Were You In A Car Crash? Our New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys Can Help.
Last updated on May 27, 2026
New Jersey had more than 585 fatal traffic accidents in 2023, according to the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit. The result is that more people are experiencing long-term health challenges after car accidents. Not only are they left to navigate the medical system on their own, but they can also be easily overwhelmed with bills and other financial challenges.
At Benjamin M. Del Vento, P.A., you are not alone. At our law office in Livingston, our team of car accident lawyers stands with you and fights to keep you healthy – physically and financially. Our firm dates back over 50 years, with all the experience and fortitude that entails.
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New Jersey Crash Data: What The Numbers Reveal
Recent trends show some improvement in New Jersey road safety, with the state recording 547 fatal crashes in 2025. This marks a 16% decrease from the previous year. These accidents claimed 582 lives, including drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Despite this positive shift, New Jersey faces significant traffic safety challenges. The state reports around 359 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, substantially higher than the national average of 208. This places New Jersey among the states with the highest crash rates in the United States.
Urban areas tend to see more traffic collisions, with counties like Essex, Hudson and Passaic exceeding the rate of 500 per 100 million vehicle miles.
In Livingston, Route 10 continues to see frequent accidents, particularly at its intersections with Eisenhower Parkway and South Livingston Avenue. The junction of South Orange Avenue and Walnut Street also reports numerous collisions yearly. Interstate 280, which runs along Livingston’s southern edge, ranks as one of the area’s most hazardous roads.
What You Need To Know About Car Accidents In New Jersey
Car crashes come in many forms; below are the most often seen types of car crashes, mostly occurring due to distraction, drowsiness or impairment:
- Head-on collisions – Two vehicles traveling in opposing directions collide, or one driver is driving the wrong way.
- Rear-end collisions – One vehicle slamming into the rear of the one in front of it.
- T-bone collisions – The front of one vehicle striking the side of another, often caused by running a red light or failing to stop or slow down at a red light or stop sign.
- Sideswipe collisions – A vehicle crashes into another car’s side, which occurs when a driver fails to clear a blind spot, doesn’t look in the rearview or side mirror before changing lanes or allows a vehicle to drift.
- Rollover collisions – A vehicle flipping over during an accident with a high rate of fatalities.
These consequences often involve broken bones, spine injuries, brain trauma or severe wounds and lacerations. The results can be even worse for commercial vehicle accidents or multicar pileups.
The Devastating Injuries Of Car Crashes
Every driver will likely experience a fender-bender at some point. Major crashes, however, can cause life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries that our team has seen among our clients include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Amputation
- Partial or complete paralysis
The severity of these injuries can permanently damage your quality of life and your ability to work. The medical treatment for such injuries can also result in thousands of dollars in expenses.
You Cannot Rely On Fair Treatment From Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are well aware of the reasons accidents happen but are reluctant to pay for the expensive injuries that follow. Our car accident lawyers hold them responsible for a fair and complete settlement. This frequently includes financial compensation for medical bills, ongoing care needs, lost wages and other expenses related to your injuries that can result from:
- Commercial vehicle accidents – When a more significant and heavier commercial vehicle collides with a car, the aftermath involves devastating injuries for the driver and any passengers in the smaller vehicle. These types of accident claims are known for being more complicated, particularly when considering defendants who are influential companies with large legal teams. These powerful entities will not hesitate to wield their power, focusing on minimizing the compensation you are entitled to.
- Motorcycle accidents – Many find motorcycle riding to be an enjoyable activity. However, it lacks the driver protection that comes with cars and trucks, which often fail to see motorcyclists. Collisions between the two can violently throw riders from their bikes, resulting in potentially catastrophic and life-changing injuries, not to mention potential fatalities. A lack of helmet use can make a bad situation worse.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents – Pedestrians and bicyclists face risks from motorists when walking or biking. In a split second, a speeding vehicle operated by a distracted driver can result in severe and potentially deadly injuries. For far too many accident victims, the outcome could range from broken bones and loss of a limb to paralysis and death.
In the decades we have been practicing injury law at Del Vento Law, we have come to learn the full extent of these and other injuries and what they are worth.
Determining Liability In New Jersey Car Accidents
When involved in a car accident in New Jersey, determining liability is a critical step toward securing compensation for injuries and losses. Multiple parties could be responsible, and liability is generally determined through a comprehensive investigation into the accident’s circumstances.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Drivers: Most commonly, involved drivers carry accident and injury liability, especially if they were engaging in negligent behaviors such as speeding or driving under the influence.
- Trucking companies: If the accident involves a commercial truck, the trucking company could be liable if they employed a negligent driver or failed to maintain their fleet properly.
- Employers: If the accident involved a work vehicle or task, the employer may be liable if the driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the crash.
- Government entities: Poorly maintained roads, defective traffic signals or unclear signage can contribute to accidents, often making the involved government entity legally responsible.
- Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect or faulty auto part caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be held liable for resulting injuries.
Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing police reports help establish liability, which is essential for a successful compensation claim.
Compensation For Car Accidents And Injuries
Car accident victims in New Jersey can receive various forms of compensation based on their injury severity and case specifics. Here are some examples of potential damages:
- Medical expenses: Coverage of your accident-related medical expenses, such as current and future medical bills, hospitalization and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If accident injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income due to the accident injuries.
- Pain and suffering damages: This is additional compensation meant to cover the long-term costs of severe injuries, such as ongoing physical pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Most likely, you are eligible for compensation to address the repair or replacement of damaged vehicles and property.
Severe and catastrophic injuries often yield higher compensation due to the victims’ need for long-term care and extensive medical treatments.
How Long Do Those Affected By New Jersey Crashes Have To File A Claim?
The people affected by a New Jersey car crash typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. The same basic statute of limitations applies to both personal injury lawsuits brought directly by injured parties and wrongful death lawsuits brought by those who lost a family member in a New Jersey car crash.
If the claim relates solely to property damage and not to injuries, then plaintiffs may potentially have up to six years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit pursuing compensation. In scenarios involving government entity liability, the attorney representing the affected parties must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. There are exceptions available in cases involving the delayed discovery of an injury or where the injured party was a minor at the time of the crash.
What Factors Affect The Value Of A New Jersey Car Accident Claim?
The amount of compensation available during a New Jersey car crash claim depends on unique details about the collision. Whether the compensation comes from insurance or a lawsuit can also impact the total amount recovered.
For those filing an insurance claim, the policy limits of the driver at fault and their own no-fault coverage can have an impact on the compensation available to them. Beyond that, details about the collision itself may influence the amount of damages people can recover.
- The factors that may influence the final damages awarded include:
- The severity of injuries, including the likelihood of permanent symptoms and disfigurement
- The make and model of the vehicle
- Other property damage losses
- Current and likely future medical expenses
- Adherence to medical recommendations, as refusing treatment may make the injured party partially responsible for their prognosis
- Partial fault, as modified comparative negligence rules allow for a reduction in the final damages awarded
Estimating the amount of damages to request and the amount of compensation that insurance providers or the courts may award the injured party can be difficult. Our team at NAPNAME can help you estimate your current and future losses to pursue an appropriate amount of compensation from the driver at fault or outside parties that may be partially liable.
The Steps That Should Follow A Car Accident
There are several things that you can do to maximize your financial compensation after a car crash. These steps can also make the claims process much less stressful. Try to follow this list after a motor vehicle accident of any kind:
- Get medical treatment immediately. Remember, not all injuries appear immediately, so you should get help even if you think you are fine.
- Contact the police. You should have the police write an incident report so you have formal documentation from law enforcement.
- Get the name, insurance information, and contact information of the other driver and any witnesses available.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. These can be very helpful when demonstrating the severity of a crash and which party is at fault.
Another important step is to consult a personal injury lawyer. The insurance companies of the drivers involved will try to contact you at some point to get your statement. You should always have representation from an attorney before speaking with them, as they frequently try to get you to admit liability.
The Del Vento Law Difference: Proven Approach To Car Accident Cases
When life changes in an instant after a serious car crash, who you choose to represent you matters. Our team brings over 50 years of legal practice to each case we handle.
Our attorneys work as a unified team on your case, bringing multiple perspectives to develop a strategy that puts your recovery first. You will always know where your case stands through clear updates in language that makes sense to you. We believe in honest conversations from day one, including straightforward discussions about your case’s strengths and what outcomes you can realistically expect.
While insurance companies rush to settle quickly, we take time to document all your damages thoroughly. Our reputation in New Jersey’s legal community means opposing parties know we come prepared. Throughout your case, we remain by your side, fighting for the compensation you truly deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents In New Jersey
At Benjamin M. Del Vento, P.A., we help victims of motor vehicle accidents all over the state recover their losses and get the compensation they need. When you’ve been injured in a car accident, we know that you likely have some questions. Below, we answer some of the most common questions we hear to get you started.
What is considered a serious car accident in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a serious car accident involves injuries that may have led to disfigurement, permanent lacerations, dismemberment, bone fractures or permanent disabilities. Victims sustaining serious injuries rarely recover fully and often suffer from lifelong medical conditions. After a serious auto accident, victims may be able to seek the maximum damages for medical expenses, equipment and their long-term care. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should speak with our New Jersey auto accident attorneys to begin building your case.
What should I do after a serious car or truck accident?
The first thing you should do is call 911 and get immediate medical attention. Everything else is secondary. Once you have obtained medical care, you need to call an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. They can handle the interactions with the insurance companies on your behalf, gather evidence in support of your claim and protect your interests.
How soon should I see a doctor after a serious car accident?
Whether you believe you were injured after a car accident or not, you should see your doctor immediately after an auto accident. You may be unknowingly suffering from hidden injuries. Hidden injuries are not easily identifiable and can take days to weeks after an accident to show signs. After you have been given medical help for your injuries, you should consider talking to a New Jersey auto accident attorney to begin your case as soon as possible.
Should I speak to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. If you talk to the other driver’s insurance company, they may ask targeted questions and gather information they can use to lower the amount of compensation you are offered. Instead, you should let one of our lawyers at Del Vento Law talk to the insurance companies on your behalf. Unlike insurance companies, we have your best interests in mind.
What can I do if I was involved in a car accident where the other driver has no insurance?
If the other driver in an auto accident did not have insurance, then you could still recover compensation for your injuries and losses by filing an uninsured/underinsured driver claim with your insurance company. You may also still have the right to sue the other driver for compensation.
What is the one thing you must never do after a car accident?
Never admit fault after a car accident. Admitting fault in an auto accident could prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries and losses.
How long after a car accident can you file a claim in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations in New Jersey, which controls how long you have to file a lawsuit, is only two years. Do not wait until the last moment, however, to seek legal guidance or take action.
Is New Jersey a no-fault car accident state?
New Jersey is a no-fault state. That means that medical coverage for your injuries are provided by your own insurance company, no matter who is at fault. Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance may also provide lost wages. Generally, your right to sue is determined by what type of car insurance policy you selected and whether or not you have permanent injuries.
Should I get a car accident attorney after a serious car accident in New Jersey?
You should always get a car accident attorney after a serious wreck. It takes legal experience and knowledge to understand all potential avenues of compensation after a serious crash.
Do I have to report an accident to my insurance company in New Jersey?
Since New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, you must report a car accident to your own insurance if you want to recover your losses.
Benefit From Our Experience And Insight
Our goal as your legal representation is to make you whole by securing a settlement that accurately reflects these consequences. We also help surviving families get compensation when these accidents prove to be fatal. Let our car accident lawyers be your advocates; call 973-869-5325 or send us an email using our online form.