Auto Accident Lawyer in Westfield, NJ

Westfield’s busy roads see thousands of vehicles daily—commuters heading to the train station, shoppers navigating downtown parking, and through-traffic on Central Avenue, North Avenue, and South Avenue. When car accidents happen in Westfield, whether at a downtown intersection or on the roads connecting to the Garden State Parkway, the experienced auto accident lawyers at Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Westfield’s High-Traffic Roads and Accident Areas

Understanding where accidents happen most frequently helps explain the risks Westfield drivers face:

Central Avenue

As the primary route connecting Westfield to Garden State Parkway Exit 135, Central Avenue carries heavy traffic through residential areas. Speeding, distracted driving, and improper lane changes are common violations on this corridor. The mix of through-traffic heading to the Parkway and local trips to downtown creates congestion and accident risk.

North Avenue (Route 28)

Running east-west through northern Westfield, North Avenue is a major commercial corridor that connects to Cranford and Garwood to the east and Scotch Plains to the west. The intersection at North Avenue and Tuttle Parkway has seen serious accidents, including a fatal pedestrian crash that highlighted the dangers of crossings lacking adequate traffic control.

South Avenue

Paralleling the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line, South Avenue carries significant commuter traffic to and from Westfield Station. The Westfield traffic circle where South Avenue meets other roads is a challenging navigation point that sees regular accidents. Rush hour congestion around the train station creates additional hazards.

Downtown Business District

The heart of Westfield—East Broad Street, Elm Street, Quimby Street, and surrounding blocks—presents unique driving challenges. Drivers searching for parking, pedestrians crossing streets, delivery trucks making stops, and the general congestion of a busy shopping district all contribute to accident risk. Parking lot accidents are common behind downtown businesses.

Residential Neighborhoods

Westfield’s beautiful residential streets through Wychwood, Indian Forest, Stoneleigh Park, and other neighborhoods see accidents involving speeding vehicles, distracted drivers, and children or pedestrians. Stop sign violations and failure to yield are common causes of crashes in these areas.

Common Causes of Westfield Car Accidents

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

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use remains a leading cause of accidents in Westfield. Despite New Jersey’s hands-free law, drivers continue texting, making calls, and using navigation apps while driving through downtown and on local roads.

Speeding

Central Avenue, North Avenue, and South Avenue all see speeders despite posted limits. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity, particularly in areas with pedestrian activity.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol-related crashes occur in Westfield, particularly late at night on roads connecting to restaurants and bars. Impaired driving puts everyone at risk on local roads.

Failure to Yield

The intersection of North Avenue and Tuttle Parkway, crosswalks in downtown Westfield, and residential stop signs all see accidents caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way.

Weather-Related Accidents

New Jersey winters bring ice and snow that make Westfield’s roads hazardous. Central Avenue’s hills and curves become particularly dangerous in winter conditions.

Parking Lot Accidents

Downtown Westfield’s municipal lots and private parking areas behind businesses see regular fender-benders and more serious accidents, particularly during busy shopping periods.

Dangerous Westfield Intersections

Certain Westfield intersections see disproportionately high accident rates:

North Avenue and Tuttle Parkway

This intersection has a documented history of serious accidents, including pedestrian fatalities. The combination of vehicle speed and pedestrian crossings creates ongoing risk that demands caution from all road users.

Central Avenue and North Avenue

The convergence of two major traffic corridors creates complex traffic patterns. Vehicles making turns, pedestrians crossing, and the high volume of traffic all contribute to accident risk.

South Avenue at the Traffic Circle

The Westfield traffic circle where South Avenue meets connecting roads is challenging for many drivers. Confusion about right-of-way, failure to yield, and improper merging cause regular accidents.

East Broad Street and Elm Street

In the heart of downtown, this busy intersection sees heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Distracted pedestrians, drivers searching for parking, and delivery vehicles create hazardous conditions.

Mountain Avenue Crossings

Mountain Avenue’s intersections with residential streets see accidents involving speeding vehicles and pedestrians, particularly near schools and parks.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Our Westfield 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
• Pedestrian accidents in downtown Westfield and residential neighborhoods
• Bicycle accidents on Westfield’s streets and roads
• Parking lot accidents in downtown municipal lots and commercial properties
• Hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver fled the scene
• Uber, Lyft, and taxi accidents particularly near Westfield Station
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage
• Multi-vehicle accidents on Central Avenue, North Avenue, and South Avenue
• Motorcycle accidents throughout Westfield and Union County

What to Do After a Car Accident in Westfield

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 Westfield Police at (908) 789-4000 or 911 for serious accidents
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. Overlook Medical Center in Summit is the nearest major hospital.
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. Given the variety of drivers on Westfield’s roads, this coverage is highly recommended.

Compensation Available in Westfield Car Accident Cases

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

Economic Damages

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

Why Choose Our Westfield Auto Accident Lawyers

We Know Westfield’s Roads: From the busy intersections of Central Avenue to the challenging traffic circle on South Avenue, we understand the specific hazards that cause Westfield accidents. This knowledge helps us investigate crashes thoroughly and build compelling cases.

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

Convenient Location: Our Cranford office at 1150 Raritan Road is less than 10 minutes from downtown Westfield, making consultations easy and accessible.

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 Westfield? 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: I was in a parking lot accident in downtown Westfield. Do I have a case? A: Parking lot accidents can result in valid claims. Fault determination depends on the specific circumstances—who had the right of way, whether either driver was distracted, and other factors. We can evaluate your situation during a free consultation.

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 Westfield 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.

Contact Our Westfield 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 Central Avenue, North Avenue, South Avenue, or anywhere in Westfield, 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 Westfield and All of Union 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 Westfield and throughout New Jersey including Cranford, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Mountainside, Garwood, Summit, and all Union County communities.