
If you have sustained injuries in an auto collision caused by someone else, you should contact a car accident lawyer in Newark as soon as possible. Car accidents can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills, and your injuries might make you unable to work. A car accident attorney in Newark can issue a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer to seek compensation for your losses.
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has several decades of collective experience working with car accident victims and has recovered over $535 million for injury clients. Consulting an experienced Newark personal injury lawyer is important for understanding and managing the process of accident claims, including handling evidence, legal procedures, and protecting your rights. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Legal representation can help pursue the financial support you need to alleviate the burdens caused by your injuries.
We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to help our clients pursue fair compensation for their losses. Our list of successful cases consists of several multi-million dollar auto accident settlements and verdicts — a testament to our effectiveness in dealing with auto insurance claims. We understand the enormous pain and stress an injury can cause and will work tirelessly to recover compensation for your losses.
Call (973) 364-8300 or contact us online today to speak to a Newark car accident attorney in a free consultation.
Introduction to Car Accident Lawyers
Car accident lawyers play an important role in helping Newark car accident victims deal with the aftermath of an automobile accident. These personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of injury victims and pursuing just compensation for their losses. From the moment you contact a Newark car accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who understands New Jersey law and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.
A Newark personal injury lawyer will provide personal attention to your case, guiding you through every step of the legal process. They work closely with medical professionals to document your injuries, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Whether you are dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference in how your case is handled.
Car accident attorneys in Newark are familiar with the local legal community, court procedures, and the challenges faced by accident victims in the largest city in New Jersey. By offering a free consultation and working on a contingency fee basis, they help make legal representation accessible to many injury victims, regardless of their financial situation. Their goal is to secure a favorable outcome for you, whether through a settlement or, if necessary, by taking your case to trial.
Types of Automobile Accidents
Automobile accidents in Newark can occur in a variety of ways, each presenting unique challenges for injury victims and their legal claims. Some of the most common types of car accidents include rear-end collisions, side-impact (T-bone) crashes, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, and accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists. Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and failure to obey traffic signals are frequent causes of these incidents on busy roads like Broad Street and near Newark International Airport.
Rear-end collisions are particularly common in heavy traffic areas and can result in serious injuries such as whiplash or spinal cord damage. Side-impact crashes often occur at intersections and may lead to severe injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles. Head-on collisions, though less frequent, are among the most dangerous and can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Other scenarios include hit-and-run accidents, accidents involving commercial vehicles, and crashes caused by defective auto parts. Each type of accident may require a tailored legal approach to gather evidence, establish fault, and pursue compensation. Newark car accident lawyers have experience handling many types of automobile accidents and can provide legal guidance and support as you seek compensation for your losses.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Newark
Car crashes are a common occurrence on major roadways in Newark and throughout Essex County, making legal assistance essential for accident victims in these areas. According to data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Essex County has the most car accidents in the state in 2022, and most of them are in Newark. Crashes in Newark are most common among major arterial roads and streets, like Raymond Boulevard, Market Street, and McCarter Highways (Route 21), in addition to the I-78 airport interchange and I-95 New Jersey turnpike.
Most drivers are likely to be involved in a car accident at some point due to common factors like distracted driving and the increasing size and power of vehicles on the road, making it important to know how to handle such incidents.
Many car accidents in Newark are caused by factors such as distracted or drunk driving, and serious car accidents are unfortunately common on major roadways. The high forces and masses involved in car accidents mean that even low-speed collisions can cause a range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Bruises
- Muscle strains and tears
- Concussions and TBIs
- Fractures and broken bones
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns or abrasions
- Internal injuries
- Vision or hearing damage
- Crushing injuries
- Death
Accident victims can suffer severe injuries and physical injuries, sometimes resulting in long-term or ongoing medical needs. Severe injuries and serious injuries often require extensive medical care and can have lasting impacts.
Read more: Five Ways to Prevent Car Accidents
How Do New Jersey’s No-Fault Car Insurance Rules Work?
New Jersey is one of 12 states with no-fault car insurance laws requiring every driver to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. New Jersey is a no fault state, meaning drivers typically seek compensation from their own insurance company first. Filing an insurance claim with your own insurance company is the first step after an accident under the no-fault system. When you get into a car wreck in New Jersey, each driver first files a claim through their PIP coverage, regardless of who was at fault — hence the label “no-fault.” PIP coverage pays for medical bills, lost income, and other injury expenses after an accident up to policy limits. PIP coverage will also pay a death benefit in the event the policyholder dies in an accident.
Every driver in Newark must carry at least $15,000 in PIP coverage, though many drivers choose to carry the maximum allowable coverage of $250,000. Drivers also must have at least $5,000 in property liability coverage, but the law does not require bodily injury liability coverage. PIP coverage is designed to cover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. Economic damages are tangible and quantifiable losses, while non economic damages, like pain and suffering, are not covered by PIP. Note that PIP coverage only covers specific economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, and won’t cover noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.
However, if your injuries are severe, you may have the right to pursue further compensation from the at-fault party beyond what is covered by no-fault insurance. This allows you to seek damages for losses not included under PIP, such as pain and suffering.
Basic vs. Standard Coverage in Newark
When buying insurance, drivers in New Jersey can choose between basic and standard auto coverage. Basic coverage includes the bare minimum of PIP coverage and property liability coverage but does not include bodily injury liability coverage. This means that if you cause an accident, basic auto insurance coverage will not pay for the victim’s expenses that exceed their PIP coverage. Instead, you might be directly financially responsible for them.
Standard auto coverage includes basic PIP and property liability coverage, as well as bodily injury coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage will pay for the injured’s expenses that exceed their PIP coverage up to the liability policy’s limit. Minimum liability coverage on a standard policy in New Jersey is $25,000 per injury per person and $50,000 per accident.
Understanding your legal rights and legal options is important when selecting insurance coverage, as the legal process for claims can vary depending on your policy.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a car accident in Newark, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the more challenging aspects of the recovery process. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, often offering quick settlements that may not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage. Many accident victims are unaware of the full value of their car accident claim and may accept less than they deserve.
Newark car accident attorneys understand the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. They can handle communications with your own insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurer, working to protect your rights throughout the claims process. By reviewing your insurance policy, gathering medical records, and documenting accident-related expenses, your attorney can build a case for fair compensation.
If an insurance company acts in bad faith or denies your claim without valid reason, your lawyer can escalate the matter, including filing a lawsuit if necessary. Having legal representation can help level the playing field and may increase your chances of securing a fair settlement that reflects the extent of your injuries and losses. With a Newark car accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney pursues the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Can I Sue the Other Driver in New Jersey?
When you purchase standard auto coverage in New Jersey, you also choose between having a limited right to sue and an unlimited right to sue. With a limited right-to-sue policy, the policyholder limits their ability to recover compensation after a car accident. They can only sue the other driver if their injury reaches a specific threshold as defined in NJRS 39:6A-8:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Displaced fractures
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent injury
If your injury involves any of the above six criteria, you can step outside of New Jersey’s no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the other driver for your economic and noneconomic losses. If your injuries meet the threshold, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver responsible for the accident. Personal injury cases arising from car accidents often involve claims for both economic and non-economic damages. Note that basic auto policies automatically give you a limited right to sue.
A car accident case may involve proving someone else’s negligence to recover damages. In situations where a fatality occurs due to another party’s negligence, wrongful death claims can be pursued by surviving family members. You can also choose an unlimited right-to-sue policy, which allows you to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, regardless of the severity of your injuries. This type of policy does not limit your options to recovering compensation after a car accident — everything is on the table. You can file a claim against the other driver for any type of injuries and losses you suffered in the accident they caused. In certain severe or egregious personal injury cases, punitive damages may also be pursued to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.
Injury victims have the right to pursue personal injury claims for compensation beyond what insurance provides.
Understanding Comparative Negligence
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule when determining fault in car accident cases. This means that more than one party can be found partially responsible for an accident, and the amount of compensation you can recover may vary depending on your degree of fault. Under New Jersey law, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation for your injuries, but your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for a car accident injury and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would be eligible to recover $80,000. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This system encourages all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility on the road.
Newark car accident lawyers can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish the circumstances of the accident. By building a strong case, they can help minimize your share of fault and seek to maximize your potential recovery. Understanding comparative negligence is important for auto accident victims seeking fair compensation under New Jersey law.
How Much Compensation Could I Recover in a Car Accident Claim in Newark?
It is impossible to determine beforehand how much you can recover from a personal injury claim. The amount of your compensation ultimately depends on the specifics of the accident and your injuries. However, our Newark car accident lawyers are skilled at assessing the total value of our clients’ claims. You may be entitled to compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost work income
- Diminished lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses
- Property damage
Compensation may also cover ongoing medical care and provide financial support for accident victims and their families. Securing a fair settlement is important to help you receive appropriate compensation for both immediate and long-term losses, including loss of earning capacity.
Navigating the Legal Process
The legal process following a car accident in Newark can be complex and overwhelming, especially for those dealing with serious injuries and emotional distress. From the initial accident report to the final resolution of your claim, each step requires attention to detail and an understanding of New Jersey’s legal system.
The process typically begins with seeking medical treatment and documenting your injuries. Next, your attorney will help you gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to support your car accident claim. Filing insurance claims and negotiating with insurance adjusters are stages where legal guidance can make a significant difference.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Newark car accident lawyer may file a lawsuit on your behalf. This involves preparing legal documents, engaging in discovery, and potentially presenting your case before a judge or jury. Throughout the process, your attorney will keep you informed, answer your questions, and advocate for your interests.
Working through the legal process with the help of experienced personal injury attorneys can help ensure that deadlines are met, your rights are protected, and you have a meaningful opportunity to pursue a favorable outcome. Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or trial, having a knowledgeable legal team by your side can provide support as you move forward after an automobile accident.
Why You Need an Attorney for a Car Accident Claim in Newark
New Jersey’s car insurance laws are particularly complex and full of requirements, conditions, and exemptions. Depending on the case, it could take anywhere from a few months to more than a year to resolve your case. Hiring experienced Newark car accident attorneys is important for handling and engaging with the at-fault party’s insurer in your stead. This can increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
The last thing a person wants to deal with when recovering from an injury is insurance paperwork and potential lawsuits after reporting the accident. Personal injury lawyers can guide clients through the legal process and work to maximize compensation. A Newark car accident lawyer from Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s law offices can handle the legal work for you, meeting legal deadlines, collecting necessary evidence, building a case, and allowing you to focus on recovery and rebuilding. An attorney can also help protect the interests of your loved one(s) who may be affected by your injuries or the aftermath of the accident. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s law offices also offer a free case evaluation to help clients understand their legal options.
In New Jersey, you generally have an absolute time limit of two years for filing a lawsuit for injuries from a car accident. Once two years from the date of the accident pass, you can no longer seek compensation for your losses through legal channels. If you can no longer threaten an insurer with filing a lawsuit or taking your case to trial, you have very little leverage to encourage them to settle your case for a reasonable amount. As such, it’s in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible to start building a case. Legal fees for personal injury attorneys are typically structured on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if compensation is successfully recovered.
Newark Car Accident FAQs
Below is a list of answers to some of the most common questions we receive about car accident b claims and lawsuits. If you have any more specific questions about car insurance or accident injury compensation, contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers to speak with one of our car crash attorneys.
How Can a Newark Car Accident Lawyer Help Me if the Other Driver Is at Fault But Won't Take Responsibility?
If the other driver is at fault, but their insurance company denies your claim, one option is to file a formal lawsuit. In a formal lawsuit, you will present your case before a judge or jury, who will decide on an appropriate verdict amount, if any. An attorney can help you initiate the formal lawsuit process if negotiations do not work or the insurance company operates in bad faith.
What Compensation Can I Get for Medical Bills and Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Newark?
Compensation for your medical bills can include the costs of both emergency and continuing medical expenses, such as emergency stabilizing care, surgery, post-surgical monitoring, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, and any other one-time or recurring medical expenses. Lost income refers to all types of employment compensation, ranging from hourly pay or salaries to bonuses, commissions, tips, and perks.
Can I Still Pursue a Claim If the Accident in Newark Happened During Bad Weather?
Bad weather in itself is not grounds to bar you from a car accident claim. Drivers are expected to modify their driving behavior according to the weather, such as reducing speed, and they can be negligent if they do not. For instance, if someone takes a turn too fast in the rain, hydroplanes, and slams into another car, they could be liable because they did not reduce their speed enough for safety. In other words, drivers could bear liability for any accidents they cause if they don’t appropriately modify their driving behavior for the weather.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Today to Speak to an Auto Accident Attorney in Newark
A single car accident can change your life forever, but there are options for relief and support in your difficult times. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers prides itself on our devotion to justice and will fight to balance the scales on your behalf. Our law firm has a duty to protect our client’s interests and well-being and will use every strategy and resource to work toward a satisfactory resolution.
Contact us online today or call (973) 364-8300 to set up a free case consultation with our team of Newark motor vehicle accident attorney.
We are trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to pursue the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : March 10, 2026We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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