NJ Accidents Resulting in Death or Serious Injury of Another Lawyers

Fighting Charges for Accidents with Serious Injuries or Fatalities in NJ

Being involved in any motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injury or death of another person can lead to devastating consequences in New Jersey. You may face not only civil lawsuits but also criminal charges that carry lengthy prison terms. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is critical for navigating this complex area of law.

New Jersey Laws on Accidents with Serious Injuries

New Jersey has a number of statutes that can come into play when an accident causes catastrophic injuries or death:

• N.J.S.A 2C:11-5 – Death by Auto. If you cause a fatality while driving recklessly or under the influence, you can face 5-10 years in prison.
• N.J.S.A 2C:12-1 – Aggravated Assault by Auto. Causing serious bodily injury recklessly or while intoxicated can lead to 3-5 years imprisonment.
• N.J.S.A 39:4-129 – Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death results in fines and up to 180 days incarceration.

These charges are on top of any potential civil liability in lawsuits brought by victims or their families.

Common Causes of Serious Accidents

Some of the most common causes of major injury and fatal crashes in New Jersey include:

• Drunk or impaired driving
• Excessive speeding
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, etc.)
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Dangerous lane changes or turns
• Drowsy driving
• Reckless driving

While any type of accident can potentially turn serious, the above factors dramatically increase risks.

Proving Criminal Charges

For prosecutors to obtain convictions on criminal charges related to serious injury or fatal accidents in New Jersey, they must prove key elements beyond a reasonable doubt such as:

• You were driving the vehicle involved in the crash
• Your actions behind the wheel were reckless or grossly negligent
• Your conduct was the primary cause of the victim’s injuries or death
• You violated traffic laws
• You were intoxicated or impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident

A skilled criminal defense attorney can frequently undermine the prosecution’s ability to establish these elements in court.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Defending Against the Charges

There are various legal strategies an experienced lawyer may use to fight criminal charges stemming from serious injury and fatal crashes, such as:

• Contesting the police investigation and evidence collection
• Challenging the conclusions and qualifications of the state’s accident reconstruction experts
• Raising doubts about whether your actions actually caused the victim’s injuries or death
• Disputing the level of negligence involved
• Seeking to suppress blood test results for intoxication

By picking apart the prosecution’s case, dismissal or acquittal of the charges may be achieved in some instances.

Plea Bargaining Options

If the charges cannot be completely defeated at trial, your attorney’s goal will be negotiating the best possible plea bargain under the circumstances. This could involve:

• Pleading to reduced charges like reckless driving instead of vehicular homicide
• Avoiding or minimizing any jail or prison time
• Serving time in the county jail instead of state prison
• Participating in a pre-trial intervention program
• Agreeing to speak at schools about the dangers of reckless driving

An experienced negotiator can secure a fair outcome that avoids the harshest penalties.

Suspension of Your Driver’s License

In addition to criminal punishments, a conviction for an accident involving death or catastrophic injuries will also result in a lengthy suspension of your New Jersey driving privileges by the MVC. Your attorney can help you seek a restricted license for work or school purposes after a period of time.

Wrongful Death or Personal Injury Lawsuits

Beyond criminal charges, you will likely have to defend against substantial civil claims as well from the injured victims or their families. This is where your auto insurance policy and assets could be at risk. A skilled personal injury attorney is key to resolving these potential lawsuits as favorably as possible.

Don’t Delay – Get Legal Help Now

If you have been involved in any sort of major accident causing catastrophic injuries or death, you should immediately consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The stakes are extremely high, both criminally and civilly.

With an aggressive legal strategy, you may be able to avoid jail time and financial devastation. But the clock is ticking, so don’t wait to get advice from a pro.

References

• [1] Pedestrian-Car Accident Injuries in New Jersey
• [2] New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer
• [3] 25 Essays on English Words
• [4] Bad Ideas About Writing
• [5] Single-Car Crashes in New Jersey
• [6] NJ Attorney General – Crime Victim FAQs