Newark, NJ Car Accident Lawyers

Navigating the Complexities of Car Accidents in Newark, NJ: How Our Firm Advocates for Maximum Client Recovery

Car accidents are a daily reality on New Jersey roads, and Newark—due to its density, infrastructure, and heavy traffic flow—can be one of the state’s most dangerous cities to drive in. If you've been hurt in a crash here, you deserve legal guidance backed by deep local knowledge and proven courtroom experience.

Understanding Newark’s Unique Traffic Risks

Newark is not just one of New Jersey’s largest cities—it’s also one of its most congested. In 2024, Newark experienced a significant number of traffic accidents, reflecting ongoing challenges in city traffic management. According to data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the city reported over 8,000 traffic accidents annually, with a substantial portion occurring at intersections and involving serious injuries.

The high volume of buses, commercial vehicles, and daily commuters contributes to frequent congestion, increasing the risk of accidents. Streets like Raymond Boulevard, McCarter Highway (Route 21), and Broad Street are amongst the most common to experience gridlock. Meanwhile, intersections near Route 1 and East Jersey Street are the most common areas to experience automobile accidents. Unfortunately, Newark is also riddled with poor lighting in certain areas, causing visibility issues to make navigation even more hazardous, especially during nighttime hours. Many of the personal injury cases we have handled originated from accidents that occurred in these areas of Newark.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Car Accident in Newark

1. Check for Injuries and Call for Help - Your health should always come first. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries aren’t immediately obvious, remember that adrenaline can mask symptoms like pain or dizziness.
2. Move to Safety and Call the Police - If your vehicle is drivable, try to move it out of traffic to avoid additional collisions. Under New Jersey law, drivers are required to report accidents that cause injury or over $500 in property damage. However, if your car is not operatable, be sure to keep a safe distance from the vehicle and stay clear of oncoming traffic.
3. Gather Evidence and Exchange Information - Always make sure to take photos of the scene, including damage to all vehicles, license plates, street signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers. If there are witnesses, always try and get their contact information as well. This type of evidence can be essential for your case down the line. It is often beneficial to contact an attorney immediately, so that they can begin gathering critical information and evidence. At our firm, we often dispatch an investigator to obtain witness statements and search for potential video footage as soon as possible. Many roadways are monitored by nearby businesses or residential properties equipped with security cameras or Ring doorbells, which can capture valuable evidence that will be vital for your case.
4. Seek Medical Treatment Promptly - Whether or not you feel pain at the scene, it is generally prudent to always get checked for injuries by visiting a doctor as soon as possible. Conditions like whiplash or concussions can leave you feeling fine at first, only for symptoms like pain, dizziness, or confusion to appear hours or even days later. Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your legal case.
5. Notify Your Insurance — But Be Cautious - You’re required to report the accident to your insurance company quickly. That said, it’s often best to speak with an attorney before giving a formal or recorded statement. It is possible that even your own insurance company will use statements you make to them against you in a lawsuit.
   In New Jersey, most auto policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is designed to pay for your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident. PIP benefits can cover hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, and even a portion of your lost wages if you are unable to work. However, navigating PIP claims can be complicated, and insurers may attempt to limit what they pay out by disputing the extent of your injuries or treatment needs. Having an attorney involved early helps protect your rights and ensures that your PIP benefits are properly accessed while preserving any additional claims you may have against the at-fault party.
6. Avoid Early Settlements and Insurance Traps - Insurance adjusters may pressure you into accepting a quick payout—sometimes even just days after the accident. But once you sign a release, you may waive your right to further compensation. We’ve helped clients undo these types of agreements after they realized the long-term costs of their injuries were far greater than initially anticipated.

Be Careful What You Say — and Post

We understand how important social media is in today’s world. Whether it’s sharing a photo with friends or updating your family about your day, it’s second nature for a lot of people. However, after a car accident, it really is critical that you be extremely cautious with what you post online.

Insurance companies will not only review your accident reports and medical records — they will actively scour social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) looking for any evidence they can use against you and your legal claim. Even seemingly harmless posts can be twisted to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.

For example, if you suffered a shoulder injury in an accident, something as simple as posting a photo of yourself carrying grocery bags or playing with your kids could be used by the insurance company to try and suggest that you are exaggerating your pain and limitations. They may point to these posts in court in an attempt to undermine your credibility and reduce the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover.

Because of this, we strongly advise clients to refrain from posting anything about their accident, injuries, daily activities, or physical condition while their case is pending. Even "likes," comments, or tagged photos by friends can potentially be misinterpreted. Tightening your privacy settings is a good start— but even private posts are not guaranteed to be protected from discovery.

Ultimately, the best practice is simple: if you’ve been injured in an accident, assume that insurance companies are watching — and do not post anything. And if you really do need to share things online, ask yourself very carefully if there is any way it could possibly be misinterpreted. If you’re not sure, we are always happy to help and we can offer you guidance on whether your post might be something best to keep offline.

Our Legal Process: Advocacy Built on Preparation

Car accident litigation in Newark requires more than just filing paperwork—it demands a thoughtful, well-prepared strategy backed by experience and collaboration. Regardless of which attorney is primarily handling your case, you can be rest assured that every personal injury attorney at our firm will be helping with your case by providing valuable feedback and strategy recommendations so that no stone is ever left unturned in your case.

Comprehensive Case Analysis and Mock Juries

When appropriate, we run mock jury focus groups in our in-house courtroom. These sessions are recorded and we analyze numerous juror reactions to refine how to best present your case to a real jury. The feedback helps us understand which facts resonate and which arguments need to be emphasized or be made stronger.

Judicial Insight from Former Judges

Two former presiding judges work at our firm and help consult on complex matters. Their insights shape how we frame our cases, negotiate settlements, and prepare for trial. Having judicial perspective at the table strengthens every phase of litigation.

Investigating Insurance and Liability

Many drivers carry the bare minimum in liability coverage. That’s why we look beyond the obvious. We investigate:

• Additional auto policies
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Third-party liability (e.g., construction hazards, municipal negligence)
• Potential corporate insurance if a commercial vehicle was involved

This exhaustive approach helps ensure no recovery option is left unexplored.

Why Local Experience Matters

Our attorneys concentrate their practice in New Jersey and understand the local dynamics of courts, juries, and even road conditions. While our main offices are located in Wayne and Secaucus, we maintain a satellite office in Newark and are available to meet with local clients there whenever you need us. We are highly experienced in handling cases arising out of Newark and are very familiar with its legal and logistical landscape. We’ve represented countless clients injured on Newark’s roadways, and we know how to navigate its legal and logistical hurdles.

One of our attorneys is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney, a title awarded to less than 3% of New Jersey attorneys. This certification recognizes significant experience and success in handling complex civil cases through trial.

What You May Be Entitled To Recover

Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death (if a loved one was lost)

Each case is different, and Newark’s traffic conditions can factor into proving liability—especially when road design, lighting, or signal timing contributed to the accident.

Keep Records of Everything

Documentation is critical. Keep copies of:

• Medical records and prescriptions
• Receipts and expenses related to your injuries, including services you’ve needed to enlist to help bear the burden during your recovery.
• Communications with your employer if you miss work
• Repair bills or vehicle replacement estimates

Let’s Talk — For Free

At Scura Wigfield Heyer Stevens & Cammarota, LLP, we don’t just process claims—we build cases with precision and care. We offer free consultations and work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win for you through settlement or in court. Whether you’re dealing with lingering injuries, escalating medical bills, or insurance stress, we’re here to guide you from day one.

You don’t have to face Newark’s roadways—or the New Jersey legal system—alone. Contact our team today to get the help and compensation you deserve.

Call us Today for a Free Consultation