The Woodbury personal injury attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg understand that dealing with a car accident injury can be overwhelming. Whether you or a loved one was recently involved in a crash or suffered a tragic loss due to another driver’s negligence, our team is here to provide clarity, support, and direction. We know South Jersey and New Jersey laws inside and out, and our firm has a proven track record in securing fair compensation for accident victims. With our experience in Gloucester County and beyond, we’ll help guide you through what can be a challenging process to ensure you have the resources you need for a full recovery.
Types of Accidents We Handle at Petrillo & Goldberg
Car accidents are common in New Jersey. According to the most recent data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, in 2022 alone, there were 236,702 crashes across the state, with 52,240 resulting in injuries and 646 involving fatalities. Gloucester County had 6,978 crashes, 1,702 injury-related crashes, and 39 fatal crashes. This data highlights the unfortunate frequency of severe and fatal accidents across our state, making it critical to work with an experienced personal injury law firm.
Our team at Petrillo & Goldberg is equipped to handle various personal injury cases involving car accidents. With over $120 million recovered for our clients, we have extensive experience and a deep understanding of accident victims’ challenges.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent accidents in New Jersey, often caused by tailgating or distracted driving. These crashes can lead to severe injuries like whiplash and spinal damage, affecting a person’s ability to work or perform daily activities. With 236,702 crashes statewide in 2022, many involved rear-end collisions, emphasizing their frequency and impact on victims. Legal claims often involve evidence of distracted driving or following too closely, which can strengthen a case.
Side-Impact or T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact or T-bone accidents commonly occur at intersections and are especially dangerous for passengers near the point of impact. These crashes often result from a driver running a red light or failing to yield. With the potential to cause head, chest, and internal injuries, side-impact accidents contribute significantly to New Jersey’s injury statistics. For instance, in Gloucester County alone, a portion of the 1,702 injury crashes in 2022 included these side-impact incidents, emphasizing the importance of intersection safety.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are less frequent but result in some of the most severe injuries and fatalities. These crashes often involve drivers crossing lanes or losing control on narrow roads. Contributing to the 646 fatal crashes in New Jersey last year, head-on collisions are known for their devastating consequences, often resulting in multiple injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding. Victims of head-on collisions in Gloucester County and across the state frequently face long-term medical challenges, underscoring the need for full compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents pose significant risks, especially in urban areas and crosswalks where individuals are highly exposed to oncoming traffic. These accidents often involve distracted driving or failure to yield and can lead to life-altering injuries such as fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma. Given the vulnerability of pedestrians, these incidents result in serious physical and emotional consequences, requiring comprehensive compensation for medical costs and rehabilitation.
Cell Phone-Related Accidents
Cell phone-related accidents are increasingly common and pose serious dangers, particularly in Gloucester County, where 36 crashes in 2022 were attributed to cell phone use. Distracted driving due to texting, browsing, or calling has become a leading cause of accidents, often leading to rear-end or side-impact collisions. These cases require specific evidence of cell phone use to demonstrate negligence, but when proven, they can strongly support a claim for compensation, addressing both immediate injuries and future medical needs.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of accidents in New Jersey, contributing to both severe injuries and fatalities. Intoxicated drivers experience impaired reaction times and poor judgment, increasing the likelihood of high-impact crashes like head-on collisions. Gloucester County has seen its share of these preventable accidents, adding to the state’s overall statistics. Victims of drunk driving accidents are often eligible for punitive damages in addition to medical and emotional compensation, given the reckless nature of these incidents.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are particularly hazardous for riders, as they lack the physical protection that cars provide. Even minor accidents can result in severe injuries for motorcyclists, including broken bones, spinal injuries, and road rash. The compact size of motorcycles also makes them less visible to other drivers, contributing to intersection and lane-change accidents. In New Jersey, motorcycle accidents represent a significant portion of fatal and severe injury crashes, highlighting the importance of driver awareness and legal recourse for injured riders.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are increasingly common on New Jersey roads as more people choose cycling for recreation and commuting. Cyclists face dangers from inattentive drivers, particularly in areas without dedicated bike lanes. Common injuries include fractures, head injuries, and soft tissue damage, which can require extensive recovery. Bicycle accidents are often linked to driver negligence, making it essential for victims to seek legal help to recover damages for medical costs and loss of income.
Our firm knows how to approach each case type, recognizing the unique factors determining fault, damages, and compensation.
Most Common Injury-Causing Crashes
While any collision can result in injuries, certain accidents are more likely to cause severe harm. Car accident injuries can range from mild to life-threatening, often requiring long-term treatment.
Examples of How Car Accidents Happen
Each accident has its causes, but certain factors contribute to crash frequency and severity. In Gloucester County, accidents linked to cell phone use represent a growing concern, as do crashes due to speeding or impaired driving. Here are a few examples of common causes:
- Speeding. A driver rushing to make an appointment loses control on a sharp curve, colliding with another vehicle.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI). After drinking at a party, a driver veers into oncoming traffic, causing a serious head-on collision.
- Distracted driving. A driver glances down to read a text and doesn’t notice the car ahead has stopped, resulting in a rear-end crash.
- Failure to yield. A driver turns left at an intersection without yielding to oncoming traffic, striking a car with the right of way.
- Distracted driving. Adjusting the car’s navigation, a driver misses a stop sign, leading to a side-impact collision at an intersection.
Each of these examples requires careful analysis to determine the exact cause, making gathering detailed evidence for your claim vital.
Who Might Be Responsible for a Car Accident Under NJ Law?
In New Jersey, determining responsibility in a car accident is guided by comparative negligence laws. This approach means multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident, depending on the circumstances. For example, in a rear-end collision, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is often at fault. However, if the lead driver stopped abruptly without reason, they may also share some responsibility.
Our attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg thoroughly review the details of each case to identify liable parties. We ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable by examining road conditions, driver actions, and third-party involvement. In Gloucester County, where there were 1,702 injury crashes last year, multiple layers of liability are not uncommon, and understanding the laws that apply can be critical in maximizing compensation.
Defenses and Counterarguments in Car Accident Cases
In any car accident case, the responsible party’s insurer may attempt to reduce or deny liability using several defenses. Here are a few common defenses and our approach to countering them:
- Comparative negligence. New Jersey’s comparative negligence rule means that if you’re partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault. Our attorneys work diligently to minimize any alleged fault on your part, gathering evidence to support your claim.
- Sudden Emergency Defense. If the other driver claims they were responding to a sudden emergency, such as an unexpected hazard, they may attempt to lessen their liability. Given the circumstances, we counter this by proving the driver’s actions were unreasonable.
- Pre-existing conditions. Insurers often argue that an injury existed prior to the accident to avoid paying full compensation. We address this by collecting medical evidence to clearly establish the impact of the accident on your health.
Our goal at Petrillo & Goldberg is to effectively anticipate and counter these common defenses, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our clients often have many questions when dealing with a car accident claim. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive at Petrillo & Goldberg.
How much time do I have to file a personal injury claim?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Filing within this period is essential to keep your right to pursue compensation.
What compensation can I receive after a car accident?
Victims of car accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and other factors specific to your case.
At Petrillo & Goldberg, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging. With our experience in South Jersey and knowledge of state law, we’re here to help you through each step of the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me?
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, it’s best to avoid providing detailed statements or accepting any settlement offers without consulting your attorney. Insurance adjusters may attempt to settle quickly or gather information that could reduce your claim, so having legal representation can help protect your interests and ensure fair compensation.
How can I prove that the other driver was distracted during the accident?
Proving distracted driving may involve gathering evidence such as eyewitness testimonies, traffic camera footage, or cell phone records showing activity at the time of the accident. Your attorney can help secure these types of evidence to strengthen your case and demonstrate that the other driver’s lack of attention directly contributed to the accident.
Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a car accident, it is important to take a few minutes to ensure that you fully understand all your rights. At the Woodbury car accident law firm of Petrillo & Goldberg, we take pride in aggressively representing the interests of accident victims throughout South Jersey. We know what’s at stake in these cases, and we’re ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that you obtain the justice you deserve. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 856-486-4343. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.
