Auto Accident Lawyer in Paterson, NJ

Paterson’s roads present serious dangers for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. With Interstate 80 cutting through the city on an elevated viaduct, Route 19 connecting the Garden State Parkway to downtown, and Route 20 carrying heavy local traffic, serious car accidents happen regularly throughout Passaic County. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Paterson, the experienced car accident lawyers at Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Paterson’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:

Interstate 80

I-80 runs through Paterson on an elevated viaduct, carrying high-speed traffic between New York City and points west. The interchange with Route 19 is particularly hazardous, with complex merging patterns and vehicles accelerating and decelerating rapidly. The Madison Avenue exit area (near Exit 60) sees frequent collisions, including multi-vehicle pileups and fatal crashes. Speeding, improper lane changes, and tailgating are common violations on this corridor.

Route 19 (Paterson Peripheral)

This 3-mile state highway connects the Garden State Parkway to I-80 and downtown Paterson. Between Route 46 in Clifton and I-80, Route 19 operates as a freeway with higher speeds. The transition from freeway to local streets catches many drivers off guard, leading to rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes.

Route 20 (McLean Boulevard)

Route 20 carries heavy traffic through Paterson’s commercial and residential areas. Tailgating is a chronic problem on this congested corridor, and the mix of local traffic with through traffic creates dangerous conditions, particularly during rush hours.

Route 46

While technically in neighboring Clifton, Route 46’s proximity to Paterson means many Paterson residents travel this busy highway. The intersection with Route 19 and the approaches to I-80 are accident-prone areas.

Downtown Streets

Market Street, Main Street, Broadway, and the streets around the Great Falls Historic District experience high accident rates. Heavy traffic volume, one-way street confusion, and the mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and mopeds create challenging driving conditions.

Dangerous Paterson Intersections

Beyond the highways, certain Paterson intersections see disproportionately high accident rates:

Lakeview Avenue and Crooks Avenue

This intersection on the Paterson-Clifton border has been identified as particularly dangerous due to the lack of dedicated turn lanes or turn signals. Residents have long complained about safety issues, and a traffic study is underway—though accidents continue to occur while improvements are pending.

Cianci Street and Market Street

This downtown intersection sees heavy commercial and pedestrian traffic. The mix of large commercial vehicles and smaller mopeds and scooters has led to serious and fatal accidents, particularly during evening hours when visibility is reduced.

Madison Avenue Area

Near the I-80 exit, Madison Avenue handles traffic transitioning between the highway and local streets. The speed differential between highway traffic and local traffic creates dangerous conditions.

Main Street and Broadway

These major downtown corridors experience frequent accidents due to heavy traffic, pedestrian crossings, and the concentration of commercial activity.

Common Causes of Paterson Car Accidents

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

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding is a frequent problem on Paterson’s highways, particularly on I-80, Route 19, and Route 20. High speeds turn minor mistakes into serious crashes, and tailgating on congested roads leads to chain-reaction collisions.

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use remains a leading cause of accidents in Paterson. Despite New Jersey’s hands-free law, drivers continue texting, making calls, and using apps while navigating the city’s busy streets.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

Alcohol-related crashes continue to claim lives on Paterson roads. Our firm has handled cases involving drivers charged with DUI following serious and fatal accidents.

Poor Road Conditions

Paterson’s aging infrastructure contributes to accidents. Potholes, unclear lane markings, construction zones, and inadequate signage create hazards. Winter snow and ice increase the risk of skidding and losing control.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Paterson’s commercial districts and proximity to major highways bring constant truck traffic. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity.

Moped and Scooter Accidents

An increasing concern in Paterson, mopeds and scooters share tight streets with much larger vehicles. These vulnerable road users face serious injury risks, particularly at busy intersections.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Our Paterson 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 Paterson’s highways and local roads
• Pedestrian accidents throughout downtown Paterson and residential neighborhoods
• Moped and scooter accidents at crowded intersections
• 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-80 and Route 19

What to Do After a Car Accident in Paterson

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 Paterson Police at (973) 321-1111 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 Paterson’s roads.

Medical Care After a Paterson Car Accident

After an accident in Paterson, you may receive treatment at:

St. Joseph’s University Medical Center

Located in Paterson, St. Joseph’s is a 651-bed regional academic medical center and state-designated trauma center. For serious auto accident injuries, this facility provides:

• 24-hour trauma care
• Emergency surgery capabilities
• Orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists
• Comprehensive rehabilitation services

Nearby Facilities

• Hackensack University Medical Center
• Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains
• St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center
• General Hospital Center at Passaic

Compensation Available in Paterson 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 Paterson car accident, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Our Paterson Auto Accident Lawyers

We Know Paterson’s Roads: From the dangerous I-80 viaduct to the congested intersections downtown, we understand the specific hazards that cause Paterson accidents. This knowledge helps us investigate crashes thoroughly and build compelling cases.

Passaic County Court Experience: We regularly handle auto accident cases in the Passaic County Superior Court at 77 Hamilton Street. We know the procedures, the judges, and how to present cases effectively to Passaic County 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 Paterson? 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 Paterson 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 Paterson Police Department.

Contact Our Paterson 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 I-80, Route 19, Route 20, or anywhere in Paterson, 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 Paterson and All of Passaic 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 Paterson and throughout New Jersey including Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne, and all Passaic County communities.