A split-second collision on New York or New Jersey roads can change everything. Suddenly, you're facing serious injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and an uncertain future. Since 1977, Hofmann & Schweitzer has helped accident victims navigate these challenging times with compassion and determination. Our attorneys understand the physical pain, financial stress, and emotional toll of a serious crash, and we want you to understand how this happened to you, what you might recover, and how you can fight for your fair recovery with the help of a New Jersey or New York motor vehicle accident lawyer.
Common Causes of New York and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle crashes on New York City’s crowded streets and New Jersey's busy roads happen for many reasons, including:
- Distracted driving. Drivers who text, use phones, adjust navigation systems, or engage in other distractions pose serious dangers to other motorists. Our investigators look for evidence of distraction, including phone records and witness statements, to determine if distracted driving was a factor in an accident.
- Drunk or drugged driving. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs cause some of the most severe motor vehicle crashes. When intoxicated drivers cause injuries, they can face criminal charges and civil liability for the harm they cause.
- Speeding and aggressive driving. On New York City's congested streets and New Jersey's highways, drivers often speed, tailgate, weave through traffic, or make dangerous lane changes. This aggressive behavior can significantly increase crash risks and injury severity.
- Fatigued driving. Commercial drivers, shift workers, and sleep-deprived motorists cause serious crashes when they fall asleep at the wheel or have slowed reaction times as they fight to stay awake.
- Dangerous road conditions. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, and construction zones create hazards throughout New York and New Jersey.
Our motor vehicle accident lawyers can investigate your crash thoroughly to identify all possible causes and gather relevant evidence.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Trucks, cars, and motorcycles may be involved in:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes happen frequently in heavy New York and New Jersey traffic. These collisions often occur when drivers follow too closely or fail to pay attention to slowing vehicles ahead. Even at lower speeds, rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries from the sudden forward-and-back motion. Our attorneys examine factors such as following distance, road conditions, and vehicle speeds to establish liability in these cases.
T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact or T-bone collisions are particularly dangerous because they strike the area of the vehicle with minimal protection for occupants. These accidents commonly occur at intersections when drivers run red lights, fail to yield right-of-way, or misjudge turning distances. The injuries from T-bone accidents can be catastrophic, especially for passengers on the struck side of the vehicle. We investigate traffic signal timing, witness statements, and vehicle damage patterns to determine fault in these complex cases.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Chain-reaction crashes on highways like the New Jersey Turnpike or New York State Thruway often involve multiple vehicles and complex liability questions. Poor visibility conditions, sudden traffic slowdowns, or a single negligent driver can trigger these devastating pile-ups. Determining fault often requires sophisticated accident reconstruction and thorough investigation.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes. Vehicles with higher centers of gravity, like SUVs and vans, are particularly susceptible, especially during emergency maneuvers or when struck by another vehicle. Rollovers frequently result in roof crush injuries, ejection, and severe trauma. We examine vehicle design, road conditions, and driver actions to establish liability in rollover cases.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents occur with alarming frequency in urban areas like the Greater New York City area and throughout New Jersey. When drivers flee the scene, victims face additional challenges in securing compensation. Our attorneys know how to work with law enforcement to identify runaway drivers and explore all possible insurance coverage options, including uninsured motorist protection, to help victims recover damages even when the responsible party cannot be located.
Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
The impact of motor vehicle crashes often results in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Our New York and New Jersey motor vehicle accident lawyers have helped clients who suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries. From concussions to severe brain damage, these injuries can cause cognitive impairment, memory problems, personality changes, and other life-altering effects. Our attorneys can work with neurologists and rehabilitation specialists to document the full impact of these injuries on your life.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent disability, including partial or complete paralysis. We calculate the lifetime costs of these injuries, including specialized equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care needs.
- Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries. Broken bones, joint injuries, and torn ligaments may require surgical intervention, metal implants, and extensive rehabilitation. Some victims never regain their previous range of motion or strength.
- Internal injuries. Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and often requires emergency surgery. These injuries may result in permanent health complications that affect your quality of life.
- Psychological trauma. The emotional impact of serious crashes—including PTSD, anxiety, and depression—deserves recognition and compensation. We can work with mental health professionals to document these invisible but very real injuries.
You deserve fair compensation for all your accident injuries.
New York and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accident Damages
You may be entitled to significant compensation if you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident in New York or New Jersey. Our attorneys fight aggressively to secure damages for all accident-related expenses, including:
- Medical expenses. Your health care costs may include emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost income and earning capacity. This includes wages, benefits, and self-employment income lost during recovery and diminished future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.
- Pain and suffering. You deserve compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Property damage. We help recover costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. When injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed or fulfilling important family roles, you deserve compensation for these losses.
New York and New Jersey have different insurance requirements and legal frameworks for motor vehicle accident claims. Our attorneys understand the nuances of both states' laws and how to maximize your recovery in either jurisdiction.
Why Choose a Hofmann & Schweitzer New Jersey or New York Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Experience and resources matter when selecting a New York or New Jersey motor vehicle accident lawyer to handle your case. Our legal team offers:
- More than four decades of experience. Since 1977, we've been standing up for injury victims throughout New York and New Jersey, building an exceptional track record of verdicts and settlements.
- Personalized attention. As a small firm providing personalized service, our team personally visits accident sites when necessary, has a policy to return calls within 24 hours, and makes house calls when necessary for clients unable to travel.
- Skilled litigation. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position. Insurance companies know we're ready to fight in court if they don't offer fair compensation.
- Multi-million dollar results. Our firm has helped clients recover over a hundred million dollars after accidents and injuries, placing us in an elite group of multi-million dollar legal advocates.
We handle motor vehicle accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
