Auto Accident Lawyer in Newark, NJ

Newark’s roads are among the most dangerous in New Jersey. With Route 21 and I-280 ranked among the state’s ten deadliest highways, plus heavy traffic on I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Routes 1 & 9, serious car accidents happen daily throughout Essex County. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Newark, the experienced car accident lawyers at Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Newark’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:

Route 21 (McCarter Highway)

Route 21 is the seventh most dangerous road in New Jersey, with 24.4 annual fatalities per 100 miles. Running along the Passaic River from southern Newark to Paterson, it connects US Routes 1, 9, and 22 with I-78 in the south and I-280 in the north. The road’s design, with frequent merges and exits, contributes to its high accident rate.

I-280

With 23.8 annual fatalities per 100 miles, I-280 ranks among New Jersey’s deadliest interstate highways. Crossing Newark east to west, it connects I-80 with I-95 and carries heavy commuter traffic. Complex interchange patterns and high speeds make this corridor particularly hazardous.

I-78

This major interstate carries thousands of daily commuters between Newark and New York City. High speeds, heavy congestion during rush hours, and aggressive driving contribute to frequent accidents. The interchange with I-95 near Newark Airport is an especially dangerous stretch.

Routes 1 & 9

The Route 1/9 corridor from Woodbridge through Newark has some of the most dangerous entrances and exits in the state. The stretch from Linden to Newark Airport is notorious for accidents due to poor sightlines and outdated road design. Many drivers consider this one of the most treacherous commutes in New Jersey.

New Jersey Turnpike (Eastern Spur)

The Eastern Spur between Newark and Kearny experiences chronic congestion and volume-related delays. Interchange 14 (Newark Airport) and the merge points between the Eastern and Western Spurs see frequent collisions.

Common Causes of Newark Car Accidents

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

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use remains a leading cause of accidents in Newark. Despite New Jersey’s hands-free law, drivers continue texting, making calls, and using apps while driving on Route 21, I-280, and city streets.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

High speeds on Newark’s highways turn minor mistakes into serious crashes. Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage incidents are common on congested routes like I-78 and the Turnpike.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

Alcohol-related crashes continue to claim lives on Newark roads. Recent fatal accidents on I-280 have involved drivers charged with vehicular homicide due to intoxication.

Poor Road Conditions

Newark’s aging infrastructure contributes to accidents. Potholes, unclear lane markings, malfunctioning traffic signals, and inadequate signage create hazards throughout the city.

Commercial Truck Accidents

With Port Newark and Newark Airport generating constant commercial traffic, large truck accidents are common. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

Rideshare and Taxi Accidents

The heavy concentration of Uber, Lyft, and taxi traffic around Newark Penn Station and Newark Airport leads to accidents involving professional drivers. These cases often involve complex insurance issues.

Dangerous Newark Intersections and Areas

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

Broad Street and Market Street

This intersection in downtown Newark is one of the city’s busiest, with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The complex traffic patterns and high volume lead to frequent collisions.

Newark Penn Station Area

The blocks surrounding Newark Penn Station are accident hotspots. Constant movement of cars, taxis, buses, and rideshares picking up and dropping off passengers creates chaotic conditions. Pedestrian accidents are particularly common in this area.

Market Street near Prudential Center

During concerts, Devils games, and other events, this area becomes extremely congested. The sudden influx of traffic overwhelms the local streets, leading to fender-benders and more serious crashes.

Washington Street, Central Avenue, and Clinton Avenue

These major arterials running through Newark’s neighborhoods see high accident rates due to heavy traffic, frequent stop-and-go conditions, and pedestrians crossing mid-block.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Our Newark 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 Newark’s highways and local roads
• Pedestrian accidents throughout downtown Newark and residential neighborhoods
• Bicycle accidents as Newark 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
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage
• Multi-vehicle pileups common on I-78, I-280, and the Turnpike

What to Do After a Car Accident in Newark

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 Newark Police at (973) 733-6000 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 even if you feel fine—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 Newark’s roads.

Compensation Available in Newark Car Accident Cases

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

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, 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 Newark car accident, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Our Newark Auto Accident Lawyers

We Know Newark’s Roads: From the dangerous curves on Route 21 to the congested interchange at I-78 and I-95, we understand the specific hazards that cause Newark accidents. This knowledge helps us investigate crashes thoroughly and build compelling cases.

Essex County Court Experience: We regularly handle auto accident cases in the Essex County Superior Court at the Historic Courthouse on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. We know the procedures, the judges, and how to present cases effectively to Newark 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 Newark? 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 Newark 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: Do I need a police report for my accident claim? A: A police report isn’t legally required to file a claim, but it’s extremely valuable evidence. If police didn’t respond to your accident, you can file a report at the Newark Police Department.

Contact Our Newark 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 Route 21, I-280, I-78, or anywhere in Newark, 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 Newark and All of Essex 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 Newark and throughout New Jersey including Elizabeth, Jersey City, Paterson, Plainfield, Union Township, and all Essex County communities.