Union County Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents and other motor vehicle accidents can cause serious and debilitating injuries in a matter of seconds. When you or a loved one has a car accident, the first thought is to make sure everyone is okay, both physically and mentally. However, the physical, emotional, and financial effects of such injuries can last a lifetime. The Mark Law Firm is committed to representing those injured in auto accidents in Union County and throughout all of New Jersey. With decades of experience handling complex personal injury litigation, the firm’s auto accident lawyers understand what clients are faced with in the aftermath of a devastating car accident. The Mark Law Firm knows how to guide you through the legal process to financial recovery and to obtain the best medical treatment for your injuries.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Jersey

Car accidents can occur for many different reasons. In many situations, they are the direct result of a driver making a careless decision behind the wheel. In others, a dangerous roadway condition or a momentary lapse in attention can quickly escalate into a serious collision. While every accident is different, there are certain causes that appear again and again in crash reports across New Jersey. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in New Jersey include the following:

  • Distracted driving, including texting, checking a phone, adjusting a GPS device, or otherwise taking attention away from the road
  • Speeding or driving too fast for current traffic and road conditions
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes
  • Failing to yield the right of way at intersections or while merging
  • Running red lights or ignoring traffic signals
  • Driver fatigue, which can impair reaction time and judgment
  • Hazardous weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice
  • Poorly maintained vehicles or mechanical failures
  • Dangerous road conditions, including potholes or inadequate signage

The Most Common Types of Car Accidents

Not all car accidents happen in the same way. Some occur at intersections, while others happen on highways or residential streets. Certain types of collisions also tend to produce different kinds of injuries depending on the speed of the vehicles involved and the point of impact. Some of the most commonly reported types of car accidents include the following:

  • Rear-end collisions, which frequently occur in stop-and-go traffic
  • T-bone accidents, often occurring when one driver runs a red light or fails to yield
  • Head-on collisions, which are among the most dangerous types of crashes
  • Multi-vehicle pileups, particularly on busy highways
  • Sideswipe accidents, typically caused by improper lane changes
  • Hit-and-run accidents, where a driver leaves the scene of the crash
  • Single-vehicle accidents involving guardrails, trees, or other obstacles
  • Parking lot collisions, where visibility and driver awareness may be limited

The Role of Distracted & Drunk Driving in Car Accidents

Two of the most significant contributors to car accidents today are distracted driving and drunk driving. Both behaviors dramatically increase the likelihood that a serious accident will occur.

According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, distracted driving plays a role in approximately one out of every four motor vehicle crashes in the state. This statistic highlights just how common driver distraction has become. Many drivers assume they can quickly glance at their phones or respond to a message without consequence, though in reality, even a few seconds of distraction can be enough to cause a collision.

Alcohol-impaired driving also continues to be a major concern. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that alcohol-impaired drivers account for over 30 percent of traffic fatalities nationwide in recent years. New Jersey consistently records hundreds of alcohol-related crash fatalities each year.

New Jersey law sets clear legal limits for intoxication while driving. A driver is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, the threshold is far lower. Commercial drivers are also subject to stricter limits.

Distracted driving laws are similarly strict. New Jersey prohibits handheld phone use while driving, and violations can result in fines, points on a driver’s license, and increased insurance costs.

When a driver chooses to text while driving or operate a vehicle while intoxicated, that decision can place everyone else on the road at risk. When accidents occur under these circumstances, injured victims often have strong evidence that the other driver acted negligently.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a confusing and stressful experience. In the moments immediately following a crash, it can be difficult to know what to do first. However, the steps taken after an accident can play an important role in protecting both your health and your potential legal claim. Some of the most important steps to take after a car accident include the following:

  1. You should contact law enforcement and report the accident. In New Jersey, accidents involving injuries or significant property damage must be reported to the police.
  2. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is still important to have a medical professional evaluate your condition. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
  3. You should also exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This typically includes names, addresses, insurance information, and vehicle registration details.
  4. If you are able to do so safely, it is also helpful to document the accident scene. Taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries may help preserve important evidence.
  5. You should also try to speak with any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. Their statements may help clarify what happened.
  6. Finally, you should notify your insurance company and consider speaking with an experienced car accident attorney who can help guide you through the claims process.

Financial Compensation for Your Damages

Car accident injuries often result in significant financial burdens. Medical treatment alone can quickly become expensive, especially when hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and follow-up care are required. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, injured victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for various losses, including the following:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital care, and rehabilitation
  • Future medical costs related to ongoing treatment
  • Lost wages if the victim is unable to work while recovering
  • Loss of future earning capacity when injuries affect long-term employment
  • Property damage, including repair or replacement of a vehicle
  • Pain and suffering associated with physical injuries
  • Emotional distress caused by the accident
  • Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries affect daily activities

New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that drivers generally turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage first to pay for medical expenses after an accident. However, when injuries are serious enough, victims may pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver through a personal injury claim.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in NJ

Another important issue that accident victims should understand involves the statute of limitations. In simple terms, the statute of limitations refers to the deadline for filing a lawsuit.

Under New Jersey Statutes Section 2A:14-2, individuals who have been injured in a car accident generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

While two years may sound like a long time, it is important to understand that building a strong case often takes time. Medical records must be gathered, accident investigations must be completed, and negotiations with insurance companies may take months.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Union County, New Jersey

At The Mark Law Firm, you can expect to receive personal, attentive, and responsive representation from our experienced Union County car accident lawyers. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means, if there is no recovery, there is no fee to you. Contact our seasoned car accident lawyers for a free consultation today.

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