If you get into a car accident lawyer in Hackensack, New Jersey, a car accident lawyer can not only reduce your stress and improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. An experienced attorney will know the area where your crash took place and can use their knowledge of accident hotspots to help create a strong claim for you.
Furthermore, understanding common causes of car crashes and the steps you should take afterward can empower you to protect your rights and seek compensation with the help of a Hackensack car accident lawyer.
Below, we’ll explore where accidents frequently occur in Hackensack, New Jersey, as well as how a car accident attorney can help you. Let’s get started.
Section 1: High-Risk Intersections and Roads in Hackensack
Hackensack, like many other cities, has its share of high-risk intersections and roads where car accidents are more likely to occur. Understanding these accident hotspots can help you stay alert and take extra precautions when traveling through these areas.
1.River Street and University Plaza Drive Intersection
Located near Fairleigh Dickinson University, this busy intersection sees significant traffic from students, faculty, and residents. The high volume of vehicles, combined with pedestrian traffic and occasional confusion over right-of-way, can lead to accidents, especially during peak hours, such as morning and evening rush hour, and when classes are in session.
2.Essex Street and Polifly Road Intersection
The intersection of Essex Street and Polifly Road is another hotspot for car accidents in Hackensack. This area is known for its heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour, and the proximity of local businesses and residential areas can contribute to congestion and increased accident risk.
3.Main Street and Mercer Street Intersection
Situated in the heart of downtown Hackensack, the intersection of Main Street and Mercer Street is a busy area with numerous shops, restaurants, and offices. The high concentration of vehicles and pedestrians, combined with the potential for distracted driving, can result in accidents.
4.Route 80 and Route 17 Interchange
While not technically within Hackensack city limits, the interchange between Route 80 and Route 17 is a major thoroughfare for many Hackensack residents and commuters. The high-speed traffic, merging vehicles, and constant lane changes can create a recipe for accidents.
Section 2: The Importance of Legal Representation
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can make a difference. An attorney who handles car accident cases can:
1. Protect Your Rights
Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts and maximize profits. Without legal representation, you may be at a disadvantage when negotiating with insurers who have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their interests.
Your attorney will level the playing field by handling all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
2. Investigate the Accident
To help build a strong case, your attorney may conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This may involve gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements, as well as consulting accident reconstruction experts or other specialists.
Your attorney may also review any available video footage of the accident, such as traffic camera recordings or dashboard camera videos, to establish liability and strengthen your case.
3. Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Your car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. They will calculate the true value of your claim, taking into account factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. They will use this information to negotiate a settlement for your losses.
4. Represent You in Court
In some cases, a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation alone. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Section 3: Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hackensack, NJ
By identifying whether any of these factors played a role in your accident, you and your car accident attorney may build an even stronger case.
1.Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. If the other driver texted, made phone calls, adjusted the radio, or engaged in any other distracting behavior at the time of the accident, you can use this information.
When you work with an attorney, they may investigate the other driver’s cell phone records or seek witness statements to establish whether distracted driving caused your accident.
2. Speeding
If the other driver broke the speed limit at the time of your accident, this reckless behavior may have caused the collision. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of any resulting accidents.
A car accident attorney can use evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, or accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate that the other driver’s excessive speed contributed to your accident and injuries.
3. Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
If your accident occurred because the other driver failed to yield the right-of-way at an intersection, while merging, or when entering or exiting a driveway or parking lot, this violation may establish their liability for the collision.
Your attorney can gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements, to show that the other driver’s failure to yield caused the accident.
4. Driving Under the Influence
If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of your accident, their impaired state may have directly caused the collision. Driving under the influence is not only illegal but also puts others at risk of serious harm.
A car accident attorney can investigate whether the other driver was charged with a DUI or if there is evidence of intoxication, such as blood alcohol test results or witness statements, to support your case.
By understanding these common causes of car accidents and identifying whether any of them apply to your situation, you and a car accident attorney can build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve for your damages and injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Hackensack, NJ
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Hackensack that wasn’t your fault, be sure to take the proper steps to help protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
1.Seek Medical Attention
Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if you don’t feel injured, get a medical evaluation to rule out any hidden injuries or symptoms. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can have long-lasting effects if left untreated.
If you experience pain, discomfort, or any unusual symptoms in the days following the accident, don’t hesitate to seek additional medical care. A record of your medical treatment and expenses will help you seek compensation for your injuries.
2.Document the Accident
If possible, photograph the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you or your passengers have sustained. These photographs can serve as valuable evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved, as well as the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Witness statements can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your case.
3.Report the Accident
Contact the Hackensack Police Department to report the accident. This report documents the details of the accident, including the location, time, parties involved, and any citations issued.
Having an official accident report can be valuable evidence when seeking compensation for your damages and injuries, as it provides an unbiased account of the incident.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company will likely request a copy of the accident report, as well as any photographs or witness statements you have collected. Cooperate with your insurer, but never sign any documents or accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney first.
Before You Settle: Learn Your Options with a Free Car Accident Consultation
By understanding the high-risk areas for accidents in Hackensack, the common causes of these accidents, and the steps you should take in the aftermath, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident in Hackensack, New Jersey, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced attorneys at Rothenberg Law Firm LLP. With a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases, the Hackensack personal injury lawyers at Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident survivors and helping them go after the compensation they need.
Remember, by taking action and seeking legal representation, you can protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the resources you need to move forward with your life after a car accident.
For your free consultation, give us a call at (800) 624-8888.
