1. Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.
Focus Area: Serious personal injury and wrongful death litigation
Practice Areas: Auto accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, dangerous products, workers’ compensation, premises liability, medical malpractice, construction accidents
Background: Founded in 1981. The firm has 14 attorneys certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys. Employs an on-staff physician for medical issue review and on-staff investigators. Staff speaks more than 12 languages. Maintains 10 convenient locations throughout New Jersey including Newark. Accredited by BBB and major rating organizations.
Location: Newark, New Jersey (Essex County location)
Contact: (800) LAW-2000 | https://www.dsslaw.com/
Consultation: Free case review available 24/7. Confidential consultations. Will meet at a location convenient to clients with limited mobility.
2. Jacoby & Meyers, LLP
Focus Area: Personal injury claims across New Jersey
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall, workplace injuries, construction accidents, wrongful death
Background: Decades of local experience in New Jersey, New York, and New England. The firm has recovered millions in compensation for personal injury claims. Known for personalized client approach and comprehensive legal techniques. Offers virtual consultations for clients unable to visit the office.
Location: 550 Broad Street, Suite 608, Newark, NJ 07102
Contact: (973) 643-2707 | https://www.jmlawyer.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available. No upfront costs. Attorneys can meet at a location convenient to the client.
3. Schreck Personal Injury Lawyers
Focus Area: Personal injury and workers’ compensation in Essex County
Practice Areas: Auto accidents, slip and fall injuries, premises liability, workers’ compensation, pedestrian accidents, drunk driving accidents, wrongful death, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents
Background: Established in 1982 by Fredrick Schreck. Jarrett Schreck joined the firm in 2009. Located just two blocks from the Essex County Courthouse. Recognized practice serving Newark and the surrounding Essex County communities.
Location: 575 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark, NJ
Contact: https://www.schreckpersonalinjurylawyer.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available. No fee unless money is recovered for the client.
4. Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed, Attorneys at Law
Focus Area: Personal injury and wrongful death with insurance defense knowledge
Practice Areas: Personal injury, wrongful death, fraud, assault and battery, defamation, emotional distress, property damage, intentional torts
Background: More than 65 years of combined legal experience. Several attorneys formerly represented insurance companies, providing valuable knowledge of insurance law now used to advocate for injured clients. Skilled negotiators in alternative dispute resolution. Extensive experience working with local courts, judges, and legal professionals across Newark and Essex County.
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Contact: (973) 828-0203 | https://www.newark-lawyers.com/
Consultation: No-obligation consultation available. Contingency fee basis where the firm only receives a fee if compensation is recovered.
5. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
Focus Area: Trucking accidents and serious injury cases
Practice Areas: Trucking accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, workplace injuries, workers’ compensation, third-party claims, wrongful death, premises liability
Background: Award-winning attorneys with over a century of combined experience. Secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New Jersey and New York. Battle-tested trial lawyers who handle complex and high-stakes cases. Deep experience with trucking accidents and workers’ compensation claims.
Location: Newark, New Jersey (Essex County)
Contact: (201) 585-9111 | https://www.maggianolaw.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation. Contingency fee basis where attorney fees are only paid if the case is won.
Personal Injury Laws in New Jersey
Statute of Limitations: New Jersey imposes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits under N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2(a). The clock begins on the date of injury. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years from the date of death. Defamation claims have a shortened one-year deadline. Claims against government entities require filing a Notice of Tort Claim within 90 days of the incident.
Negligence Rule: New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” system under N.J. Stat. § 2A:15-5.2. A plaintiff can recover damages only if their share of fault is 50% or less. If found 51% or more at fault, the plaintiff receives nothing. When recovery is allowed, the compensation is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
Damage Caps: New Jersey does not impose general caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. There are no limits on economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, nor on non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Punitive damages may be subject to certain limitations in specific circumstances.
Auto Insurance Requirements: New Jersey operates a “choice no-fault” insurance system requiring three types of coverage:
Liability coverage (standard policy): $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $15,000 minimum per person/accident, covering medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident (standard policy)
Drivers choose between “limited right to sue” (can only sue for pain and suffering with permanent injuries) or “unlimited right to sue” (can sue regardless of injury severity). A basic policy option exists with lower limits for qualifying individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system affect my ability to sue after a Newark car accident?
New Jersey’s “choice no-fault” system means your PIP coverage pays your medical expenses first, regardless of who caused the accident. Your right to sue the at-fault driver depends on the tort option you selected when purchasing insurance. If you chose “limited right to sue,” you can only sue for pain and suffering if you suffered a qualifying permanent injury such as loss of a body part, significant scarring, displaced fracture, or death. If you chose “unlimited right to sue,” you may pursue a lawsuit for any injury. An exception exists for accidents caused by commercial trucks, where you can sue regardless of which option you selected.
What should I do if I am injured in an accident on the Garden State Parkway or Interstate 78 near Newark?
Highway accidents in the Newark area often involve high speeds and multiple vehicles, resulting in serious injuries. Document the accident scene if possible, obtain witness information, and seek medical attention immediately. Report the accident to your insurance company and request your PIP benefits application. Because highway accidents can involve complex liability issues, out-of-state drivers, or commercial vehicles, consulting with a personal injury attorney promptly is advisable to preserve evidence and meet applicable deadlines.
What is the process for filing a claim against the City of Newark or Essex County for a sidewalk fall or pothole injury?
Claims against New Jersey government entities follow strict requirements under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. You must file a Notice of Tort Claim with the appropriate public entity within 90 days of the incident. This is a much shorter deadline than the standard two-year statute of limitations. After filing the notice, you must wait six months before initiating a lawsuit. Failure to comply with these procedures typically results in losing your right to pursue compensation. Documenting the hazardous condition with photographs and identifying witnesses is critical.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my accident in Newark?
Yes, but only if you were 50% or less at fault. Under New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to injured parties to reduce their payout. For example, if a jury determines your total damages are $100,000 but you were 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
What compensation is available for a workplace injury at a Newark construction site or warehouse?
Workplace injuries in New Jersey are typically covered by workers’ compensation, which provides medical expenses and partial wage replacement regardless of fault. However, if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer, such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, you may have a third-party personal injury claim. These claims can recover damages not available through workers’ compensation, including full lost wages and pain and suffering. Construction site accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, making investigation of all potential claims essential.