Written By
Valerie Catalano, J.D.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
New Jersey is not all beaches and boardwalks. The state has the nation’s most densely populated roads, with traffic mayhem and congestion to match. When your life takes a wrong turn and you’re injured or a loved one dies in a crash, hiring a car accident lawyer in Jersey City can be vital for protecting your rights.
Since finding the right attorney can be key to getting justice, we have curated a list of the best car accident lawyers. You’ll also find a summary of New Jersey’s essential laws for drivers and tips on choosing the perfect attorney.
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Best Car Accident Lawyers in Jersey City
John E. Molinari
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1986
Law School Attended
New York Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Salvatore Marabondo
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1986
Law School Attended
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Francis X. Dorrity
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1972
Law School Attended
St. John's University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Anthony Carbone
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1988
Law School Attended
Temple University Beasley School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Thomas F. Flynn III
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1982
Law School Attended
Widener University Delaware Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Ricky Bagolie
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1994
Law School Attended
Rutgers Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Anthony Pope
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1986
Law School Attended
Rutgers Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Alan T. Friedman
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1993
Law School Attended
Brooklyn Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Richard J. Villanova
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
2004
Law School Attended
New York Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Juan L. Icaza
NJ Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to NJ Bar
1990
Law School Attended
Seton Hall University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Compare Top Jersey City Car Accident Attorneys
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Jersey City, New Jersey
Knowing your rights and obligations can be vital for getting justice when you’re involved in a car accident in Jersey City. Read on to discover how much time you have to file a legal claim in New Jersey and learn about the laws that could impact your case.
New Jersey Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases
New Jersey’s statute of limitations dictates how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit, including for car accident claims. Generally, you can file a lawsuit in Jersey City for up to two years after the date of your injury or accident. Adhering to this deadline is critical. Filing too late could mean losing your right to pursue compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company.
Certain exceptions could lengthen or shorten the deadline for filing a lawsuit. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or incapacitated, the clock may start ticking later. Crucially, claims against government entities require fast action in New Jersey. You’ll typically have to file a notice of claim within 90 days, or you could lose the right to sue the government.
New Jersey Laws for Car Drivers
Drivers in New Jersey benefit from knowing the laws that may affect them, including the following.
- Comparative negligence. New Jersey’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you are up to 50% responsible for the crash.
- No-fault insurance. New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance should cover your damages up to a certain amount regardless of fault. However, you could still sue the responsible party and pursue additional compensation if your injuries are severe and you have high medical costs and damages.
- Dram shop laws. According to the New Jersey Dram Shop Statute, a bar or restaurant could be liable for an accident involving alcohol. For example, if a restaurant continued serving a visibly intoxicated person alcohol who then caused your crash, you could seek damages from the establishment.
Identifying Fault for Car Accidents in New Jersey
Identifying fault in New Jersey car accidents is essential as it affects your insurance claim or lawsuit settlement. Determining fault for a crash can be complex and involves gathering evidence, such as police reports, traffic surveillance camera footage, witness statements and other material. In some cases, expert opinions may be required to prove fault.
New Jersey follows the modified comparative negligence law, meaning you can recover damages provided you are less than 51% responsible for the collision. However, your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, suppose you have $100,000 in total damages. If a Jersey City court finds you 30% at fault for the accident, you may only recover $70,000.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
The time after an accident can be stressful and upsetting. You might be juggling negotiations with an insurance company, healing from your injuries and getting your work and home life back on track. This is where an attorney can step in and take some things off your plate. They can handle all communication and negotiation with insurers, protect your rights and aim for a full and fair settlement.
An attorney can also strengthen your case by hiring industry experts to thoroughly investigate your accident and gather the evidence required to prove liability. Moreover, when you hire an attorney, you don’t have to worry about completing legal documents correctly or meeting filing deadlines. They will handle all the paperwork and procedural hurdles, allowing you to focus on your health.
How To Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Jersey City, NJ
Finding an excellent car accident attorney will involve a little homework, but the benefits for your case could be significant. Here’s what to look for.
- Car accident track record. Look for an attorney who primarily handles car accident claims and has a track record of recovering settlements and favorable verdicts for clients.
- Communication and accessibility. Effective communication between you and your lawyer is crucial. Choose someone who addresses your concerns, answers your questions openly and keeps you informed at all stages of the legal process.
- Resources and connections. Consider law firms with adequate resources to fight your case all the way to trial, if necessary. Your attorney should also be well-connected to experts, such as medical providers and accident reconstruction professionals.
- Trial experience. Insurance companies sometimes refuse fair settlements, meaning you might have to fight for what you deserve at trial. Therefore, hiring an experienced trial lawyer at the outset covers you for all eventualities
Our Methodology for Finding the Best Jersey City Car Accident Attorneys
Forbes Advisor ranked attorneys offering services in car accident law within a 50-mile radius of Jersey City, NJ using data points across the categories of qualifications, experience, reputation, client experience and diversity and inclusivity. We pulled data for these categories from reliable, third-party resources such as state bar associations and individual firm websites. Data is accurate as of June 2024.
We evaluated attorneys based on the following metrics.
Qualifications (15%):
- Active business license
- Public records check
- Practice areas
- Overall reputation of law school
Experience (15%):
- Years of membership in state bar
- Ethics and bar disciplinary history
Reputation (30%):
- High regards in top legal publications
- Positive reviews
- Accolades from colleagues
Client Experience (25%):
Diversity and Inclusivity (15%):
We considered only attorneys without disciplinary history who have been licensed for at least five years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Accidents in Jersey City
How long does it take to settle a car accident lawsuit in Jersey City, NJ?
Who pays for my medical bills after an accident in Jersey City, NJ?
Should I talk to an insurance adjuster after a car accident in Jersey City, NJ?
The information on this page does not constitute legal advice, nor does use of or access to this page create an attorney-client relationship between any parties. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for informational purposes only. Your legal situation is unique and the attorneys and services we rank may not be right for your circumstances. Consult with an attorney to obtain advice on your particular legal matter.
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