Auto Accident Lawyer in Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City’s roads are among the most congested and dangerous in New Jersey. With the Holland Tunnel funneling thousands of daily commuters, Routes 1&9 carrying heavy commercial traffic, and the historic Pulaski Skyway connecting to Newark, serious car accidents happen frequently throughout Hudson County. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Jersey City, the experienced car accident lawyers at Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Jersey City’s Most Dangerous Roads for Drivers

Understanding where accidents happen can help you stay safe—and helps us build stronger cases when crashes do occur:

Routes 1&9 (Tonnele Avenue)

This major highway corridor running through Jersey City is one of the most dangerous stretches in the region. In January 2025, three people were injured in an early morning crash on Routes 1&9 in Jersey City, forcing traffic diversions onto local streets. The combination of high speeds, frequent merging, and heavy commercial truck traffic creates constant hazards. The construction zones near Tonnele Avenue add additional dangers.

The Pulaski Skyway

This historic elevated highway connecting Jersey City to Newark has long been considered one of New Jersey’s most treacherous roads. In December 2024, six people were killed when their vehicle crashed into a concrete support column near the Routes 1&9 southbound ramp—the 47th fatal crash in Essex County that year alone. The Skyway’s narrow lanes, lack of shoulders, sharp curves, and outdated design contribute to frequent serious accidents despite ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

Holland Tunnel Approaches

The streets leading to and from the Holland Tunnel experience extreme congestion and high accident rates:

• Montgomery Street and Columbus Drive are notorious bottlenecks during rush hours
• 12th Street sees frequent rear-end collisions as traffic backs up
• Weekend and evening tunnel traffic creates additional hazards on local streets
• The “Holland Tunnel ticket trap” area sees frustrated drivers making dangerous maneuvers

Kennedy Boulevard

As one of Jersey City’s main arterials, Kennedy Boulevard experiences high traffic volumes and frequent accidents. The intersection with Communipaw Avenue is particularly dangerous and clusters among the city’s highest accident rates.

Journal Square Area

The convergence of bus routes, PATH trains, and vehicle traffic around Journal Square creates chaotic conditions. Ongoing construction and redevelopment add additional hazards for drivers navigating this busy transportation hub.

Common Causes of Jersey City Car Accidents

Our auto accident attorneys have handled cases involving all types of crash scenarios on Jersey City’s roads:

Rush Hour Congestion Crashes

Morning rush (7-9 AM) and evening rush (4-7 PM) are the most dangerous times on Jersey City roads. As commuters queue for the Holland Tunnel and traffic backs up on local streets, rear-end collisions and sideswipes become common. The 5:30 PM timeframe is particularly hazardous as Manhattan commuters flood back through the tunnel.

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use remains a leading cause of accidents in Jersey City. Despite New Jersey’s hands-free law, drivers continue texting and using apps while navigating congested streets and highway on-ramps.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Frustrated commuters stuck in tunnel traffic often resort to aggressive maneuvers—cutting through residential streets, running red lights, and tailgating. These behaviors lead to serious accidents throughout Jersey City neighborhoods.

Commercial Truck Accidents

With Port Jersey generating constant commercial traffic and Routes 1&9 serving as a major freight corridor, large truck accidents are common. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

Jersey City’s vibrant nightlife scene along Newark Avenue and in the waterfront areas means alcohol-related crashes, particularly late at night and on weekends.

Poor Road Conditions

Aging infrastructure, potholes, unclear lane markings, and construction zones throughout Jersey City create hazards. The ongoing Pulaski Skyway repairs and various development projects add to dangerous conditions.

Dangerous Jersey City Intersections and Areas

Beyond the highways, certain Jersey City intersections and areas see disproportionately high accident rates:

Kennedy Boulevard and Communipaw Avenue

This major intersection is one of the most dangerous in Jersey City, with high traffic volumes from multiple directions and frequent pedestrian crossings.

Journal Square Transportation Center

The blocks surrounding Journal Square see constant movement of cars, buses, and pedestrians. The mix of PATH commuters, bus transfers, and vehicle traffic creates chaotic conditions.

Newport Mall Area

The intersection of Route 1&9 with the Newport Centre area experiences heavy retail traffic, especially on weekends. Drivers entering and exiting the mall and PATH station frequently conflict.

Exchange Place and Waterfront

The financial district sees thousands of commuters rushing between PATH stations and office buildings. The narrow streets and heavy pedestrian traffic lead to frequent vehicle-pedestrian conflicts.

West Side Avenue Corridor

This commercial corridor through the West Side neighborhood experiences high traffic volumes and frequent accidents at major intersections.

Columbus Drive Near Holland Tunnel

As traffic queues for the Holland Tunnel, this stretch becomes extremely congested. Impatient drivers making sudden lane changes cause frequent collisions.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

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

• Car-on-car collisions including rear-end, side-impact, and head-on crashes
• Truck and commercial vehicle accidents involving 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and buses
• Motorcycle accidents on Jersey City’s highways and local roads
• Pedestrian accidents near PATH stations, Journal Square, and the waterfront
• Bicycle accidents as Jersey City expands its cycling infrastructure
• Hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver fled the scene
• Uber, Lyft, and taxi accidents involving rideshare and for-hire vehicles
• Bus accidents involving NJ Transit, private carriers, and jitney services
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage
• Multi-vehicle pileups common on Routes 1&9 and the Pulaski Skyway

What to Do After a Car Accident in Jersey City

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 Jersey City Police at (201) 547-5477 to report the accident
4. Exchange information with other drivers (name, insurance, license plate)
5. Document everything—photograph damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries
6. Get witness information including names and phone numbers
7. Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you think you may have contributed

After the Scene

8. Seek medical attention at Jersey City Medical Center (355 Grand Street) or another facility—some injuries don’t appear immediately
9. Report to your insurance company but be cautious about recorded statements
10. Keep all records including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence
11. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney before accepting any settlement offers

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, and serious injuries often exceed coverage.

Lawsuit Threshold

Your policy includes either a “limitation on lawsuit” (verbal threshold) or “no limitation on lawsuit” option. The verbal threshold limits your ability to sue unless your injuries meet certain severity criteria—permanent injury, significant scarring, or displaced fractures.

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 Jersey City’s roads.

Compensation Available in Jersey City Car Accident Cases

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

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Emergency care at Jersey City Medical Center, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, future medical needs
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, personal belongings

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from your injuries
• 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 Jersey City car accident, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Our Jersey City Auto Accident Lawyers

We Know Jersey City’s Roads: From the congested Holland Tunnel approaches to the dangerous curves on the Pulaski Skyway, we understand the specific hazards that cause Jersey City accidents. This knowledge helps us investigate crashes thoroughly and build compelling cases.

Hudson County Court Experience: We regularly handle auto accident cases at the Hudson County Superior Court at 595 Newark Avenue. We know the procedures, the judges, and how to present cases effectively to Jersey City juries.

Aggressive Against Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters try to minimize payouts. We fight back with thorough documentation, expert witnesses, 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 Results: We’ve recovered millions for auto accident victims throughout New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Jersey City? 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 over time.

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 can be used against your claim. It’s best to consult with an attorney before giving any recorded statements.

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 can help you navigate this process and maximize your recovery.

Q: How much is my Jersey City car accident case worth? A: Case values vary widely depending on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific situation and give you an 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: I was rear-ended in Holland Tunnel traffic. Is it always the other driver’s fault? A: Generally, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is presumed to be at fault for following too closely. However, insurance companies may try to argue shared fault. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Q: What if my accident was caused by a pothole or road defect? A: You may have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. These claims have special requirements and shorter deadlines, so contact an attorney promptly.

Contact Our Jersey City 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 Routes 1&9, the Pulaski Skyway, near the Holland Tunnel, or anywhere in Jersey City, 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 • Serving Jersey City and All of Hudson County

Our experienced auto accident attorneys are ready to investigate your crash, deal with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation under New Jersey law.

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Proudly serving car accident victims in Jersey City and throughout New Jersey including Hoboken, Bayonne, Union City, Newark, Elizabeth, and all Hudson County communities.