If another driver injures you in a car accident in Newark, you may be wondering what to do next. The most important thing is to get the medical care you need to treat your injuries and put you on the path to recovery.
Calling a knowledgeable Newark car accident lawyer should also be a top priority to help protect your rights. But have you ever considered where these accidents will most likely happen in the city?
Where Do Car Accidents Happen in Newark?
Car accidents in Newark commonly occur on downtown streets, major highways like Route 21 and I-78, and busy intersections such as Broad and Market Streets. High traffic, distracted driving, and complex road designs make these areas hazardous.
Downtown Streets and Intersections
Downtown Newark streets have some of the highest concentrations of accidents in the city. With so many vehicles, pedestrians, buses, and taxis all vying for limited space, collisions are almost inevitable. Distracted driving from looking at phones or GPS is also a major problem downtown.
Some of the most treacherous downtown streets and intersections include:
- Broad Street, especially where it meets Market Street and other major cross streets, is one of Newark’s busiest roads and has a high vehicle and foot traffic.
- Market Street, particularly near the Prudential Center, gets very congested during events, such as concerts or sports games.
- The Raymond Boulevard corridor between Broad Street and McCarter Highway. Commuters crowd this stretch heading in and out of downtown, leading to frequent rear-end and side-impact crashes.
- The blocks near Newark Penn Station are very accident-prone due to the constant flow of cars, taxis, buses, and trains picking up and dropping off passengers. Pedestrian accidents are also common here.
- Intersections along other highly trafficked roads, such as Washington Street, Central Avenue, and Clinton Avenue, are also dangerous. With vehicles entering from multiple directions, intersection wrecks are common.
If you drive downtown regularly, use caution and defensive driving techniques. If you get into an accident, inform your Newark car accident lawyer if it occurred at one of these risky locations. They can establish a pattern of wrecks there.
Major Highways and Interstates
Like any big city, Newark features several major highways and interstates crisscrossing the area. While these roads allow you to get around the city quickly, they also see very high accident rates. Some of the highways where accidents happen most often include:
McCarter Highway (Route 21)
This busy roadway cuts through downtown Newark and is one of the most dangerous stretches in the city. Risk factors include:
- Heavy traffic traveling at high speeds
- Many intersections, exit ramps, and merging areas
- Frequent road work and construction zones can be confusing
If you use Route 21 regularly, be alert and ready to react defensively. A Newark car accident lawyer can help file a claim if another driver hits you on this road.
Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is a major north-south toll road near Newark. It’s known for heavy, fast-moving traffic. There are a few particularly accident-prone sections:
- The stretch from Exit 145 to Exit 140, which includes sharp curves
- Areas with major merging from I-78, I-280, Route 22, and the New Jersey Turnpike
- Toll plaza approaches, especially during rush hours
Many accidents on the Parkway involve unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or vehicles entering and exiting too quickly. Stay in the right lane except to pass and avoid other aggressive drivers. A skilled Newark car accident attorney can determine liability if another driver hits you.
Interstate 78
I-78 crosses through Newark, carrying heavy commuter traffic to and from New York City. High speeds, congestion, and frequent merging make it a hotspot for accidents.
Some of the most dangerous sections include:
- The approach to the New Jersey Turnpike, where traffic often backs up
- Merging areas with Routes 1, 9, 21, 22 and 24
- The S-curves through the city, which some drivers take too fast
Speeding and reckless driving are major factors in I-78 crashes. Give yourself plenty of distance from other vehicles, especially in the curvy sections. If you suffered an injury in an accident, consult an experienced Newark car accident lawyer immediately.
Interstate 280
I-280 is another very busy roadway where car accidents are common. It has several dangerous features, such as:
- Hilly terrain that reduces visibility
- Sharp curves that can catch drivers off guard
- Merging traffic from the Garden State Parkway and Routes 21 and 7
- Narrow lanes and shoulders in some sections
Many accidents happen when drivers fail to reduce speed for the hills and curves. Rear-end collisions are also frequent, especially during stop-and-go rush hour traffic. Protect your rights if another driver hits you on I-280 by consulting a Newark car accident lawyer.
Other High Accident Areas
In addition to the major roadways, there are a few other areas in Newark that see frequent accidents:
Near the Airport
With so many travelers coming and going, the roads around Newark Liberty International Airport can get very congested. In particular, the roadways and parking areas near the terminals have high crash rates.
Some of the most common airport-area accidents include:
- Distracted driving accidents from motorists looking at their phones for directions
- Rear-end collisions due to sudden stops to pick up or drop off passengers
- Accidents caused by drivers unfamiliar with the airport roads and traffic patterns
If you suffered an injury in an airport-area crash, a Newark car accident lawyer can resolve the sometimes complicated liability issues with rental cars, taxis, rideshares, or airport shuttles.
Business and Shopping Districts
Their busy parking lots and people coming from stores, businesses, and shopping districts also tend to have high accidents. Cars backing out of spaces, pedestrians walking through the lot, and congestion around the entrances and exits are some of the top risk factors.
Some of the shopping centers and business districts that have the most accidents include:
- Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall area
- Ironbound Business District
- University Heights Shopping Center area
- Newark Shopping Center area
Business and property owners must keep their premises safe for customers. This includes maintaining parking lots and having clear signage. If their negligence contributed to your accident, you may have a premises liability claim in addition to an auto accident claim. A savvy Newark car accident lawyer can advise you on this.
School Zones
Areas around Newark schools often have reduced speed limits and heavy traffic from parents picking up and dropping off their kids. Distracted driving is also very common in school zones. Typical school zone accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions due to sudden stops
- Sideswipes from impatient drivers trying to get around buses or other cars
- Accidents involving children walking or biking to school
School zone accidents often happen between 7:00-9:00 AM and in the afternoon from 2:00-4:00 PM. Penalties can be more severe for causing an accident in a school zone. A Newark car accident lawyer can ensure you receive full compensation if you suffered an injury in a crash near a school.
When Do Most Accidents Occur?
In addition to where accidents happen, when they occur is also important to understand. Newark car accident lawyers know that crashes tend to be more frequent during certain days and times:
Rush Hours
As in most cities, rush hours see the highest number of accidents in Newark. With so many commuters trying to get to and from work, the roads get congested, and tempers can flare. Most rush hour accidents happen on weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 7:00 PM.
Rush hour accidents are common on I-78, I-280, Route 21, and Route 22, near the airport and train stations. Distracted driving from people checking their phones is a major factor. Many rush hour crashes are also rear-end collisions due to sudden traffic stops. If you commute during peak times, leave plenty of the following distance and minimize distractions.
Late Nights, Especially Weekends
Fatal accidents occur at higher rates overnight and on weekends in Newark. There tend to be more impaired drivers on the roads during these times. Drowsy driving and speeding are also more common late at night.
Areas with many bars and restaurants, such as the Ironbound district, see frequent weekend night DUI crashes. Late night hours are also when many pedestrian accidents happen, as people may be distracted or hard to see.
If you want to go out in town on the weekends, consider using a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver. Walking in well-lit areas and using crosswalks also reduces your accident risk. But if you are hit and hurt by an impaired driver, a Newark car accident attorney will fight for you to get justice.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Newark Car Accident?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a car crash in Newark due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. This compensation is known as “damages” in legal terms. A Newark car accident lawyer can assess your case and advise you on the types of damages you may be entitled to.
Medical Bills
You can seek reimbursement for all medical expenses related to the accident, including ER visits, surgeries, doctor appointments, medications, and physical therapy. Future expected medical costs are also recoverable. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for any ongoing treatment or long-term care required due to the injury.
Lost Income
You can claim your lost income if your injuries kept you out of work. This includes earnings, salary, self-employment income, bonuses, and other compensation you missed. Additionally, you can seek compensation for any potential future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
Property Damage
The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident (phone, glasses, clothing, etc.) is claimable. You can also seek compensation for any property permanently lost or rendered unusable due to the accident.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Transportation costs to medical appointments, in-home assistance, and medical equipment can increase quickly after an accident. You can include these out-of-pocket costs in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and discomfort you experienced due to the accident and your injuries. More severe injuries generally warrant higher amounts of pain and suffering.
Emotional Distress
The worry, fear, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, PTSD, and other psychological trauma triggered by the accident and your injuries.
Disfigurement/Scarring
If the accident left you with permanent scars or disfigurement, you can receive compensation for the emotional distress and embarrassment it causes.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of hobbies, recreational activities, exercise, and other aspects of your life you can no longer participate in because of your injuries.
Permanent Disability
If the accident leaves you with a permanent impairment or disability, you can recover from the hardship this will cause you in the future.
A good Newark car accident attorney will know how to fully value your economic damages and build a strong case for non-economic damages. The final settlement or award you receive should account for how the accident has impacted your life – physically, emotionally, and financially. Schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss the compensation you may deserve.
Get Legal Help After a Newark Car Accident
While understanding these high-risk accident areas and times can keep you safer, the unfortunate reality is that crashes can happen anywhere in Newark. The city has a very high overall accident rate—around 10,000 collisions per year, or an average of over 27 accidents daily.
If you are unlucky enough to be involved in one of those accidents, the most important thing is to get proper medical treatment for your injuries. You should also consult with an experienced Newark car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn your rights.
A lawyer can manage the insurance companies for you and preserve important evidence. They will thoroughly investigate the facts, interview witnesses, and build the strongest case for your financial recovery. Most good Newark car accident lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to get started.
So, if you’ve suffered an injury in an auto accident in Newark, don’t hesitate to get the legal support you need. Call a knowledgeable Newark car accident lawyer near you today to discuss your options.
