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Car Accident Lawyer in The Heights, Jersey City
Injured in a Car Accident in The Heights, Jersey City? We Can Help You. No Fee Unless We Win. From Paterson Plank Road to Central Avenue, our team of personal injury lawyers has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims in The Heights. We proudly represent injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout Jersey City and all of New Jersey.
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Car Accident Lawyer for The Heights in Jersey City
The Heights is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Jersey City — and one of its most dangerous for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Perched on top of the Palisades cliffs, this neighborhood combines steep grades, narrow residential streets, heavy commercial traffic along Central Avenue, and one of the deadliest road corridors in Hudson County: Paterson Plank Road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in The Heights, the experienced attorneys at Bhatt Law Group are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We have represented injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists involved in collisions throughout The Heights for over a decade. Our Jersey City car accident lawyers understand the specific hazards of this elevated neighborhood — from the blind curves on Paterson Plank Road to the congested intersections along Central and Palisade Avenues — and we use that local knowledge to build stronger cases for our clients.
Call us now at (201) 798-8000 or text us at (201) 676-2844 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle all Heights car accident cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
Why The Heights Is One of the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods for Car Accidents in Jersey City
The Heights — bounded by Paterson Plank Road to the north, Route 139 to the south, Hoboken to the east, and Tonnelle Avenue to the west — has a unique combination of geographic and traffic factors that make it a persistent hotspot for motor vehicle crashes. On average, nine people are killed and forty people are seriously injured in Jersey City traffic crashes every year, and The Heights accounts for a disproportionate share of those incidents due to its road design, topography, and density.
- Steep grades and blind curves create deadly conditions. The Heights sits atop the Palisades cliffs, and the roads connecting it to surrounding neighborhoods involve sharp elevation changes. Paterson Plank Road — the primary route between The Heights and Hoboken — features a notorious blind curve on a steep hill that has produced eight deaths in seven years. Drivers routinely exceed the 25 mph speed limit, and the road’s wide lanes encourage dangerous speeds despite its residential character.
- Heavy commercial traffic on Central Avenue. Central Avenue is the commercial spine of The Heights, lined with over 250 storefronts, restaurants, and shops. Double-parked delivery vehicles, jaywalking pedestrians, buses stopping in travel lanes, and drivers hunting for parking create a constant stream of conflicts that result in collisions.
- Palisade Avenue development boom increases risk. Palisade Avenue is undergoing significant redevelopment, with multiple new residential and mixed-use buildings under construction. Construction vehicles, lane closures, reduced sight lines from scaffolding and equipment, and increased pedestrian traffic from new residents are all adding new crash risks to an already overburdened corridor.
- Limited north-south connectivity funnels traffic. The Heights has few direct routes to the neighborhoods below the Palisades cliffs. Traffic heading to Hoboken, downtown, or the waterfront is funneled through a small number of steep, winding roads — creating bottlenecks where impatient drivers take risks.
- Pedestrian-heavy streetscape with inadequate infrastructure. The Heights is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Jersey City, with high pedestrian volumes around Pershing Field Park, Riverview-Fisk Park, the Central Avenue business district, and multiple schools and daycares. Yet many crosswalks lack adequate lighting, signal timing favors vehicle throughput over pedestrian safety, and parked cars block driver sight lines at intersections.
Recent Car Accidents in The Heights
Car accidents in The Heights are not abstract statistics — they are real crashes that injure and kill real people. The following incidents illustrate the severity and frequency of collisions in this neighborhood:
- Fatal hit-and-run on Tonnelle Avenue near North Street (December 29, 2025): A pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit-and-run at approximately 8:00 PM. Officers found the victim lying on the northbound side of Tonnelle Avenue. The striking vehicle fled the scene. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and Regional Collision Investigation Unit are investigating and the driver has not been identified.
- Two-vehicle crash at Central Avenue and Manhattan Avenue (September 16, 2025): A collision between a blue Audi and a Toyota at approximately 7:15 AM left at least one driver with head and neck pain. The crash triggered a gas leak concern, forcing police to close southbound Central Avenue from Manhattan Avenue to Ferry Street and eastbound Manhattan Avenue from Summit Street to Central Avenue during the morning rush.
- Two-vehicle collision near Palisade Avenue (November 3, 2025): A white Lexus and a silver Honda collided around 12:05 PM near Palisade Avenue. Paramedics transported at least one person to the hospital. Both vehicles sustained significant damage.
- Bicyclist injured in hit-and-run on Route 139 near Palisade and Baldwin Avenues (January 19, 2026): A white Honda CR-V struck a bicyclist and fled the scene during morning hours along the Route 139 corridor at the southern edge of The Heights. Emergency crews responded to assist the injured cyclist.
- Fatal 100 mph crash on Paterson Plank Road near Congress Street (October 16, 2023): Three people were killed and three others severely injured when Ziyang Wang, driving a BMW X5 at over 100 mph, crashed head-on into a Kia sedan driven by 26-year-old Dylan Weidenfeld. The Kia was completely destroyed and crushed against a wall. Wang was charged with three counts of reckless manslaughter and death by auto. This stretch of Paterson Plank Road has seen eight deaths in seven years despite a 25 mph speed limit.
- Two-vehicle crash on Tonnelle Avenue (December 10, 2025): A white Toyota Highlander and a gray Honda collided around 4:46 PM near Tonnelle Avenue in the Heights area, injuring at least one person and slowing late-afternoon rush hour traffic.
These are only the crashes that made the news. Dozens more fender-benders, sideswipes, and pedestrian near-misses happen every month throughout The Heights without media coverage. If you were involved in any crash in this neighborhood, contact Bhatt Law Group for a free evaluation of your case.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in The Heights
Our attorneys have handled car accident cases from throughout The Heights. Based on police reports, crash data, news coverage, and Jersey City’s Vision Zero analysis, the following roads and intersections are the most hazardous:
- Paterson Plank Road (the deadliest road in The Heights): This Hudson County-controlled road runs from Jersey City through the Palisades cliffs to Hoboken and North Bergen. A blind curve on a steep hill near Congress Street has claimed at least eleven lives in recent years. Despite a $12 million federal safety grant awarded through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s Local Safety Program, and the installation of rumble strips, high-friction surface treatment, and warning signage, fatal crashes continue. Safe Streets Jersey City has repeatedly called for a full roadway redesign including a physical median to prevent head-on collisions.
- Central Avenue and Manhattan Avenue: One of the busiest intersections in The Heights, where the commercial corridor meets heavy cross-traffic. The September 2025 crash here — which triggered a gas leak and forced road closures — is typical of the high-impact collisions that occur when commuters and commercial vehicles converge at this junction.
- Palisade Avenue and North Street: This intersection near the Riverview-Fisk Park area sees heavy pedestrian traffic from park-goers, the Riverview Farmers Market, and residents of new developments along Palisade Avenue. Vehicles turning onto side streets frequently fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Central Avenue and Beacon Avenue: Identified by Jersey City as one of 15 priority “No Turn on Red” intersections in The Heights under Ordinance 24-013, adopted March 2024. The restriction was implemented specifically because of unsafe conditions for pedestrians and high volumes of conflicting turning movements.
- Palisade Avenue and Griffith Street: Another of the 15 priority intersections where “No Turn on Red” restrictions were enacted due to crash history and pedestrian safety concerns. The Palisade Avenue corridor between Griffith and Bowers Streets is particularly hazardous.
- New York Avenue and Ravine Avenue: Jersey City’s Vision Zero safety analysis identified this Heights intersection for priority intervention. The intersection geometry creates confusion for drivers, and the steep grades on Ravine Avenue contribute to speed-related crashes.
- Tonnelle Avenue (Route 1 & 9) at North Street: The western boundary of The Heights along Tonnelle Avenue is an extremely high-speed corridor. The December 2025 fatal pedestrian hit-and-run at this exact intersection underscores the danger that this highway-style road poses to anyone on foot.
- Route 139 at Palisade Avenue and Baldwin Avenue: The Route 139 corridor forms the southern edge of The Heights and carries high-speed traffic between the Holland Tunnel approach and the New Jersey Turnpike. Cyclists and pedestrians crossing this elevated highway-style roadway face extreme risk, as demonstrated by the January 2026 hit-and-run that injured a bicyclist.
If you were injured at any of these locations — or anywhere else in The Heights — contact Bhatt Law Group immediately for a free case evaluation.
Vision Zero and The Heights: City Safety Initiatives That Prove the Danger
Jersey City adopted its Vision Zero plan with the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2026. The Heights has been a central focus of these safety efforts — which itself reflects how dangerous the neighborhood’s roads are. Key initiatives include:
The city adopted Ordinance 24-013 in March 2024 to implement No Turn on Red restrictions at 15 priority intersections specifically in The Heights, including locations on Palisade Avenue, Central Avenue, Baldwin Avenue, Carlton Avenue, and Nelson Avenue. These restrictions were based on crash history, proximity to Jersey City’s High Injury Network, community safety complaints filed through SeeClickFix, and findings from the city’s Traffic Calming Toolkit study.
Curb extensions are being installed along Palisade Avenue near Riverview Park to narrow pedestrian crossing distances, slow turning vehicles, and improve sight lines — specifically because of unsafe conditions near several daycares and the park. The intersection of New York Avenue and Ravine Avenue is being redesigned due to a lack of traffic control and high volumes of conflicting turning movements.
A demonstration protected bike lane project was installed on Manhattan Avenue between Summit Avenue and Central Avenue, and on Franklin Street between Central Avenue and Sherman Avenue. These changes aim to give cyclists dedicated space and calm vehicle traffic through road narrowing.
Despite this progress, The Heights remains dangerous. More than 40% of all fatal and serious-injury crashes in Jersey City each year occur on county and state-owned roads — like Paterson Plank Road and Route 139 — that are outside the city’s direct control.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in The Heights
The topography, density, and road design of The Heights produce a distinctive pattern of car accidents. Our Jersey City car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling:
- Head-on collisions: The most catastrophic crash type in The Heights, primarily occurring on Paterson Plank Road where drivers cross the center line at high speed on the blind curve. Head-on crashes on steep grades carry an extremely high fatality risk because both vehicles’ speeds combine at impact.
- Pedestrian accidents: The Heights has some of the highest pedestrian volumes in Jersey City, concentrated around Central Avenue, Pershing Field, Riverview Park, and the many schools and daycares in the neighborhood. Pedestrians are struck at crosswalks, mid-block, and in parking lots with alarming frequency.
- Hit-and-run accidents: Hit-and-runs are a persistent problem in The Heights, as demonstrated by the fatal December 2025 pedestrian strike on Tonnelle Avenue and the January 2026 cyclist strike on Route 139. We help victims pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage and investigate surveillance footage to identify fleeing drivers.
- Rear-end collisions: Stop-and-go traffic on Central Avenue — caused by double-parked vehicles, bus stops, and the constant flow of pedestrians — creates prime conditions for rear-end crashes, the leading cause of whiplash and cervical spine injuries.
- T-bone (broadside) accidents: Red-light running and failure to yield at the many signalized intersections along Central and Palisade Avenues leads to devastating side-impact crashes.
- Bicycle accidents: Despite new bike lane demonstrations on Manhattan Avenue and Franklin Street, cyclists in The Heights still share most roads with vehicles. Dooring, right-hook turns, and being squeezed by passing vehicles are common causes of cycling crashes in this neighborhood.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Chain-reaction crashes occur on Tonnelle Avenue and at high-traffic intersections where one collision triggers secondary impacts from trailing vehicles unable to stop in time.
- Uber and Lyft accidents: Rideshare vehicles stopping abruptly on narrow Heights streets to pick up or discharge passengers create hazards for following traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. Insurance coverage in rideshare crashes requires specialized legal knowledge.
Common Injuries from Heights Car Accidents
The steep grades, high speeds on Paterson Plank Road and Tonnelle Avenue, and heavy pedestrian exposure in The Heights mean that crash injuries here tend to be severe. Our Jersey City car accident attorneys routinely handle cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): High-speed collisions on Paterson Plank Road and pedestrian strikes on Central Avenue frequently cause concussions, brain contusions, and severe TBIs. The October 2023 crash that killed three people at over 100 mph illustrates the catastrophic forces involved in Heights crashes.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Head-on collisions on steep grades can produce the axial loading forces that cause spinal cord damage. Victims may face partial or complete paralysis requiring lifetime care.
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries: Rear-end collisions on Central Avenue — especially involving sudden stops for buses and pedestrians — frequently cause neck and upper back injuries requiring months of physical therapy.
- Herniated and bulging discs: The force of impact in T-bone and rear-end crashes damages intervertebral discs in the lumbar and cervical spine, often requiring epidural injections, physical therapy, or surgical intervention such as discectomy or spinal fusion.
- Broken bones and fractures: Arm, leg, rib, and pelvic fractures are common in broadside crashes at Heights intersections and in pedestrian strikes. Compound fractures may require surgical repair with plates, screws, or rods.
- Road rash and soft-tissue injuries (cyclists and pedestrians): Cyclists thrown from their bikes on Heights streets suffer severe abrasions, ligament tears, and soft-tissue damage that can require skin grafts and extensive rehabilitation.
- Psychological injuries: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among Heights crash survivors, particularly those involved in pedestrian strikes and fatal or near-fatal accidents.
If you are experiencing any of these injuries after a car accident in The Heights, seek medical attention immediately and then contact our firm. Early legal intervention protects your rights and preserves critical evidence.
Representative Car Accident Case Results
$1,200,000 Settlement
$950,000 Settlement
$425,000 Settlement
$385,000 Settlement
$310,000 Settlement
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique.
Why Choose Bhatt Law Group for Your Heights Car Accident Case
When you hire Bhatt Law Group, you get a team of seven experienced attorneys and dedicated paralegals working on your case — not a call center, not a case mill, and not a solo practitioner juggling hundreds of files. Here is what sets us apart:
- Three offices across Northern New Jersey. Our Jersey City office is located minutes from The Heights. We also have offices in Newark and Hackensack, giving us deep familiarity with the courts, insurance adjusters, and defense attorneys across Hudson, Essex, and Bergen Counties.
- Over a decade of personal injury experience. We have recovered millions of dollars for car accident victims throughout New Jersey. Our attorneys have tried cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and complex multi-party liability.
- We know The Heights. Our firm is rooted in Jersey City. We know which intersections are most dangerous, which businesses along Central and Palisade Avenues may have surveillance cameras, and how to obtain police reports from the Jersey City Police Department efficiently. That local knowledge translates into stronger cases.
- Aggressive negotiation backed by trial readiness. Insurance companies know which firms will actually take cases to trial. Because Bhatt Law Group has a proven track record of courtroom success, adjusters take our demand letters seriously — resulting in higher settlements without unnecessary delay.
- No fee unless we win. We handle every Heights car accident case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid when you recover compensation.
- In-house PIP arbitration team. Unlike most personal injury firms, we have a dedicated PIP arbitration department that ensures your medical providers get paid and your treatment is not interrupted by insurance disputes.
Compensation Available After a Car Accident in The Heights
The value of your car accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life and ability to work, and the available insurance coverage. Our attorneys pursue maximum compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic care, prescription medications, medical devices, and all future treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost wages and income: Compensation for time missed from work during your recovery, including salary, hourly wages, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income.
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior occupation or limit the type of work you can perform, you are entitled to compensation for the difference in lifetime earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the overall impact of the accident on your well-being. These non-economic damages often represent the largest portion of a serious injury claim.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the collision.
- Wrongful death damages: If you lost a family member in a fatal car accident in The Heights, our attorneys can help you pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in The Heights
How much is my Heights car accident case worth?
Every case is unique, but the value depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, lost income, and the degree of pain and suffering you have endured. Minor soft-tissue injuries may settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while cases involving surgery, permanent disability, or wrongful death can reach six or seven figures. Our attorneys will evaluate your specific situation and provide an honest assessment during your free consultation.
What makes Paterson Plank Road so dangerous?
Paterson Plank Road features a steep downhill grade with a blind curve near Congress Street. The road has wide lanes that encourage speeds far above the 25 mph limit. Despite a $12 million federal safety grant that funded rumble strips, high-friction surface treatment, and warning signs, the road’s fundamental design has not changed. A 2020 study by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority found that this corridor has a crash rate significantly higher than comparable Hudson County roads. At least eleven people have died on this stretch in recent years.
What if the driver who hit me in The Heights fled the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in The Heights, particularly along Tonnelle Avenue and Route 139. If the other driver cannot be identified, you can file a claim through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Our attorneys will also investigate whether surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, residential doorbell cameras, or witnesses can help identify the at-fault driver.
Can I file a claim against Hudson County or the State if the road design caused my crash?
Yes, but claims against government entities in New Jersey have special requirements. You must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident — not the standard two-year statute of limitations. Because Paterson Plank Road is a county road and Route 139 is a state highway, crashes caused by dangerous road conditions may give rise to claims against Hudson County or the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.
I was hit while walking on Central Avenue. Can I still recover if I was not in a crosswalk?
Yes. New Jersey applies comparative negligence to pedestrian accident cases. Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, you may still recover compensation — your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but only if your fault exceeds 50% would you be barred entirely. Drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians regardless of where the pedestrian is crossing. Our attorneys will build a case that minimizes any contributory negligence and maximizes your recovery.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a loved one was killed, the wrongful death statute of limitations is also two years from the date of death. However, if your crash involved a government-owned road or vehicle, you must file a tort claims notice within 90 days. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in The Heights?
If you suffered any injury requiring medical treatment, you should consult with an attorney. Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and defense lawyers whose job is to minimize your payout. Studies by the Insurance Research Council show that accident victims represented by attorneys receive settlements 3.5 times larger on average than those who handle claims on their own. At Bhatt Law Group, consultations are free and we charge no fee unless we win.
Other Dangerous Neighborhoods and Roads Near The Heights
The Heights is not the only high-risk area in Jersey City. Our firm also handles car accident cases in surrounding neighborhoods and corridors:
- Journal Square: Directly south of The Heights, Journal Square’s convergence of bus routes, PATH trains, and massive development has made it one of the busiest — and most crash-prone — areas in the city.
- Kennedy Boulevard (JFK Boulevard): This major north-south artery runs through The Heights and is the most dangerous road in Jersey City, with frequent DUI collisions, pedestrian strikes, and multi-vehicle crashes.
- Route 1 & 9 (Tonnelle Avenue): The western border of The Heights along Tonnelle Avenue carries high-speed highway traffic through an urban setting, producing fatal pedestrian strikes and high-impact vehicle collisions.
- Downtown Jersey City: Below the Palisades cliffs, downtown’s dense mix of commuter traffic, Holland Tunnel congestion, and construction activity creates its own pattern of serious accidents.
No matter where your accident occurred in Jersey City, Bhatt Law Group has the local knowledge and legal experience to handle your case.
Contact Our Jersey City Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a car accident in The Heights or anywhere in Jersey City, do not wait to get legal help. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurance companies are already working to minimize your claim. The sooner you contact Bhatt Law Group, the stronger your case will be.
Call (201) 798-8000 or text (201) 676-2844 for a free consultation. You can also contact us online to schedule an appointment at our Jersey City, Newark, or Hackensack office. We are available 24/7.
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Your Personal Injury Team
When someone’s negligence causes you or a loved one serious injury, you deserve justice. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Bhatt Law Group is here to help you obtain the maximum available compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. We’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured people throughout New Jersey.
Your Criminal Defense Team
When you’ve been charged with a crime or a traffic offense in New Jersey, you need a dedicated team of lawyers who will fight your charge aggressively. At Bhatt Law Group, our criminal defense team is made up of skilled and experienced trial attorneys, including a former prosecutor, who will work hard to get you the best possible outcome for your case.
Your Family Law Team
Domestic matters can be incredibly complicated and emotional. Our team of New Jersey family lawyers at Bhatt Law Group are dedicated to protecting your best interests in family law matters, from divorce to custody disputes to DYFS investigations. Let us help you through this challenging time in your life.
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Client Stories
Renee
Bhatt Law Group Client
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Tatyana was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Tatyana and exceeded her expectations.
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Stephanie was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Stephanie by exceeding her expectations.
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