Auto Accident Lawyer in Union Township, NJ

Route 22 through Union Township is one of the most dangerous roads in New Jersey. The stretch from Jefferson Avenue to Madison Avenue alone averages 246 crashes per year—one of the highest accident rates in the state. Add I-78 running through the township, the Garden State Parkway at Exit 140, and busy local roads like Morris Avenue and Vauxhall Road, and it’s clear why Union Township sees so many serious car accidents. When you’ve been hurt in a crash, you need attorneys who understand these roads and know how to fight for maximum compensation.

Route 22: New Jersey’s Deadliest Commercial Corridor

Route 22 through Union Township is notorious for accidents. Statistics tell a sobering story:

• 3,277 total collisions on Route 22 statewide
• 466 accidents with 95 injuries in the worst section near Union Township
• 246 crashes per year on average from Jefferson Avenue to Madison Avenue
• 45-50 mph speed limits on a congested commercial road

Why Route 22 is So Dangerous

The combination of factors on Route 22 creates a perfect storm for accidents:

• Jughandle intersections: Drivers unfamiliar with New Jersey’s unique turning system make dangerous mistakes
• Commercial driveways: Every few hundred feet, vehicles enter and exit businesses, creating conflict points
• Speed differential: Traffic moves at highway speeds between stoplights, then slows suddenly
• Aggressive driving: Impatient commuters weave between lanes and tailgate
• Truck traffic: Commercial vehicles serving warehouses and retailers create blind spots and stopping distance issues
• Distracted drivers: Motorists looking at storefronts, checking GPS, or using phones
• Complex lane changes: Multiple lanes with frequent merging requirements

Recent Route 22 Fatalities in Union Township

Tragic accidents continue to occur on Route 22:

• July 2025: A driver was killed in an early-morning crash on Route 22 East near Vauxhall Road after losing control and colliding with a telephone pole
• March 2025: A cyclist was fatally struck at Route 22 and Springfield Avenue and became trapped under a vehicle
• October 2024: 27 people were injured when a BMW collided head-on with an NJ Transit bus

These aren’t just statistics—they’re Union Township families devastated by preventable accidents.

Why Choose a Union County Auto Accident Attorney

Our office at 1150 Raritan Road in Cranford is located just minutes from Union Township. This proximity gives us critical advantages:

• We Know These Roads: We understand Route 22’s jughandle confusion, I-78’s merge points, and the dangerous intersections throughout Union Township
• Union County Court Experience: We regularly handle auto accident cases at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth
• Local Investigation Resources: We work with accident reconstructionists familiar with Union Township’s roads
• Accessible Location: Meet with your attorney without traveling to Newark while recovering from injuries
• Rapid Response: We can visit accident scenes in Union Township quickly when needed

Union Township’s Most Dangerous Roads

Beyond Route 22, Union Township has multiple high-accident locations:

Interstate 78

I-78 runs through Union Township, connecting to the Holland Tunnel and points west. Statistics show:

• 2,915 total crashes on I-78 with 604 injuries
• 203 collisions in Union Township alone, with 46 injuries
• High-speed traffic mixed with heavy trucks from Port Newark
• Complex merges with Route 22 and the Garden State Parkway

Garden State Parkway (Exit 140)

Exit 140 connects the Parkway to Route 22 and Route 82 (Morris Avenue):

• Complex interchange creates confusion
• Heavy volume during rush hours
• Merge conflicts with high-speed Parkway traffic
• Accidents on ramps and in immediate vicinity

Morris Avenue (Route 82)

This major arterial near Kean University sees heavy traffic:

• A serious crash at Morris Avenue and Green Lane near Kean University left three injured, including one in critical condition
• Commercial and university traffic creates constant hazards
• Pedestrian and bicycle conflicts near campus
• Multiple signalized intersections

Vauxhall Road

Running north-south through the township:

• Intersection with Route 22 is a known fatality location
• Heavy residential and commercial traffic
• Connects to Irvington and major routes

Jersey Street and Spring Street

This intersection has high accident statistics due to:

• Poor road conditions
• Inadequate lighting
• Confusing traffic patterns

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Union Township

Our auto accident attorneys handle cases involving all types of crash scenarios:

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use, GPS navigation, and in-car distractions cause countless accidents on Route 22 and other Union Township roads. Despite New Jersey’s hands-free law, drivers continue texting and making calls.

Speeding

Route 22’s 45-50 mph speed limits are frequently exceeded, turning minor mistakes into serious crashes. Aggressive driving on I-78 compounds the problem.

Failure to Yield

Many Union Township accidents occur when drivers:

• Make unsafe turns at jughandle intersections
• Fail to yield when entering Route 22 from commercial driveways
• Merge improperly onto I-78 or the Parkway
• Run red lights at Morris Avenue intersections

Drunk and Impaired Driving

DWI crashes occur throughout Union Township, particularly late at night on Route 22 and near the township’s restaurants and bars.

Truck Accidents

Route 22’s commercial corridor sees constant truck traffic serving warehouses, retailers, and distribution centers. Commercial vehicle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to size and weight differences.

Weather-Related Accidents

New Jersey weather creates hazardous conditions:

• Ice and snow on Route 22 and I-78
• Wet pavement reducing stopping distances
• Poor visibility during storms
• Black ice on elevated sections

Types of Auto Accidents We Handle

Our Union Township car accident lawyers represent victims in all types of motor vehicle crashes:

• Car-on-car collisions: Rear-end, side-impact, T-bone, and head-on crashes
• Truck accidents: Commercial vehicles on Route 22, I-78, and the Parkway
• Motorcycle accidents: Riders injured by negligent drivers
• Pedestrian accidents: Walkers struck in parking lots or crossing streets
• Bicycle accidents: Including the tragic fatality at Route 22 and Springfield Avenue
• Hit-and-run accidents: When at-fault drivers flee the scene
• Uber, Lyft, and taxi accidents: Rideshare vehicle crashes
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims: When at-fault drivers lack adequate coverage
• Multi-vehicle pileups: Chain-reaction crashes on I-78 and Route 22
• Parking lot accidents: Collisions at Route 22 shopping centers

What to Do After a Car Accident in Union Township

The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your case:

At the Scene

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention
2. Move to safety if possible—Route 22 traffic doesn’t stop for accidents
3. Call Union Township Police to report the accident
4. Exchange information with other drivers
5. Document everything: Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and injuries
6. Get witness information including names and phone numbers
7. Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you think you contributed

After the Scene

8. Seek medical attention immediately—Overlook Medical Center’s Union Campus at 1000 Galloping Hill Road provides 24/7 emergency care
9. Report to your insurance company but be cautious about recorded statements
10. Keep all records including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence
11. Don’t accept quick settlements from insurance companies
12. Contact an auto accident attorney: Call (908) 232-2040 for a free consultation

Understanding New Jersey Auto Insurance

New Jersey has unique auto insurance laws:

No-Fault Insurance (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection pays your medical expenses regardless of fault, but coverage limits (typically $15,000-$250,000) are often exceeded in serious accidents.

Lawsuit Threshold

Your policy includes either:

• Verbal threshold: Limits lawsuits unless injuries are permanent, cause significant scarring, or involve displaced fractures
• No limitation: Allows lawsuits for any injury

Most drivers choose the verbal threshold to save on premiums but face restrictions after serious accidents.

Comparative Negligence

New Jersey allows recovery if you’re less than 50% at fault, but compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.

Compensation in Union Township Car Accident Cases

Depending on your accident, you may recover:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Emergency care at Overlook Union Campus, surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery
• Loss of earning capacity: Long-term impact on your ability to work
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries (subject to lawsuit threshold)
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, PTSD, depression from the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent physical changes

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a Union Township car accident, surviving family may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Union Township Residents Trust Our Auto Accident Lawyers

We Know Route 22: We understand the specific hazards that cause Union Township accidents—the jughandles, the commercial driveways, the merge points. This knowledge helps us investigate and present cases effectively.

Union County Court Experience: We regularly handle auto accident cases at the Union County Courthouse. We know the judges, procedures, and how to present cases to Union County juries.

Aggressive Against Insurance Companies: Insurers try to minimize payouts. We fight back with thorough investigation, expert witnesses, and a willingness to go to trial.

No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront—attorney fees come only from successful recoveries.

Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions for auto accident victims throughout Union County.

Bilingual Services: Se habla español. We serve Union Township’s diverse community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Union Township? A: New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date for personal injury claims, six years for property damage. Don’t delay—evidence disappears quickly.

Q: Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? A: Be cautious. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. Consult an attorney before giving recorded statements.

Q: What if the accident happened on Route 22? A: Route 22 accidents involve the same legal process as local road crashes but may require specialized investigation. We handle Route 22 cases regularly and understand the road’s unique hazards.

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. We’ll help maximize your recovery.

Q: How much is my Union Township car accident case worth? A: Values vary based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and whether you have the verbal threshold. Contact us for a free evaluation.

Q: What if I was partially at fault? A: You can still recover if you were less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.

Contact Your Union Township Auto Accident Attorneys

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 on Route 22, I-78, the Garden State Parkway, or anywhere in Union Township, 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 • Just Minutes from Union Township

Your car accident injury deserves serious attention from attorneys who know these dangerous roads. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

---

Proudly serving car accident victims in Union Township and throughout Union County, including Cranford, Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Westfield, Summit, and all neighboring communities.