Car Accidents

Car Accident Lawyer in Union County

Serving Injured Auto Accident Clients Throughout New Jersey

A car accident can disrupt your life in moments. Whether it’s a rear-end collision on Route 22, a multi-car pileup on the Garden State Parkway, or another type of crash in Union County, having a reliable vehicle accident attorney in Union County at your side can make a significant difference in your recovery and settlement outcome.

If you’ve been involved in a collision anywhere in Union County, the aftermath can be confusing and stressful. At Law Office of Michael Chelland, our Union County car accident lawyer helps guide you through the uncertainty, answering specific questions about documentation, process, and evidence that apply in this region so you can focus on recovery. Our commitment to quality legal care means every decision is tailored to your circumstances.

From Union County to Essex County and throughout the North Jersey Region, Law Office of Michael Chelland is here for injured drivers. Call (908) 948-8395 to get in touch with our Union County, NJ, car accident legal team.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur for many reasons, but certain contributing factors are seen more often in Union County and across New Jersey.

Here are the most frequent causes of car accidents:

Distracted Driving: Even momentary loss of focus, such as texting, eating, changing the radio, or talking to passengers, can cause serious crashes.
Speeding: Traveling over the speed limit limits your reaction time and increases both the risk and severity of a collision accident.
Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI): Alcohol or drug impairment affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making driving unsafe regardless of the amount consumed.
Reckless Driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and disregarding traffic rules heighten the risk of serious accidents.
Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility and traction, increasing the chance of hydroplaning or skidding. Adjusting speed and increasing stopping distance is was critical in unsafe conditions.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Ignoring stop signs, red lights, and speed limits can cause unpredictable and preventable crashes.
Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can slow reaction times and impair judgment, much like alcohol, and even a brief loss of attention can lead to a devastating collision.
Poor Road Conditions: Hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, and debris may cause drivers to lose control, especially in construction zones lacking proper warning signs.
Vehicle Defects or Malfunctions: Brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine trouble can quickly escalate into loss of control without warning. Routine maintenance helps prevent many mechanical issues.
Inexperienced Drivers: Those with less experience may struggle to react quickly or handle unexpected situations, increasing the risk of both minor and major accidents.

Our vehicle accident attorney in Union County carefully gathers local evidence to bolster your claim and show liability. This attention to local details is often key when negotiating with insurers and building your unique case.

Why Hire a Union County Car Accident Attorney?

Having a dedicated car accident lawyer in Union County is crucial to navigating the aftermath of a crash. These legal advocates understand accident dynamics and are prepared to analyze police reports, witness statements, and medical records to present the strongest case possible for you. They devote time and resources to counter insurance adjusters’ attempts to minimize or deny your injuries—helping protect your right to fair compensation.

At Law Office of Michael Chelland, our commitment is to make your voice heard and your rights protected, providing professional guidance at every stage. Whether we’re negotiating a settlement or preparing for court in Union County, having a determined attorney by your side can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

New Jersey Car Accident Laws

In New Jersey, car accident laws are designed to have victims of accidents receive fair compensation while promoting safety on the roads. New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after an accident, each driver’s own insurance typically covers their medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. This system simplifies claims for medical treatment but can limit a person's ability to sue for non-medical damages like pain and suffering unless specific conditions are met. Drivers in New Jersey must carry a minimum of $15,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy, which covers medical bills and lost wages, among other things.

However, New Jersey also allows drivers to opt for a verbal threshold or limited tort option, which restricts their ability to file lawsuits for pain and suffering unless they suffer serious injuries such as dismemberment, permanent disability, or significant scarring. On the other hand, drivers who choose the full tort option can sue for pain and suffering without these restrictions. In either case, a driver can seek compensation from the at-fault party if the accident involves clear negligence or if the at-fault driver was underinsured or uninsured.

In New Jersey, the law also requires drivers involved in accidents to report the incident to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), especially if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $500. This report must typically be filed within 10 days of the accident. If a driver is found to be at fault in an accident, they may face legal consequences such as fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges if reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) was involved.

Does New Jersey Have Comparative Negligence?

New Jersey uses a comparative negligence rule. If more than one driver is at fault, damages are divided according to each party’s share of the blame. For example, if you're 30% responsible for a crash, your total compensation will be reduced by that percentage. You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.

Car Accident Statute of Limitations in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this window, you lose the right to pursue your claim through the courts. It’s vital to consult a car accident attorney in Union County quickly to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Union County

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps at the scene protects your interests and safety.

Steps to take include:

Move to safety: Start by making sure everyone is safe and, if possible, move vehicles out of active lanes and use hazard lights.
Call 911: Always call law enforcement, even for minor collisions. Police reports are crucial evidence for insurance and legal proceedings.
Document the scene: Use your phone to take photos of vehicles, damage, street signs, and conditions at the scene.
Gather information: Exchange complete information with all parties, including names, insurance, and contact details.
Avoid admitting fault: Do not admit fault, as determining liability is complex and should be handled professionally.
Repor the accident: Report the incident to your insurance company right away, then contact a vehicle accident lawyer in Union County to discuss your rights and options.

At Law Office of Michael Chelland, we help you make secure, informed decisions at every critical moment to protect both your health and your financial future.

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The Role of Insurance in Car Accident Claims

Navigating a car accident claim often means dealing with insurance companies, which can be challenging without a clear understanding of how policies and adjusters operate. Auto insurance generally covers liability, medical costs, and vehicle damage, but insurers aim to limit payouts, often by minimizing injuries, alleging shared fault, or offering low early settlements. When you file a claim, an adjuster investigates the crash, but their loyalty is to the insurer, not you.

Attorney Michael Chelland’s background working inside insurance companies gives clients a strategic advantage. He understands the tactics adjusters use and knows how to push back effectively. With his experience, diligence, and compassion, he builds strong cases and negotiates confidently to have your claim be handled fairly and thoroughly.

Understanding Compensation in Your Auto Accident Case

For many Union County residents, one of the first questions after an accident is what compensation might be possible.

Types of compensation can include:

Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage

With our skilled car accident lawyer in Union County, you’re guided through every part of the compensation process.

Better Days Are Closer Than You Think

With Michael Chelland, You Have A Warrior On Your Side

We genuinely care about you—your journey, your recovery, and making sure you’re supported every step of the way. Here's what sets us apart.

Personal Attention

We understand how overwhelming this time can be. We take the time to listen and address your concerns with care and understanding.
Strategic Advocacy

We focus on creating practical solutions tailored to your unique situation, keeping your needs at the forefront of everything we do.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Our compassionate care turns into steadfast persistence with insurance companies, working toward fair compensation.
Guidance You Can Trust

We guide you through every step of the process with transparency and clear communication, allowing you to focus on recovery.

A Union County Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

Attorney Chelland works on contingency, which means you don’t pay him a fee unless he gets you a settlement. When you come on board with us, we're there for you 24/7 and can meet either in person or through video conference, whichever you prefer.

Call today at (908) 948-8395 or just reach out here online to schedule a free consultation to learn what our car accident lawyer in Union County can do for you.

FAQs About Car Accidents in Union County

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Car Accident Case?

Proving negligence means showing that the other driver did not meet their lawful duty to act safely on the road. This proof relies on evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, expert analysis, and sometimes video footage. Examples include excessive speed on Route 22 or failure to yield at a Union County intersection. Attorney Michael Chelland reviews all available evidence to make each client’s case as strong as possible.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident?

Frequent mistakes include admitting fault at the scene, not collecting critical evidence, or delaying a medical exam after the crash. Also, avoid making recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting a car accident attorney in Union County, since these statements can minimize your recovery. Waiting too long to seek legal help may also hurt your claim, as timely action preserves important evidence and strengthens your position. The best way to protect yourself is to connect with a collision accident attorney in Union County who can look out for your interests as you move forward.

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"I Felt Like A Priority"
Michael made the entire process seamless. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also demonstrates genuine compassion for his clients.

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Extremely professional, very helpful and knowledgeable. Mr. Chelland provided me with excellent legal counsel on multiple occasions and I highly recommend!

- Former Client
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His strategic approach, attention to detail, and communication instilled confidence in me throughout the entire process. I felt empowered and supported every step of the way.

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