Burlington County Car Accident Attorneys
With nearly a half million residents and growing, Burlington County is one of the fastest-growing counties in New Jersey. In large part, this is due to the central proximity to Philadelphia, New York, and the shore, as well as the fact that many cities in Burlington County boast some of the best schools in the state. However, Burlington County’s popularity has resulted in a tremendous amount of traffic. What’s worse, the county’s older roads are not necessarily equipped to handle such a volume of traffic, creating frustrating and dangerous driving conditions.
At the law firm of Petrillo & Goldberg, we’ve assembled a dedicated team of Burlington County car accident lawyers who are committed to recovering maximum compensation on behalf of our clients and their loved ones. We’ve been handling complex and high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death claims in Burlington County for more than 25 years and have recovered more than $120 million for our clients.
Burlington County Car Accident Statistics
Burlington County is no stranger to serious—and even fatal—car accidents. In fact, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, there are an average of between 9,000 and 13,000 Burlington County car accidents each year. For example, in 2021, which is the most recent year for which the New Jersey Department of Transportation has released data, there were 2,182 car accidents resulting in one or more injuries and 40 resulting in one or more deaths.
Burlington County is the eleventh most populated state and is also ranked eleventh in terms of total car accidents. However, Burlington County experiences more than its share of fatal car accidents compared to other counties. For example, in 2021, Burlington County was ranked seventh in the state for fatal car accidents. In large part this is due to the fact that there are several large highways, including I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike, as well as an overall higher speed limit due to more rural areas being included within county lines.
High-Risk Areas for Car Accidents in Burlington County, NJ
Burlington County has many roads and highways that present very real dangers for motorists. In our experience as Burlington County car accident attorneys, the following roads are among the most dangerous in Burlington County.
Route 130
Route 130 is a major highway that runs through Burlington County and is notorious for its heavy traffic. The road features numerous intersections, shopping centers, and residential areas. This combination of high traffic volume, frequent stops, and pedestrian crossings increases the likelihood of accidents.
Route 38
Route 38 is another busy highway with multiple lanes and high-speed limits. It connects various commercial areas, leading to significant congestion, especially during rush hours. The presence of numerous entry and exit ramps, combined with heavy commercial traffic, contributes to a higher accident risk.
Interstate 295
As a major interstate, I-295 experiences high-speed traffic and serves as a key route for long-distance travelers and local commuters. The frequent merging, exits, and on-ramps can lead to collisions, especially during peak travel times.
Route 206
Route 206 is a significant north-south route that cuts through Burlington County. This road is known for its diverse traffic, including commercial trucks, commuters, and local traffic. The varying speed limits and frequent intersections can cause confusion and increase the potential for accidents.
Route 70
Route 70 runs east-west and is heavily traveled, connecting many suburban communities. The road’s intersections with other major routes and the high volume of traffic, especially during peak hours, make it a common site for accidents.
Mount Holly Bypass (Route 541)
The Mount Holly Bypass is a critical connector for local traffic around Mount Holly. The mix of commercial and residential traffic, along with multiple intersections and traffic signals, can lead to a higher incidence of rear-end collisions and intersection accidents.
County Route 537
This route passes through various towns and is a popular road for local travel. The presence of numerous traffic signals, intersections, and pedestrian crossings, combined with local traffic, can increase the chances of accidents.
What Makes Burlington County Roads More Dangerous?
- High Traffic Volume – Most of these routes see a significant amount of traffic, including local, commuter, and commercial vehicles.
- Intersections and Traffic Signals – Aside from I-295, all of these dangerous roads are surface streets. The frequent stops and starts, along with turning vehicles at intersections, contribute to the likelihood of accidents.
- Diverse Traffic – The mix of high-speed and low-speed vehicles, along with pedestrian and bicycle traffic, creates a complex driving environment.
- Congestion During Peak Hours – Rush hour congestion can lead to aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and frequent lane changes, which increase accident risks.
- Roadway Design – Some roads have multiple lanes, on-ramps, and merging lanes that require quick decision-making, which can lead to collisions if drivers are not attentive.
Recovering After a Burlington County Car Accident
Even if you weren’t injured, a car accident will seriously interrupt your life. However, if you were hurt in a Burlington County auto accident, it can turn your life upside down. You may have accrued tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, been prevented from working, and may be looking at a lifetime of physical limitations. However, through a personal injury lawsuit you can pursue a claim for compensation against the party responsible for your injuries.
Below are a few steps to take to start on the road to recovery after a car accident in Burlington County:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine right after the accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. A thorough medical evaluation can ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly, preventing further complications.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Going to the doctor isn’t going to help you recover if you don’t listen to their directions. Following your healthcare provider’s advice is crucial for a smooth and full recovery. This includes attending follow-up appointments, taking prescribed medications, and participating in recommended physical therapy. Ignoring medical advice can prolong your recovery and potentially worsen your injuries.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any communication with insurance companies. Documentation is essential if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. Accurate records can help you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. You should also keep any paperwork you received from the police after the accident.
Seek Legal Advice
Consulting with a personal injury attorney at Petrillo & Greenberg can be beneficial, especially if you’re facing significant medical bills or disputes with the insurance company. An experienced Burlington County with our firm car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Take Care of Your Emotional Health
Accidents can be traumatic, and it’s important to address your emotional well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Participating in support groups or counseling can help you process the emotional impact of the accident and aid in your overall recovery. We routinely connect our patients with mental health providers to ensure that their recovery Is holistic—not just financial.
Focus on Gradual Return to Routine
Depending on the severity of your injuries, returning to your regular routine may take time. Gradually reintroduce activities and work responsibilities as you feel ready. Pushing yourself too hard can hinder your recovery, so listen to your body and pace yourself.
Regardless of the type of accident you’ve been involved in, the Burlington County car accident lawyers at Petrillo & Greenberg can help. We’ve successfully handled countless personal injury cases on behalf of injured motorists and their families, recovering meaningful compensation that enables them to overcome their injuries and get their lives back on track.
Types of Damages in a Burlington County Car Accident
New Jersey law allows accident victims to recover a variety of personal injury damages. While the exact type and amount of damages varies widely between accidents, below are some of the categories of damages that you may be entitled to:
Medical Bills
First and foremost, the cost of medical care can be overwhelming. From ambulance rides to hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments like physical therapy, these expenses add up quickly. Even minor injuries can lead to significant medical bills, and it’s crucial to have all these costs covered.
Lost Income
Injuries from an accident might force you to take time off work. Whether it’s a few days or several months, losing your income can be a major strain. If the accident impacts your ability to work in the long term, you could also claim future lost earnings.
Vehicle Damage
Accidents often leave your car in bad shape. Repair costs can be high, or your vehicle might even be totaled. You should be compensated for these expenses, including any rental car costs while your car is being fixed or replaced.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical injuries, car accidents can cause a lot of emotional pain and suffering. This includes the stress, anxiety, and overall disruption to your life. While it’s harder to put a dollar amount on these experiences, they are just as important as the tangible costs.
Loss of Enjoyment
Severe injuries might prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, whether it’s a favorite sport, hobby, or even spending quality time with family. This loss of enjoyment can deeply affect your quality of life, and compensation can help acknowledge this impact.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the other driver’s behavior was especially reckless or intentional, you might be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar actions in the future.
It’s important to keep in mind that most personal injury cases, car accident cases included, do not end up going to trial. This is because insurance companies know that it’s less expensive for them to settle the case rather than roll the dice by taking the case to trial. If you are entertaining the thought of a Burlington County car accident settlement, it is imperative that you are fairly compensated for all of your damages and expenses. For example, it’s common for insurance companies to make lo-ball settlement offers that don’t account for pain and suffering and other emotional damages. At Petrillo & Goldberg, we insist that insurance companies make fair offers, and if they don’t, we’ll be ready for trial.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Burlington County Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a Burlington County car accident, the South Jersey injury lawyers at Petrillo & Goldberg are here to help. At Petrillo & Goldberg, we’ve been successfully representing clients in car accident cases since 1993 and know what it takes to build a successful case. We offer free consultations, during which we will answer your questions, explain the recovery process, and discuss how we can help secure compensation on your behalf. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 856-486-4343. Calling is free, and because we take all motor vehicle accident cases on a contingency basis, we will not accept payment unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
