Response: Need to meet about your accident? We’re right here in town—or we’ll come to you

Our firm understands the unique traffic challenges Cranford drivers face:

• Garden State Parkway commuters: Accidents near Exits 136-137 affecting Cranford residents
• Route 22 access: Crashes involving Cranford drivers on this dangerous commercial corridor
• Local road accidents: Collisions on Raritan Road, North Avenue, South Avenue, and Centennial Avenue
• Downtown traffic: Accidents in Cranford’s busy commercial district
• Commuter accidents: NJ Transit station area incidents and parking lot crashes
• Intersection collisions: Multi-car accidents at Cranford’s busy crossroads

Cranford’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Understanding where accidents happen in and around Cranford helps us build stronger cases:

Garden State Parkway (Exits 136-137)

The stretch of Garden State Parkway through Cranford sees frequent accidents:

Exit 136 (Stiles Street)

• High commuter volume during rush hours
• Merge pattern complexities
• Speed differential between exiting and through traffic
• Recent crashes with injuries reported near this exit

Exit 137 (Route 28)

• Connects to major east-west route through Cranford and Garwood
• Heavy traffic during peak hours
• Accidents occur on ramps and in the immediate vicinity

The Parkway’s combination of high speeds, heavy volume, and complex merge patterns makes it particularly dangerous for Cranford residents commuting to work or traveling to Newark Airport.

Raritan Road

Running east-west through Cranford, Raritan Road is one of the township’s busiest thoroughfares. Our office is located on this road, and we see firsthand the traffic challenges:

• Heavy commercial and commuter traffic
• Multiple driveways and side streets creating conflict points
• Pedestrians crossing to access businesses and bus stops
• Limited sight distances at certain intersections
• Speed variations creating rear-end collision risks

North Avenue East

This major route through Cranford carries significant traffic between neighboring towns:

• Connects Cranford to Garwood and Westfield
• Commercial areas with frequent turning movements
• Parking lot entrances and exits
• History of accidents including DWI-related crashes
• Near Garden State Parkway access, attracting heavy traffic

South Avenue

South Avenue serves as another major corridor through Cranford:

• Home to NJ Transit’s Cranford Station, creating concentrated traffic
• Intersection with Centennial Avenue—site of multiple serious accidents including pedestrian and bicycle crashes
• Mix of residential and commercial uses
• School zones requiring extra caution
• Parking maneuvers creating hazards

Centennial Avenue

This north-south route through Cranford has seen serious accidents:

• Intersection with South Avenue is a known accident location
• Residential neighborhoods with children and pedestrians
• Mix of local and through traffic
• Recent pedestrian and bicycle accidents highlighting safety concerns

Springfield Avenue

Running through residential Cranford, Springfield Avenue presents challenges:

• Cranford Police Department located at 8 Springfield Avenue
• School zones and parks attracting children
• Residential driveways and street parking
• Curves and sight distance limitations in some areas

Route 22 Access

While Route 22 doesn’t run directly through Cranford, many residents access this major commercial corridor through neighboring towns like Springfield and Union:

• One of New Jersey’s most dangerous roads
• High-speed traffic with frequent lane changes
• Complex jughandle intersections
• Commercial driveways every few hundred feet
• Aggressive drivers and road rage incidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Cranford

Our Cranford auto accident attorneys handle cases involving all types of crash scenarios:

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use remains a leading cause of accidents throughout New Jersey. Despite hands-free laws, drivers continue texting, using navigation apps, and making calls while driving on the Garden State Parkway, local roads, and through downtown Cranford.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Excessive speed turns minor mistakes into serious crashes. Tailgating on the Parkway, rolling through stop signs on residential streets, and unsafe passing on Raritan Road or North Avenue all contribute to collisions.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

DWI crashes continue to occur on Cranford roads. Recent arrests on North Avenue near the Garden State Parkway and other DWI incidents underscore this ongoing problem.

Failure to Yield

Many Cranford accidents occur when drivers:

• Fail to yield at stop signs
• Don’t yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (a particular concern in downtown Cranford)
• Make unsafe left turns across traffic
• Merge improperly onto the Garden State Parkway
• Run red lights at major intersections

Poor Weather Conditions

New Jersey winters create hazardous driving conditions:

• Icy roads and black ice on bridges
• Snow accumulation affecting visibility and traction
• Wet pavement reducing stopping distances
• Poor visibility during heavy rain or snow

Parking Lot Accidents

With multiple shopping areas, the NJ Transit station, and downtown parking, Cranford sees frequent parking lot accidents:

• Backing collisions in the Cranford Crossing shopping center
• Pedestrian accidents in parking areas
• Fender-benders at the NJ Transit commuter lot
• Side-swipe accidents in tight parking spaces

Types of Auto Accidents We Handle

Our Cranford car accident lawyers represent victims in all types of motor vehicle crashes:

• Car-on-car collisions including rear-end, side-impact, T-bone, and head-on crashes
• Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles on the Parkway and Route 22
• Motorcycle accidents on Cranford roads and area highways
• Pedestrian accidents throughout downtown Cranford and residential neighborhoods
• Bicycle and e-bike accidents, a growing concern following recent serious incidents
• Hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver fled the scene
• Uber, Lyft, and taxi accidents involving rideshare vehicles
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage
• Multi-vehicle pileups on the Garden State Parkway
• Parking lot accidents at shopping centers and the NJ Transit station

What to Do After a Car Accident in Cranford

The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:

At the Scene

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention
2. Move to safety if possible, but don’t leave the scene
3. Call Cranford Police at (908) 272-2222 to report the accident
4. Exchange information with other drivers (name, insurance, license plate, contact info)
5. Document everything—photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, debris, and any visible injuries
6. Get witness information including names and phone numbers
7. Note environmental factors—weather, lighting, road conditions, traffic signals
8. Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you think you may have contributed to the crash

After the Scene

9. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine—injuries like whiplash and concussions may not appear for hours or days
10. Report to your insurance company but be cautious about giving recorded statements
11. Keep all records including medical bills, prescription receipts, repair estimates, and all correspondence
12. Don’t accept quick settlement offers from insurance companies before understanding the full extent of your injuries
13. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney—stop by our Cranford office at 1150 Raritan Road for a free consultation

Understanding New Jersey Auto Insurance

New Jersey has unique auto insurance laws that affect your accident claim:

No-Fault Insurance (PIP)

New Jersey requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP has limits (often $15,000-$250,000), and serious injuries frequently exceed coverage.

Lawsuit Threshold Options

Your policy includes either:

• “Limitation on lawsuit” (verbal threshold): Limits your ability to sue unless injuries meet severity criteria—permanent injury, significant scarring, displaced fractures, or loss of a fetus
• “No limitation on lawsuit”: Allows you to sue for pain and suffering for any injury

Most New Jersey drivers choose the verbal threshold to save on premiums but may regret it after a serious accident.

Comparative Negligence

New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This optional coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage—unfortunately common on New Jersey roads.

Compensation Available in Cranford Car Accident Cases

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to recover:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Emergency care at Trinitas Hospital or Overlook Medical Center, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, future medical needs
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries
• Loss of earning capacity: If injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, damaged personal belongings

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from your injuries (subject to lawsuit threshold)
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD related to the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent physical changes from your injuries

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a Cranford car accident, surviving family members may recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Cranford Residents Trust Our Auto Accident Lawyers

We’re Your Neighbors: Our office at 1150 Raritan Road means we’re invested in this community. We drive the same roads, deal with the same traffic, and care about making Cranford safer.

We Know the Roads: From the Parkway exits to the challenging South Avenue/Centennial intersection, we understand the specific hazards that cause Cranford accidents. This knowledge helps us investigate crashes thoroughly.

Union County Court Experience: We regularly handle auto accident cases at the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. We know the procedures, judges, and how to present cases effectively to Union County juries.

Aggressive Against Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters try to minimize payouts. We fight back with thorough documentation, expert witnesses (accident reconstructionists, medical experts, economists), and a willingness to take cases to trial when necessary.

No Fees Unless We Win: We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront and only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions for auto accident victims throughout Union County and New Jersey.

Accessible & Responsive: Need to discuss your accident? We’re right here in Cranford. Can’t come to us? We’ll visit you at home or in the hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Cranford? A: New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage claims, you have six years. Don’t delay—evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade.

Q: Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? A: Be very cautious. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Consult with an attorney before giving any recorded statements.

Q: What if the accident happened on the Garden State Parkway? A: Parkway accidents involve the same legal process as accidents on local roads, but they may require additional investigation to determine exactly where the accident occurred and which police agency responded. We handle Parkway accident cases regularly.

Q: What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? A: If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. We’ll help you navigate this process and maximize your recovery.

Q: How much is my Cranford car accident case worth? A: Case values vary widely depending on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, whether you have the verbal threshold, and other factors. Stop by our office for a free consultation and honest assessment.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident? A: You can still recover compensation under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim? A: In New Jersey, filing a claim for an accident that wasn’t your fault should not increase your rates. However, at-fault accidents can increase premiums by an average of 45% for three to five years. This is separate from your legal right to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Contact Your Cranford Auto Accident Attorneys Today

Every day you wait after an accident can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delays against you. If you’ve been injured in a car accident on the Garden State Parkway, Raritan Road, or anywhere in Cranford or Union County, contact us immediately for a free consultation.

Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC
1150 Raritan Rd, Suite 100, Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 232-2040

Free Consultation • Se Habla Español • Walk-Ins Welcome

Your car accident injury deserves serious attention from attorneys who are part of your community. Call us today or stop by our Cranford office for a free case evaluation.

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Proudly serving car accident victims in Cranford and throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Westfield, Summit, Union Township, and all neighboring communities.