Auto Accident Lawyer in Hudson County, NJ

Hudson County’s Most Dangerous Roads

Hudson County’s unique geography—a narrow strip between the Hudson River and the Hackensack River—creates concentrated traffic patterns that lead to frequent accidents:

Lincoln Tunnel Approaches

The Lincoln Tunnel carries over 19 million vehicles annually (50,000+ daily), making its approaches among the most congested and dangerous in the region:

• Route 495 (Lincoln Tunnel Helix) – Complex spiral ramps leading to the tunnel
• Route 3 connection – Heavy merge traffic
• Bergenline Avenue access – Residential traffic mixing with tunnel-bound vehicles

Notable Lincoln Tunnel incidents include a 2018 bus collision injuring over 30 people and regular car fires that trap vehicles for hours. The tunnel’s confined space makes any accident potentially catastrophic.

Holland Tunnel Approaches

The Holland Tunnel connects to Jersey City via Route 139 and carries Interstate 78:

• Route 139 – The elevated approach experiences regular accidents
• 12th Street and 14th Street – Heavy traffic feeding the tunnel
• Marin Boulevard – Major connector with complex intersections

Routes 1 & 9 Corridor

Routes 1 & 9 serve as a major north-south artery through Hudson County, connecting to Newark and Elizabeth. Recent serious accidents include:

• January 2025: A multi-vehicle crash near Duncan Avenue in Jersey City left vehicles unrecognizable, with one car completely overturned
• Multiple fatal crashes at various points along the corridor
• Heavy truck traffic mixing with local vehicles

This corridor is particularly dangerous due to:

• High-speed traffic
• Commercial vehicles and trucks
• Complex interchanges
• Limited visibility at night

NJ Turnpike Extension

The New Jersey Turnpike Extension runs through Secaucus and connects to major highways:

• Exits 15W, 15X, and 16W – High-volume interchanges
• Heavy commercial truck traffic
• Merging challenges during peak hours

Local Street Hazards

Hudson County’s urban environment creates unique challenges on local roads:

Jersey City:

• JFK Boulevard – One of the city’s most dangerous corridors
• Paterson Plank Road – High crash volume
• Journal Square area – Complex traffic patterns
• Tonnele Circle – Confusing interchange connecting Routes 1 & 9, Route 139, and local roads

Hoboken:

• Observer Highway – Major connector with heavy traffic
• Willow Avenue – Main north-south corridor
• Washington Street – Pedestrian conflicts with vehicle traffic

Union City/North Bergen:

• Bergenline Avenue – Mile-long commercial strip with constant traffic
• Boulevard East – Scenic but accident-prone waterfront road

Common Types of Auto Accidents in Hudson County

Hudson County’s traffic patterns lead to specific accident types:

Tunnel-Related Accidents

• Rear-end collisions in tunnel approach traffic
• Lane-change accidents in tunnel approaches
• Accidents caused by vehicles overheating or breaking down
• Multi-vehicle pileups when accidents occur inside tunnels

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Hudson County’s congested roads make chain-reaction accidents common:

• Sudden stops in heavy traffic
• Limited visibility conditions
• High-speed rear-end collisions
• Highway interchanges and merge zones

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

With the highest population density in New Jersey, Hudson County sees frequent pedestrian and cyclist accidents:

• Crosswalk accidents
• Cyclists struck by vehicles
• Hit-and-run incidents in urban areas
• Rideshare-related pedestrian accidents

Jersey City’s Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2026, but the city still experiences approximately 12 fatalities annually.

Rideshare and Delivery Vehicle Accidents

Hudson County’s urban areas see heavy Uber, Lyft, and delivery vehicle traffic:

• Double-parking accidents
• Sudden stops for passenger pickup
• Distracted driving while using navigation apps
• Delivery vehicles blocking traffic lanes

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Hudson County’s warehouses and distribution centers generate heavy commercial traffic:

• Tractor-trailer accidents on Routes 1 & 9 and the Turnpike
• Delivery truck accidents on narrow urban streets
• Amazon and e-commerce delivery vehicles

What To Do After a Car Accident in Hudson County

At the Scene

1. Check for injuries – Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt
2. Move to safety – If possible and safe, move vehicles out of traffic
3. Call police – Especially for injuries, significant damage, or if another driver is uncooperative
4. Exchange information – Names, insurance, license numbers, and contact info
5. Document everything – Photos of vehicles, damage, the scene, and any injuries
6. Get witness contacts – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident

After Leaving the Scene

1. Seek medical attention – Jersey City Medical Center and other Hudson County hospitals can document your injuries
2. Report to your insurance – Notify your carrier of the accident
3. Don’t give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance without consulting an attorney
4. Keep records – Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and accident-related expenses
5. Contact our office – Get legal advice before accepting any settlement offer

New Jersey Auto Insurance: What You Need to Know

New Jersey requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. Understanding your coverage is crucial:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP covers your medical expenses regardless of fault. Standard policies include $15,000 in PIP coverage, though higher limits are available.

Liability Coverage

• 15/30/5 minimum – $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident bodily injury, $5,000 property damage
• Most drivers should carry significantly higher limits

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This optional coverage protects you when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance—especially important in Hudson County where many drivers are underinsured.

Verbal vs. Basic Policy

• Verbal Threshold: You can sue for pain and suffering if you suffer serious injury
• Basic Policy: More limited rights to sue

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

Depending on your case, you may recover:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Rental car costs
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

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

Why Hudson County Residents Choose Us for Auto Accident Cases

We Know Hudson County Traffic

From the Lincoln Tunnel helix to the Tonnele Circle, from Routes 1 & 9 to Hoboken’s narrow streets, we understand how auto accidents happen in Hudson County and how to prove liability.

We Handle Complex Cases

Multi-vehicle pileups, tunnel accidents, and cases involving commercial trucks require sophisticated investigation. We have the experience and resources to handle these challenging cases.

We Fight Insurance Companies

Insurance companies minimize claims. We know their tactics and fight back aggressively to protect your interests.

We Prepare for Trial

When insurance companies won’t offer fair settlements, we’re prepared to take your case to court. This leverage produces better results.

No Fee Unless We Win

We advance all costs and only get paid when we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, your own policy may cover your damages. We can help you navigate this process and maximize your recovery.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?

New Jersey generally allows two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, some cases have shorter deadlines, so consult an attorney promptly.

The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I accept it?

Don’t accept any offer without legal advice. Initial offers are typically far below what your case is worth. Let us evaluate your claim before you decide.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the accident happened in a tunnel?

Tunnel accidents may involve the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. These cases can be complex, but we have experience handling claims involving tunnel incidents.

What if my accident involved an Uber or Lyft?

Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies (the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare company’s policy). We can navigate these complexities to ensure you receive full compensation.

Contact Our Hudson County Auto Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in Hudson County—whether on the Lincoln Tunnel approach, Routes 1 & 9, or a side street in Hoboken—we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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

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Fighting for auto accident victims throughout all 12 Hudson County municipalities. Your advocates on the road to recovery.