Auto Accident Lawyer in East Orange, NJ

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in East Orange, New Jersey, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve. At Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC, our dedicated auto accident attorneys have helped countless East Orange residents recover damages after motor vehicle collisions.

Why I-280 and East Orange Roads Are Dangerous

Interstate 280 presents significant hazards for East Orange drivers:

I-280 Design Problems

The freeway’s dated design contributes to frequent accidents:

• Lane Reduction Bottleneck: Eastbound traffic must merge right just to stay on I-280, with five lanes eventually narrowing to two lanes—creating a chokepoint for rear-end and side collisions
• Confusing Exits: Many westbound motorists don’t realize the right lane is exit-only until too late, with only 300 feet to merge before the viaduct
• Heavy Truck Traffic: Commercial vehicles add to the congestion and accident risk
• High-Speed Merging: The interchange with the Garden State Parkway requires rapid speed changes and lane changes

Recent I-280 Incidents

The dangers of I-280 are well-documented. In August 2025, a fiery two-vehicle crash on the I-280 ramp to the Garden State Parkway left two people injured when an Audi lost control, struck a Honda, and both vehicles overturned and hit a tree. Vehicle fires, multi-car pileups, and commuting delays are regular occurrences on this stretch of highway.

Local Road Hazards

Beyond I-280, East Orange streets present their own dangers:

• Central Avenue: High traffic volume with commercial activity and pedestrians
• Main Street: Heavy traffic flow through the city center
• Garden State Parkway Exits: The Exit 145 area connecting to I-280 sees frequent accidents
• Train Station Areas: Congestion around Brick Church and East Orange stations increases collision risk

Why Choose Our East Orange Auto Accident Attorneys

With our office in nearby Cranford—easily accessible via the Garden State Parkway—we’re ready to fight for East Orange accident victims. We have extensive experience handling motor vehicle accident cases in Essex County Superior Court.

We Know These Roads: From the I-280/GSP interchange to Central Avenue, we understand where and why accidents happen in East Orange.

Proven Results: Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for auto accident victims throughout New Jersey.

No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.

Aggressive Representation: Insurance companies try to minimize payouts. We fight back with experienced legal advocacy.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Car Accidents

Whether you were rear-ended on I-280, T-boned at a Central Avenue intersection, or sideswiped on a residential street, we handle all types of car accident cases:

• Intersection collisions
• Rear-end accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Sideswipe accidents
• Single-vehicle crashes caused by road conditions
• Multi-vehicle pileups

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. We handle claims involving:

• Tractor-trailers on I-280 and the Garden State Parkway
• Delivery trucks on local streets
• Box trucks and commercial vehicles
• Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other delivery vehicle accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injury. We represent riders injured by:

• Drivers who fail to see motorcycles
• Lane change accidents
• Left-turn accidents at intersections
• Dooring incidents in commercial areas

Pedestrian Accidents

East Orange’s dense urban environment and busy streets put pedestrians at risk:

• Crosswalk accidents on Central Avenue and Main Street
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Accidents near train stations
• Parking lot pedestrian accidents

Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents require understanding of complex insurance issues:

• Passengers injured during rides
• Drivers injured in collisions
• Third parties struck by rideshare vehicles

Understanding Auto Accident Compensation in New Jersey

What Damages Can You Recover?

After an auto accident, you may be entitled to:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (emergency room, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages during recovery
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Other out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

New Jersey Auto Insurance and Your Claim

New Jersey’s auto insurance system affects how you pursue compensation:

No-Fault Coverage: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your medical expenses regardless of fault, up to your policy limits.

Limitation on Lawsuit Threshold: If you selected the “limitation on lawsuit” option, you can only sue for pain and suffering if you suffer a permanent injury, loss of a body part, significant scarring, or death.

Standard Policy/No Limitation: If you have the “no limitation” option, you can sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury type.

Third-Party Claims: You can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance for damages beyond what your PIP covers.

What to Do After a Car Accident in East Orange

Taking the right steps after an accident protects your health and your legal rights:

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911: Safety first. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical services immediately.

2. Move to Safety If Possible: On I-280 or the Garden State Parkway, move vehicles out of traffic lanes if it’s safe to do so.

3. Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number.

4. Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.

5. Get Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, get their name and contact information.

6. File a Police Report: Always get a police report for accidents with injuries or significant damage. The responding officer’s report is important evidence.

7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Some injuries—like whiplash, internal injuries, or concussions—may not show symptoms immediately.

8. Don’t Admit Fault: Be careful what you say at the scene. Even apologizing can be used against you later.

9. Contact an Attorney Before the Insurance Company: Insurance adjusters will call quickly. Speak with an attorney first to protect your interests.

Why East Orange Residents Trust Our Firm

We Handle the Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance adjusters while recovering from injuries is stressful. We take over all communications and fight for maximum compensation.

No Upfront Costs: We advance all costs of investigating and litigating your case. You pay nothing unless we win.

Essex County Court Experience: We know the Essex County Superior Court system and how to effectively advocate for our clients.

Thorough Case Preparation: We investigate every accident thoroughly—obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions when needed.

We Know East Orange: From the I-280 danger zones to Central Avenue, we understand where accidents happen and why.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file an auto accident claim in New Jersey? A: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims from auto accidents is two years from the date of the accident. However, you should report the accident to your insurance company promptly, and contacting an attorney early gives us the best chance to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Q: What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene? A: If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can make a claim against your own insurance policy. We help clients navigate these claims and maximize their recovery.

Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer? A: Almost never. Initial settlement offers are typically far below what your case is worth. Insurance companies are hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. Let us evaluate your case before accepting any offer.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident? A: New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: How much is my auto accident case worth? A: Every case is different. The value depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and whether you have permanent impairments. We’ll evaluate your case during a free consultation.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for an auto accident claim? A: While not legally required, studies show that injured people who hire attorneys typically recover significantly more than those who handle claims themselves—even after attorney fees. We protect your rights and handle the complex legal and insurance issues so you can focus on recovery.

Contact Our East Orange Auto Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident on I-280, the Garden State Parkway, Central Avenue, or anywhere else in East Orange, don’t face the insurance companies alone. We’re here to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

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

Free Consultation • Se Habla Español • Serving East Orange and All of Essex County

Our experienced auto accident attorneys are ready to evaluate your case, handle the insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

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Proudly serving auto accident victims in East Orange and throughout New Jersey including Newark, Orange, West Orange, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, and all Essex County communities.