Auto Accident Lawyer in Hackensack, NJ

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Hackensack, New Jersey, you need an experienced auto accident attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. At Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC, we’ve helped countless Bergen County car crash victims recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose Our Hackensack Auto Accident Attorneys

With our office conveniently located in nearby Cranford, we’re intimately familiar with Hackensack’s roads, traffic patterns, and the Bergen County court system. We’ve represented crash victims from accidents on Route 4 and Route 17, collisions on Main Street, multi-vehicle pileups near the medical center, and crashes throughout the city’s residential neighborhoods.

Our firm understands the unique challenges facing Hackensack accident victims:

• Complex Traffic Patterns: Routes 4 and 17 intersect near Hackensack with heavy commuter and commercial traffic heading to the George Washington Bridge and surrounding areas
• High-Volume Roads: The deficient Route 4 bridge over the Hackensack River and congested approaches create dangerous conditions
• Medical Center Traffic: Hackensack UMC generates constant emergency vehicle, patient, and visitor traffic
• Downtown Congestion: Main Street’s renaissance has increased vehicle and pedestrian conflicts
• Industrial Traffic: River Road sees heavy truck and commercial vehicle activity
• NJ Transit Operations: Bus routes including the #165 to the Justice Center add complexity to traffic patterns

Dangerous Roads in Hackensack

Based on accident data and traffic analysis, these Hackensack roadways require extra caution:

Route 4

Route 4 is a major east-west artery carrying heavy traffic to and from the George Washington Bridge. The congestion where Route 4 meets I-95 near Fort Lee is ranked among the worst bottlenecks in the nation by the trucking industry. The Route 4 bridge over the Hackensack River was rated as structurally deficient in 2021 by the Federal Highway Administration – one of 482 deficient bridges in New Jersey. These conditions create accident risks from sudden stops, lane changes, and bridge-related hazards.

Route 17

Route 17 has a troubled safety history. As far back as the 1960s, engineers called the highway’s divider design dangerous, noting that larger barriers “have become accident magnets.” Trailer trucks and vehicles have jumped the divider and crashed into oncoming traffic, causing serious injuries and fatalities. While improvements have been made, Route 17 remains one of Bergen County’s more hazardous roadways.

Route 80 Access

Interstate 80 runs through northern Hackensack and nearby areas, with access points creating merge and exit hazards. A recent fatal crash involving a jackknifed tractor-trailer and truck fire on Route 80 in the Hackensack/Ridgefield Park area caused massive delays and demonstrated the severity of accidents on this highway.

Main Street & Downtown

Downtown Hackensack’s revitalization has brought more traffic to Main Street, with increased conflicts between vehicles, buses, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Justice Center generates significant traffic from court visitors, attorneys, and government employees.

Essex Street & River Road

Industrial traffic along these corridors creates hazards, particularly involving commercial vehicles and trucks accessing businesses near the Hackensack River.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Car Accidents

Whether your crash was caused by a distracted driver, someone running a red light, an impaired motorist, or any other form of negligence, we fight to hold the at-fault driver accountable for your injuries and damages.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents on Route 4, Route 17, Route 80, and industrial areas near the Hackensack River often cause catastrophic injuries. We pursue claims against trucking companies, drivers, and their insurers.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on Hackensack’s busy roads. We help riders injured by negligent drivers recover compensation for their often-serious injuries.

Pedestrian Accidents

Hackensack’s downtown revival has increased pedestrian activity on Main Street and near the Justice Center. When drivers fail to yield to pedestrians, the results can be devastating. We fight for injured pedestrians and their families.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists sharing the road with heavy traffic on Routes 4 and 17 and throughout Hackensack face significant risks. We represent cyclists struck by negligent motorists.

Uber & Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents raise complex insurance issues. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or struck by a rideshare vehicle, we navigate the multi-layered insurance claims process.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If a driver fled the scene after hitting you, we can help you pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage and investigate to identify the responsible party.

Understanding New Jersey Auto Insurance

New Jersey’s unique auto insurance system can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know:

No-Fault Insurance (PIP)

Your Personal Injury Protection coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident, up to your policy limits. However, PIP benefits are often insufficient for serious injuries.

Threshold for Pain & Suffering Claims

New Jersey limits when you can sue for pain and suffering. If you chose the “limitation on lawsuit” (verbal threshold) option, you can only sue if your injuries meet specific criteria – permanent injury, significant disfigurement, or displaced fractures.

Comparative Negligence

If you share fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of blame. You can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage – unfortunately common in New Jersey.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Hackensack

If you’re involved in a crash, take these steps to protect yourself:

1. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Hackensack Police will respond and create an accident report.

2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Hackensack UMC’s emergency department is a Level 1 trauma center for serious injuries.

3. Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident location, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.

4. Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact info, insurance company, and policy number. Note their license plate and vehicle information.

5. Report to Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about recorded statements.

6. Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid apologizing or accepting blame at the scene. Fault will be determined later through investigation.

7. Contact an Attorney: Call us at (908) 232-2040 before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company.

Compensation for Hackensack Car Accident Victims

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover:

Economic Damages

• Emergency room and hospital expenses (at Hackensack UMC or other facilities)
• Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Future medical costs for permanent injuries
• Lost wages during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous work
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Rental car expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or scarring
• Impact on family relationships

Why Hackensack Accident Victims Trust Us

Bergen County Experience: We regularly handle cases at the Bergen County Superior Court and know how to build compelling cases for local juries. The Justice Center at 10 Main Street is where we’ll fight for you if your case goes to trial.

We Know Hackensack’s Roads: From the dangerous conditions on Route 4 and Route 17 to the traffic patterns around the medical center, we understand what causes accidents in this area.

No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing unless we win. Our fees come only from successful settlements or verdicts.

Maximum Compensation Focus: Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. We fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file an auto accident lawsuit in New Jersey? A: Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, and insurance claims have shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney promptly.

Q: What if the other driver was uninsured? A: You can pursue a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. This is why UM/UIM coverage is so important in New Jersey, where uninsured drivers are unfortunately common.

Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer? A: Almost never. Initial offers are typically far below the true value of your claim. An experienced attorney can negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident? A: You can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: My injuries seemed minor at first but got worse. Can I still file a claim? A: Yes, many injuries – especially soft tissue and spinal injuries – worsen over time. See a doctor immediately if your symptoms are increasing, and contact an attorney to discuss your options.

Q: The accident happened on Route 4. Does that affect my case? A: The location can matter. Route 4’s dangerous conditions, including the deficient bridge and heavy congestion, may be relevant factors in your case. We investigate all aspects of the accident scene.

Contact Our Hackensack Auto Accident Lawyers Today

Don’t let a negligent driver leave you struggling with medical bills, a damaged vehicle, and lost income. Whether your accident happened on Route 4, Route 17, Main Street, or anywhere else in Hackensack, we’re here to fight for the 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 Hackensack and All of Bergen County

Time is limited to file your claim. Contact our experienced auto accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation.

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Proudly serving car accident victims in Hackensack and throughout New Jersey including Teaneck, Fort Lee, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgefield Park, and all Bergen County communities.