New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers

Reviewed by Mazie Slater’s specialized car accident attorney [David A. Mazie – Managing Partner of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman]

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman represents people hurt in car, truck, bus, and motorcycle accidents throughout New Jersey, and our trial lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients, including a $135 million jury verdict for a child paralyzed in a car accident. If you have been involved in a car accident in New Jersey, you may be facing a complex and overwhelming situation that involves medical bills, insurance claims, and potential legal battles. At Mazie Slater, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to help you navigate the aftermath of an accident. Our experienced team of New Jersey car accident lawyers understands the unique challenges that car, bus and truck accident victims encounter in the Garden State, focusing on our intimate knowledge of New Jersey law. We are here to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses. Whether you are dealing with minor injuries or significant trauma, our commitment is to guide you through every step of the legal process of auto accidents with compassion and expertise.

Mazie Slater Katz Freeman has some of the top-rated car accident lawyers in New Jersey, who are intimately familiar with the laws and the court system, and specialize in car accident lawsuits. Our team has won landmark decisions and record-breaking awards in all kinds of car accident cases. We believe that every auto accident injury victim has the right to hold the individual or entity responsible accountable, and we have a distinguished history of aggressively fighting for the rights of those injured or killed in car accidents. Mazie Slater accepts cases, including car accidents, under a contingency fee agreement, meaning there are no fees until we win. This policy guarantees your case is pursued with the energy and devotion it deserves.

At Mazie Slater Katz and Freeman, our car accident attorneys have successfully represented seriously injured clients from across New Jersey in practically every type of car accident case, having won more than $1 billion for our clients. Our team has some of the best trial lawyers in the state, who have won many of the largest settlements and verdicts in New Jersey history. Read about some of the recoveries we have won on behalf of our clients who were injured in car, bus or truck accidents; these are some of the largest recoveries in New Jersey history for a car, bus or truck accident:

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman’s work on car, bus and truck accident cases has helped the firm to consistently be recognized among the top personal injury law firms in both New Jersey and across the nation. Here are some of the personal injury awards we have won over the years for our work on car accident cases: 

Recovering compensation for those who are injured in car, bus and truck accidents across New Jersey is the goal of our law practice, and unlike other law firms we only practice in New Jersey. We will analyze your specific car accident case, determine who’s responsible, and help to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our New Jersey car accident attorneys specialize in handling complex and challenging car accident cases ranging from bus accidents, truck accidents, collisions caused by a drunk driver, hit and run accidents, wrongful deaths caused by an auto accident, and more. We work hard to ensure that clients receive what they truly deserve when they have been injured in an accident on New Jersey roads.

New Jersey averaged more than 600 car accidents a day in 2021, and 581 people died in traffic crashes on New Jersey roads in 2025. Auto Accidents are a subset of personal injury law and encompass a wide variety of cases, such as bus, truck, and drunk driving accidents. Below are some of the statistics about New Jersey car accident cases. 

At Mazie Slater, we specialize in all types of car accident cases, providing expert legal representation to victims across various scenarios. Here are the types of car accident cases we handle:

Bus accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity between buses and passenger vehicles. Our car accident attorneys specialize in bus accidents and represent victims injured by negligent bus drivers, including those involving New Jersey Transit, school buses, and commercial bus companies. We pursue claims for inadequate driver training, mechanical failures, and violations of safety regulations that lead to serious injuries or wrongful death.

Commercial truck accidents involving tractor-trailers often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight difference between trucks and passenger vehicles. These cases frequently involve complex federal regulations, driver fatigue, improper loading, or mechanical failures that require specialized legal expertise. Our truck accident attorneys are near you and have extensive experience pursuing claims against trucking companies, drivers, and other parties responsible for these devastating accidents that can forever change victims’ lives.

Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable tragedies that often result in devastating injuries or wrongful death due to impaired drivers’ reduced reaction times and poor decision-making. Our team of car accident lawyers work near you, and specializes in drunk driving cases and will aggressively pursue both the intoxicated driver and, when applicable, establishments that over-served alcohol under New Jersey’s dram shop laws. We fight tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for victims and their families while holding all responsible parties accountable for these senseless and avoidable crashes.

Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of preventable car accidents in New Jersey, involving activities like texting, phone calls, eating, or other behaviors that divert attention from the road. Our auto accident lawyers aggressively pursue claims against negligent drivers who cause accidents while distracted, seeking compensation for the serious injuries and damages that result from these entirely avoidable collisions. We work with local New Jersey accident reconstruction experts and pull cell phone records to prove distracted driving and hold responsible parties accountable.

Multi-vehicle accidents involving three or more cars create complex liability scenarios that require thorough investigation to determine fault among multiple parties. These chain-reaction collisions often result in severe injuries and significant property damage, with fault potentially shared among several drivers. Our experienced team of motor vehicle accident attorneys meticulously analyzes accident reconstruction reports, witness statements, and traffic patterns to identify all liable parties and maximize compensation for our clients.

Hit and run accidents leave victims without immediate recourse when the responsible driver flees the scene, but our attorneys work diligently to identify negligent drivers and pursue all available compensation sources. We collaborate with law enforcement, utilize traffic cameras and witness testimony, and explore uninsured motorist coverage to ensure victims receive the financial support they need. Our team understands the unique challenges these cases present and fights tirelessly to hold fleeing drivers accountable for their actions.

Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the combined force of both vehicles. These crashes frequently occur when drivers cross center lines due to impairment, distraction, or reckless driving behavior. Our experienced car accident injury attorneys are near you and fight to secure maximum compensation for victims and families affected by these traumatic accidents, addressing the extensive medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering that typically result.

While rear-end collisions may appear straightforward, they can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries, particularly in high-speed impacts. The following driver is typically at fault for failing to maintain a safe distance or stop in time, but our New Jersey car accident lawyers investigate all factors, including sudden stops, brake light failures, or road conditions. We pursue comprehensive compensation for immediate and long-term medical treatment, lost wages, and the pain and suffering associated with these deceptively serious accidents.

Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, particularly when vehicles are not adequately secured or have design defects. These accidents can occur due to various factors, including high speeds, sharp turns, tire defects, or top-heavy vehicle designs. At Mazie Slater Katz and Freeman, our team has some of the best car accident attorneys in the state. We investigate potential product liability claims against manufacturers while also pursuing traditional negligence claims to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for these devastating accidents.

Single car accidents may involve only one vehicle, but they can still result from the negligence of others, including defective vehicle parts, poor road maintenance, or hazardous conditions created by third parties. Our New Jersey car accident injury lawyers thoroughly investigate these incidents to identify all potentially liable parties, from municipalities responsible for road maintenance to manufacturers of defective auto parts. We ensure that victims receive compensation even when the accident initially appears to involve only one vehicle.

Intersection accidents commonly occur when drivers fail to yield right-of-way, run red lights, or make improper turns, often resulting in dangerous side-impact or T-bone collisions. These crashes frequently cause serious injuries due to the vulnerable side areas of vehicles and the perpendicular force of impact. We thoroughly investigate traffic signals, witness accounts, and traffic camera footage to establish liability and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Motorcyclists face significantly higher risks of severe injury or death in accidents due to their lack of protection compared to enclosed vehicles. At Mazie Slater, we have car accident attorneys who specialize in motorcycle accidents and understand the unique dynamics of motorcycle accidents, including visibility issues, road hazards, and the bias motorcyclists often face from insurance companies. We fight aggressively to overcome these challenges and secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the life-altering injuries that frequently result from motorcycle collisions.

Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to cyclists’ vulnerability when struck by motor vehicles, with drivers frequently failing to see cyclists or respect their right to share the road. Our personal injury attorneys specialize in car accidents involving cyclists and understand the unique challenges cyclists face, including driver negligence, dangerous road conditions, and the bias cyclists often encounter from insurance companies who attempt to blame the victim. We fight aggressively to overcome these obstacles and secure fair compensation for the serious injuries, medical expenses, and long-term care that bicycle accident victims frequently require.

A car can cause catastrophic injuries to a pedestrian, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. Several of our largest car accident results came from pedestrian cases, including the $12.75 million settlement for a man hit by a New Jersey Transit bus and the $6 million settlement for a woman hit by a school bus in a Bergen County crosswalk. Our attorneys also help injured pedestrians collect PIP benefits, which usually come from their own household’s auto policy even though they weren’t driving.

Uber and Lyft crashes raise insurance questions that ordinary car accidents don’t. The coverage available depends on what the rideshare driver was doing when the crash happened (offline, logged into the app and waiting for a request, or on the way to pick up or carrying a passenger). Our attorneys represent injured passengers, rideshare drivers, and other people hit by rideshare vehicles. We also handle food delivery accidents involving apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, where coverage works differently.

Accidents on high-traffic roadways like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway often involve multiple vehicles and result in severe injuries due to high speeds and heavy traffic volume. These major thoroughfares present unique hazards, including construction zones, weather-related conditions, and aggressive driving behaviors that contribute to serious collisions. Our legal team of car accident experts has extensive experience handling complex cases involving these major New Jersey highways, pursuing claims against all responsible parties while navigating the jurisdictional and procedural complexities these cases often present.

When at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance coverage or flee the scene, victims can still pursue compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, though insurance companies often resist paying these claims. Our experienced car injury lawyers navigate the complex process of pursuing UM/UIM benefits while also investigating all potential sources of compensation to ensure victims receive the full financial support they deserve. We fight against insurance company tactics designed to minimize payouts and work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation even when the responsible driver cannot be identified or lacks sufficient coverage.

Understanding the common causes of car accidents is essential for promoting road safety and protecting your rights if you find yourself involved in an accident. Most car accidents in New Jersey come down to driver error, such as speeding, distraction, or impairment, but bad weather, road hazards, and vehicle defects also cause crashes. Here are some of the primary factors that contribute to car accidents:

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting effects on victims’ lives. Here are some of the most common injuries that we see in our New Jersey car accident cases:

Car accidents are a leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), which occur when the brain is damaged due to a blow or penetrating injury. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to severe cognitive impairments and long-term disabilities.

The impact of a car crash can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or total paralysis. These injuries to the spinal cord often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Back injuries, including herniated discs and muscle strains, are prevalent after auto accidents. These injuries may not manifest immediately but can cause significant pain and disability over time.

Fractures are common in car accidents, affecting various parts of the body such as:

Internal injuries can occur when the body is forcefully impacted by objects within the vehicle or by external debris. This may include:

Burns may occur if a vehicle catches fire after a crash or if skin comes into contact with hot surfaces or fluids. Severe burn injuries often necessitate extensive medical treatment, including surgery.

In addition to fractures, soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions are common in car accidents. These injuries can lead to prolonged pain and rehabilitation needs. We commonly see these soft tissue injuries in the joints such as: 

Cuts and scrapes on your limbs and face from broken glass or metal debris are frequent in car accidents. While some may seem minor, others might require surgical correction.

The steps you take in the first days after a crash protect both your health and your claim:

Fault in a New Jersey car accident depends on which driver or drivers failed to use reasonable care. In New Jersey, fault is typically assessed based on the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the actions of all parties involved. Here’s how the process generally works:

Understanding how fault is determined can significantly impact your case and potential recovery after a car accident. If you have questions about your specific situation or need assistance navigating this process, contact the attorneys at Mazie Slater for a free consultation.

New Jersey is a no-fault state. After a crash, your own auto insurance pays your medical bills through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, no matter who caused the accident. Every Standard and Basic auto policy in New Jersey includes PIP. PIP has limits, though, and you may still be able to pursue the at-fault driver for the losses it leaves unpaid.

PIP pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment after a car accident, up to the limit on your policy. Standard policies offer PIP limits of $15,000, $50,000, $75,000, $150,000, or $250,000, and up to $250,000 is available for certain permanent or significant injuries (such as brain or spinal cord injuries) no matter which limit you chose. Depending on your policy, PIP may also cover some lost income and other benefits.

If a car hits you while you’re walking, PIP usually comes from your own auto policy or a household family member’s policy. If no one in your household has auto insurance, the policy covering the vehicle that hit you typically pays.

Even with PIP, you’ll typically be responsible for some medical costs, including:

If you chose health insurance as your primary coverage, your health plan pays first, and its deductibles and copays apply instead. Our attorneys can help you pursue the at-fault driver for medical costs PIP doesn’t cover, such as bills above your PIP limit. 

When you buy auto insurance in New Jersey, you choose one of two lawsuit options. That choice decides whether you can sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering.

The lawsuit option only limits pain and suffering claims. Under either option, you can pursue the at-fault driver for economic losses such as lost wages and medical bills that PIP doesn’t pay. Under the verbal threshold, proving a permanent injury usually takes objective medical evidence and a physician’s certification.

Your recovery is often capped by the insurance available, so our attorneys look for every policy that may apply to your crash.

As of January 1, 2026, Standard auto policies in New Jersey must carry at least $35,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $70,000 per accident, plus $25,000 in property damage coverage. A 2022 state law raised these minimums in two steps, up from $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident before 2023. The increase doesn’t apply to the Basic Policy, which offers only $10,000 in optional bodily injury coverage. When your losses exceed the at-fault driver’s limits, the coverage below can help close the gap.

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, flees the scene, or doesn’t carry enough coverage for your injuries, your own UM/UIM coverage can make up the difference. Standard policies must include UM/UIM coverage, and drivers can buy UIM coverage up to the liability limits they choose. The Basic Policy doesn’t include UM/UIM coverage. Learn more about uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.

Depending on how the crash happened, other coverage may also be available, such as: 

If you miss a filing deadline, you can lose your right to compensation. These are the main deadlines for New Jersey car accident claims:

Contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash, especially if a government vehicle or public road may be involved. 

Navigating the legal process after a car accident can be daunting, but understanding the steps involved can help you feel more prepared and empowered. Here’s an overview of the typical legal process for handling car accident cases:

At Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, our New Jersey car accident attorneys have achieved remarkable success obtaining financial recoveries for car accident victims throughout the state, securing settlements and jury verdicts ranging from six figures to tens of millions of dollars. When evaluating the potential value of a car accident claim, multiple critical elements influence the final compensation amount:

Our experienced trial lawyers perform comprehensive case investigations, collaborating with certified accident analysts and treating physicians to construct powerful arguments showcasing the complete extent of damages caused by reckless or careless driving. We recognize that every collision represents a life-altering event for innocent victims, and our mission centers on ensuring accountability for dangerous drivers while maximizing financial recovery for those harmed by their negligence.

*Each car accident case is unique, and the value of your case will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your injury.

New Jersey car accident victims can pursue compensation through two distinct damage categories: economic and non-economic losses. Review the details of each type below:

Remember that every car accident case presents distinct circumstances, with compensation amounts varying significantly based on injury severity, life disruption, fault percentages, and available proof. Our skilled team of car accident lawyers are dedicated to pursuing every available dollar of compensation while expertly handling New Jersey’s shared fault laws to optimize your recovery.

Navigating what to do after a car accident can be stressful, even more so if you are injured. Make sure you have an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer to help you navigate insurance, injuries, and restitution. At Mazie Slater, we are committed to helping victims of all types of car accidents understand their rights and pursue justice. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let our top car accident attorneys help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

You can find answers to frequently asked questions about car accident cases in this section. We are here to provide valuable information on how best to seek compensation for physical or emotional harm.