Brain injuries can be devastating, even with quick treatment and response. That’s why it’s so important for you to get medical care as rapidly as possible after a collision. Reducing pressure and swelling in the brain is essential when you’re trying to minimize brain cell death.

With a serious head injury, you may show many symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Bleeding from the ears
• Trouble speaking
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaking from the nose or ear
• Difficulty swallowing
• Numbness in the body
• Paralysis
• Dizziness
• Trouble staying conscious
• Nausea
• Trouble thinking or concentrating

These symptoms may get better as your brain injury improves, but some may need medical intervention. At the hospital, your medical provider will look at your brain through imaging scans and other tests so that they can see how severe the injury is and if a surgery is needed. You may be given medications to reduce swelling and inflammation as your brain begins to heal. There may also be medications to help reduce fluid build-up in the body, which can put extra pressure on the brain.

After a serious injury like this, it may be appropriate to seek compensation. Some of the compensation you may want to seek includes:

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Future lost wages
• Current lost wages

You may want to look into your legal options if you choose to pursue a claim against the driver who hit you.

If you’re like most people, you just keep your eyes on the road in front of you and ease into the intersection. If you’re going straight, maybe you glance at the cars waiting to turn left to make sure that they wait for you. Is that enough?

It is all that you’re obligated to do, but it may not be enough to keep you safe. You really should look both ways, even at a green light, before entering the intersection.

Remember, thousands of people run red lights and cause accidents every year. In 2019, NPR reported that 939 people died in these accidents in 2017. That was a 31% increase and a 10-year high. And that’s just the deaths. Many other red-light accidents cause serious injuries, minor injuries and property damage.

Other drivers make mistakes. In some senses, this should be the first rule of the road that everyone learns when they get a license. Yes, you have the right of way at a green light, but that doesn’t mean everyone will respect that right. Your safety depends on understanding the very human errors people make behind the wheel. That’s why most accidents happen, and knowing what to watch out for can help you drive defensively and keep yourself out of these crashes.

Nothing guarantees your safety, of course, even an understanding of errors and risk. Sometimes, there is just nothing you can do. If you get injured by a neligent driver, you must know what rights you have to compensation.

Not all auto accidents work out that way, however. There are roughly six million car accidents in this country every year, which end up killing about 90 people every day. Another two million people are left with permanent injuries.

For many of those victims or their surviving family members, the typical insurance company settlement after a wreck is not enough to cover their lost income, medical expenses, ongoing care needs and other losses. In many cases, the limits of the other party’s insurance policy don’t go past $100,000 — no matter how serious a crash may be.

This is when attorneys for plaintiffs and their families typically look for additional parties who share liability for the accident — in the hope that those parties may have more resources that can be used to pay a claim for a serious or catastrophic crash. Some of the things that an attorney may consider include

• Defective guardrails that are badly designed or improperly installed
• Negligent traffic designs, including poorly placed signs, missing lights, inadequate signals, missing pedestrian crosswalks and other dangerous conditions
• Well-known issues with the roads or traffic where the accident occurred, including lax enforcement of traffic violations and speeding laws
• Construction zones that were not properly marked or monitored against the flow of traffic
• Problems with local vegetation, including trees that obscure safety warnings or traffic signals
• Defects with the vehicles or their parts that made the accident worse, such as a defective driver’s seat or safety harness

Looking for additional sources of compensation isn’t about “suing everyone in sight.” It’s about shifting the responsibility — and the financial burden — of an accident to the responsible party or parties best able to pay.

• Car crashes
• Construction site accidents
• Fires
• Chemical exposure incidents
• Explosions

While minor and moderate burns may not need much care, severe burns can be life-altering injuries. No matter how these burns were caused, when they’re a result of negligence or malicious intent, you deserve the opportunity to hold the responsible parties liable for their actions. Your life will change, and it’s at least partially because of their actions.

What are Some of the Expenses That You Might Expect After a Serious Burn Injury?

Some of the expenses include:

• Corrective surgeries
• Skin grafts
• Hospital stays
• Antibiotics and medications
• Extensive rehabilitation
• Scar repair, removal or treatment

If you’re burned in New Jersey, then it’s likely that you’ll go to the St. Barnabas Burn Center for treatment. This facility is designed to handle cases like yours. If you plan to file a claim against anyone who caused your burn injuries, then it’s a good idea to work with an attorney who has experience working with this hospital and its team. For a claim to be successful, you should work to provide a strong presentation for the jury, which is something that your attorney will help with.

Our website has more information on burn injuries and what to do if you’re a victim of burns. Your life may change as a result of the injuries that you’ve suffered, and it’s only fair that those who are responsible are held liable for the financial damages that you’ve suffered.

New Jersey ranks high in the order of states where dog bites are likely to occur, and August is often the month with the highest number of reported bites. In 2018 the state was ranked 14th. Average payouts in suits brought against the owner of the biting dog was $72,000. Children are most often the victims of dog bites.

While dogs, like humans, can have unpredictable behavior, there are steps that dog owners can take to help prevent dogs from biting. Properly socialized dogs will be less afraid around strange dogs and people and less likely to be aggressive. People approaching one’s dog, particularly children, should be cautioned to approach slowly and allow the dog to become a bit familiar with them before petting it. Dogs, like people, require regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.

Regardless of how well cared for a dog is, bites can still happen. No matter how careful an owner is, or how cautious a parent is with one’s child around a strange dog, no dog’s behavior is completely predictable. If a person in New Jersey is injured due to an animal bite, a consultation with a personal injury professional can be informative. A knowledgeable attorney can review the facts of the situation and advise the client as to whether a personal injury suit is viable option. This is particularly true regarding dog bites as New Jersey is a strict liability state, even in circumstances where the dog owner took reasonable precautions to restrain the animal and/or warn others.

According to reports, the driver of the tractor-trailer pulled off onto the shoulder in the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike due to mechanical issues. While outside of the vehicle attempting to fix the problem, he was struck by a passing pickup truck. Sadly, the trucker died at the scene of the wreck.

The driver of the pickup was seriously hurt and was transported to a medical center for treatment. His current condition is unknown. At this time authorities are still investigating this incident. It is unknown if any criminal charges are pending against this individual.

Losing a loved one at any time and in any way can present challenges for surviving family members. When the death occurs while that person is on the job, his or her loved ones may be able to access work comp death benefits which could help them cover funeral costs, lost wages and other economic losses associated with their loved ones untimely death. In this case, family members of the deceased may also be able to file a wrongful death claim against the driver thought responsible for this incident. This type of claim, if successfully litigated in a New Jersey civil court, could grant them further compensation for any economic and non-economic damages sustained.

Source: Cinnaminson, NJ Patch, “Tractor Trailer Driver Killed In Accident On NJ Turnpike In South Jersey“, Anthony Bellano, Dec. 20, 2016

Trucking companies are highly regulated at both the state and federal levels. The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have set strict guidelines to which companies and their employees are to adhere. If a truck accident occurs, the driver and his or her employee will be investigated in order to see if any regulation violations contributed to the incident. Common violations include:

• Issues with a driver’s license
• Drivers failing to abide by hours of service guidelines
• Trucks carrying too much weight
• Cargo not being secured properly
• Truck maintenance issues
• Improper storage and transportation of hazardous waste

If negligence on the part of a truck driver or his or her employer is suspected in contributing to a trucking accident, the victim or — in the event of fatality — his or her surviving family members may pursue claims for damages in civil court. Those damages that may be recovered include medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and loss of consortium — among numerous others. As every case is different, one’s legal counsel will work to seek compensation for the losses specific to one’s individual circumstances.

The damages associated with a truck accident are rarely minor. Those in New Jersey who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in such incidents do not have to shoulder their losses alone. An experienced attorney can help them recoup any monetary losses experienced and seek compensation for any non-economic damages sustained as well.

Source: FindLaw, “Truck Accident Law: What You Need to Know“, Accessed on Dec. 16, 2016

On the evening of Dec. 5, police received reports of a man driving erratically in the southbound lanes of Route 55. The 31-year-old trooper was called to respond to the reports. While he was in the northbound lanes, his patrol car was struck by a vehicle that crossed the median from the southbound lanes. The trooper was airlifted to a medical facility where he succumbed to his injuries.

The individual believed responsible for this crash was a 61-year-old male. He is said to have died at the accident scene. It is thought that a medical condition may have caused him to collide with the trooper. However, police are still in the process of determining the official cause of the accident.

This tragic accident has affected the lives of so many. Per the laws of New Jersey, the troopers surviving family members may access work comp death benefits to help cover their current and future losses. An experienced attorney can help the family to achieve the maximum benefit to which they are entitled. They may also file wrongful death actions against the estate of the driver deemed responsible for the accident. If navigated successfully, such actions may result in the awarding of further financial compensation for both the economic and non-economic losses sustained.

Source: philly.com, “Other driver’s illness may have caused crash that killed him, N.J. trooper“, Robert Moran, Dec. 8, 2016

On the evening of Dec. 1, a 48-year-old male is said to have caused a car accident involving a total of five automobiles. The details of the incident have not been released. Police have said that at least four people suffered injuries as a result of the wreck. It is unknown if any of the victims required transportation to the hospital.

The individual deemed responsible was arrested shortly after police arrived at the accident scene. Authorities say that he refused a breath test. He has been charged with DWI, breath test refusal and reckless driving. The accused has already been released from police custody and has a court hearing scheduled for Dec. 11.

The injuries suffered by the victims in this case were reported to be minor in nature. However, even those injuries that may seem like nothing at first can progress and have serious, long-lasting consequences. In accordance with the laws of New Jersey, the victims of this drunk driving accident may file civil claims against the driver believed responsible in an effort to recoup any financial losses that they have endured. They may also seek compensation for any physical and emotional damages stemming from the incident.

Source: njherald.com, “Sparta man charged with DWI after 5-car accident in Stanhope“, Dec. 2, 2016

According to a local news report, rescue crews were called to Shadow Lake Village in Middletown after a fire broke out on the second floor of the complex. When authorities arrived, they found an 82-year-old man outside with second and third degree burns on his hands, head and face. He was also suffering from smoke inhalation. This individual was flown to a burn center for care. His current condition is unknown.

At this time, investigators are still trying to determine what caused this fire. In total, three units in the building were destroyed. Thankfully, no one else was injured in the event.

The burn injuries suffered by the victim of this fire can have significant consequences. The treatment of such injuries can be painful, with no guarantees of full recovery, and the victim may experience a number of other medical issues — such as infection — which can cause a myriad of physical problems. Along with the physical consequences of these injuries, the financial and psychological damages can also be too much for one to bear alone. In New Jersey, when one is injured on someone else’s property, the owner may be held responsible for the damages sustained — this is known as premises liability. By taking legal actions after this incident, if successful, the victim may be awarded financial relief for his losses which could help him place his focus on getting the care he needs and not on economic concerns.

Source: app.com, “Fire engulfs Middletown retirement home units, injures 1“, Katie Park, Nov. 26, 2016

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day approximately 1,161 people are injured and another eight are killed in collisions involving distracted drivers. This adds up to hundreds of thousands of injuries and many deaths every single year. That is a lot of people and families who suffer physical, psychological and/or even financial damages as a result.

What does distracted driving mean? Distracted driving occurs when a driver is focusing on anything that removes his or her attention from the road. According to experts, distractions come in three basic forms: manual, visual and cognitive. Meaning one’s hands may be removed from the wheel; one’s eyes may be removed from the road and one’s mind may be focused on personal concerns rather than operating one’s vehicle. Examples of these include:

• Texting
• Reading
• Grooming
• Engaging with passengers
• Thinking about work, school or other personal commitments

One who has been negatively affected by a distracted driver — either as a victim or the surviving family member of a victim — may have legal recourse. Civil claims, such as personal injury or wrongful death actions, may be filed in a New Jersey court in an effort to recoup any losses sustained in the car crash. If litigation proves successful, a monetary judgment for all recoverable damages may be awarded.

Source: cdc.gov, “Distracted Driving“, Accessed on Nov. 23, 2016

According to a recent report, two employees for a roofing company suffered severe burns when an asphalt tanker exploded. The two men were on top of the tanker, trying to turn the discharge pipe but were unable to get it to move. Their foreman then instructed the men to use a propane torch to heat and loosen the pipe. The use of the torch ignited the flammable vapors coming from the liquid asphalt and resulted in the explosion. The roofing company has been cited and fined for failing to provide a safety guardrail for the tanker and for allowing the torch to be used in the presence of flammable gases.

As a result of the explosion, both of the injured employees were thrown approximately 10 feet to the ground. Both individuals reportedly suffered third-degree burns; one of whom is said to have burns that cover 36 percent of his body. Their current conditions are unknown.

The decisions that led to this accident could easily happen anywhere. An employee who has suffered a work injury may take certain steps in achieving full and fair compensation for his or her losses. These include filing for workers’ compensation benefits and pursing civil claims in a New Jersey civil court, if appropriate.

Source: workerscompensation.com, “Cal/OSHA Cites Roofing Company after Preventable Tanker Explosion Burns Two Workers“, Nov. 10, 2016

A 12-year-old boy is said to have suffered a serious head injury after he was hit by a car while riding his bike. The driver of the car — a 50-year-old female — was traveling southbound on Old Forge Road when she reportedly struck the child near an intersection. The young boy was transported to a hospital in New Brunswick for treatment. His current condition is unknown.

The driver of the car was uninjured in the wreck. At this time, authorities have not indicated whether any charges are pending against this individual. Investigators are asking any witnesses to this incident to please, come forward.

Sadly, auto-pedestrian accidents are common occurrences in New Jersey and elsewhere. While the details of such incidents are always hard to bear, they seem particularly disturbing when children are involved. While the official cause of this incident is still being determined, if the driver is found to have been negligent in her actions leading to the crash, the child’s family may have legal recourse. Personal injury claims may be filed in civil court in an effort to seek compensation for the victim’s medical expenses and various other losses that have resulted from the car crash. If litigation is successful, this child and his family may be awarded monetary damages, which could certainly prove useful during the recovery process.

Source: nj.com, “12-year-old bicyclist hit by car, police say“, Alex Napoliello, Nov. 6, 2016

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Americans take an average of 233 billion car trips every single year. It is believed that, one of every two thousand of those is taken by a driver who is impaired by alcohol. While that may not seem like very many, one-third of all traffic fatalities are attributed to drunk driving — which is far from insignificant.

Along with the thousands of fatalities that occur every year due to impaired driving, even more individuals are injured in DUI-related auto accidents. In fact, every two minutes, someone is injured in a collision with an impaired driver. Many of the drivers deemed responsible for these accidents are repeat offenders.

Sadly, even though impaired drivers are punished in criminal court for their actions, this does not seem to stop the behavior. Until these individuals choose to stop getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, thousands of innocent people will continue to lose their lives or loved ones in accidents that are so easily preventable. New Jersey residents who are negatively affected by drunk driving accidents may seek compensation for their losses. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, following a DUI accident, personal injury, wrongful death and any other applicable claims may be filed in civil court against the driver deemed responsible in an effort to seek damages.

Source: madd.org, “About Drunk Driving”, Accessed on Oct. 28, 2016

According to a recent news report, two vehicles somehow crashed on Route 27, in Roselle. Investigators still are not quite sure exactly what happened. However, authorities have stated that the drivers of both vehicles were headed in the same direction when one somehow collided with a utility pole and the other struck the side of a vacant building. Sadly, both drivers died from their injuries — one at the scene of the crash and the other at an area hospital.

Shortly after the crash occurred, one of the police officers who arrived on scene was injured while trying to rescue the drivers. The injuries suffered are said to be quite serious. However, no other details about this incident have been reported.

For police officers in New Jersey and elsewhere, getting hurt while on the job is an all too common occurrence. Thankfully, these individuals do have the right to file for work comp benefits which can aid in their recoveries. Those who find it a struggle to receive full benefits after suffering a work injury can seek legal assistance in fighting for maximum compensation. With the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, the appropriate actions can be taken so that this may be accomplished. For those who also may be able to file third-party civil claims in order to seek further compensation, assistance may also be provided in filing and litigating any applicable legal actions.

Source: Westfield, NJ Patch, “More Details, Victims ID’d In Fatal 2-Car N.J. Crash; Cop Seriously Hurt“, Tom Davis, Oct. 15, 2016

According to reports, the child was walking to school, just like every other school day, when he was hit by a jitney bus at Kennedy Boulevard and Neptune Avenue. The bus driver was supposedly maneuvering around a parked delivery truck when the vehicle struck the child. The victim was transported to Jersey City Medical Center in critical condition. However, he died shortly after his arrival.

Authorities are still investigating this incident. The bus driver was arrested following the crash and has been charged with causing death and driving on a suspended license. No further details about this case have been reported.

Following a fatal car crash, it is normal for the victim’s family members to have questions and want answers. If it is believed that negligent actions on part of the bus driver contributed to the death of the child, the victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to pursue civil claims against him and/or his employer in order to seek compensation for their losses. Through the successful litigation of a wrongful death claim, a New Jersey civil court may award a monetary judgment for any and all damages that are deemed recoverable in accordance with the laws of the state.

Source: nj.com, “Boy dies after being hit by bus in Jersey City“, Michaelangelo Conte, Oct. 14, 2016

Investigative reports indicate that the truck driver was speeding when he crashed into traffic in front of him. The initial crash was into Morgan’s limousine van, and this set off a series of other crashes that included another four vehicles. One of the occupants of Morgan’s limousine was killed and others, including Morgan, were injured.

In addition to speeding, reports also indicate that the truck driver had been driving for at least 13 hours prior to the crash, and he had not slept in over 25 hours. Driving for extended periods of time and lack of sleep can both cause one to not be as alert as necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. This driver has been charged with vehicular homicide, and a new trial date has been set in one of New Jersey’s Superior Courts.

A truck accident such as this can have devastating consequences for all involved. Many times, these accidents result in the loss of life; other times, these accidents cause serious injury. Regardless, the individual and/or family will face mounting medical and financial needs in addition to the emotional turmoil. Experienced counsel is often necessary to assist in pursuing available legal options.

Source: nj.com, “New court date set for truck driver in Tracy Morgan crash, report says“, Rob Spahr, Sept. 30, 2016

According to the accident report, the 58-year-old man was crossing the westbound lane of Route 33 when the accident occurred. A vehicle driven by a 54-year-old man struck the pedestrian with enough force to kill him. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical authorities as they arrived. 

The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. He was uninjured in the collision. For the moment, police have not chosen to pursue legal action against the driver, as no complaints have been signed at this juncture. 

More information will be required before New Jersey authorities determine how to proceed with the course of this investigation. If the pedestrian was crossing the street in violation of traffic laws, it is possible no criminal charges will be filed. However, state law may allow the family of the deceased man to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court, citing driver responsibility for maintaining vigilance on the road. If it can be proved that the driver was in some way negligent or reckless in his operation of his vehicle at the time of the car accident, contributing materially to the fatality, there may be reasonable cause for damages to be awarded by a civil court, even if no criminal charges are filed.

Source: Manalapan, NJ Patch, “Man, 58, Killed In Manalapan Car Accident“, Katie Kausch, Oct. 3, 2016

After a car accident that results in injury or the loss of life, an injured victim or the surviving family members of a deceased victim may find themselves dealing with a number of hardships. For starters, the financial losses from medical bills, lost wages and benefits, funeral expenses — if applicable — and so on can be, and often are, rather significant. For the injured, physical pain, suffering and disability may have long-lasting effects. Finally, for victims and/or their loved ones, the emotional damages may be too much from which to fully recover.

Those who experience losses in auto accidents may feel that there is little they can do in order to recoup the damages. Fortunately, with the assistance of an experienced attorney, injured victims and the family members of those who have lost their lives in such incidents can seek compensation. To learn how an attorney may be able to help, please visit our firm’s website.

After a car accident, one’s life and/or the lives of his or her family members may never be the same. New Jersey residents who have suffered losses due to auto collisions may have legal recourse. An experienced attorney can help victims of such incidents file personal injury, wrongful death, survival actions and other legal claims appropriate for the circumstances in an effort to seek compensation for any damages that are deemed legally recoverable.