Personal Injury Attorney Serving Elizabeth, NJ

If you were hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident in Elizabeth, you need an attorney who will actually handle your case — not assign it to a paralegal and check in occasionally. I'm Mitchell R. Friedman, and I've been representing injured people in Essex and Union County for 40 years. Every client I take on works directly with me, from the first call through resolution.

 

Elizabeth is one of the most densely trafficked cities in New Jersey. Routes 1 and 9, the New Jersey Turnpike interchange, and the commercial corridors around Broad Street and Elizabeth Avenue generate a high volume of accidents — car crashes, pedestrian collisions, and premises incidents that leave people seriously hurt and unsure of what to do next. If you've been injured here, you have the right to pursue compensation, and the window to act is limited under New Jersey law.

I represent injury victims in Elizabeth across a range of case types. Whether your accident happened on a busy intersection, in a commercial property, or at a worksite, the legal principles that determine your right to compensation are the same — and so is my approach to pursuing it.

 

 

I do not handle workers' compensation claims, but if your workplace injury involved a negligent third party — a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner — that is a case I can evaluate.

Accident and Injury Cases I Handle in Elizabeth

I represent injury victims in Elizabeth across a range of case types. Whether your accident happened on a busy intersection, in a commercial property, or at a worksite, the legal principles that determine your right to compensation are the same — and so is my approach to pursuing it.

 

 

I do not handle workers' compensation claims, but if your workplace injury involved a negligent third party — a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner — that is a case I can evaluate.

Why Elizabeth Injury Victims Choose to Work With Me

When you call a large TV law firm after an accident, you typically speak with an intake specialist, get handed to a case manager, and meet the attorney — if at all — only at a deposition or settlement conference. That is not how I practice.

 

I handle every aspect of your case personally. I investigate the facts, communicate with the insurance companies, negotiate your settlement, and if the insurer won't pay what your case is worth, I take it to trial. That willingness to litigate is not a talking point — it changes how insurers respond to your claim from the beginning.

 

Forty years of experience in this region means I understand how New Jersey courts approach personal injury cases, how local insurers handle claims, and what it takes to build a file that holds up. If you're searching for a personal injury lawyer near me in Elizabeth, NJ, I'm close, I'm accessible, and I will know your name.

What to Do After an Accident in Elizabeth

The steps you take in the days immediately following an injury can significantly affect the value of your claim. Here is what I tell every new client.

Document Everything at the Scene

If you are physically able, photograph the scene, your injuries, and any conditions that contributed to the accident — a wet floor, a broken curb, a traffic signal. Get names and contact information for any witnesses. If police respond, ask for the report number. This evidence becomes harder to recover with every passing day.

Get Medical Attention Promptly

See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Delayed treatment gives insurance adjusters a reason to argue your injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the accident. A clear medical record that begins close to the date of the incident is one of the most important elements of a strong personal injury claim.

Contact an Attorney Before Talking to the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement or offer an early settlement. Before you agree to anything, speak with an attorney. I offer free consultations, and a single conversation can help you understand what your case may be worth and what to avoid saying.

Frequently Asked Questions From Elizabeth Injury Victims

Three people in a meeting around a laptop at a wooden table near a window.

  • How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New Jersey?

    In most cases, New Jersey's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline typically means losing your right to recover compensation entirely. If your case involves a government entity — such as a city-owned property or a municipal vehicle — the notice requirements are much shorter, sometimes as little as 90 days. Contact me as soon as possible after your accident so nothing is missed.

  • What does a personal injury attorney in Elizabeth, NJ cost?

    I work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless I recover compensation for you. There are no upfront fees and no hourly charges. My fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so my financial interest is aligned with yours from day one.

  • What if the accident was partly my fault?

    New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — so if you were 20 percent responsible, you recover 80 percent of your damages. I evaluate fault carefully before taking any case, and I'll give you an honest assessment of where you stand.

  • Can I handle a personal injury claim without an attorney?

    You can, but unrepresented claimants consistently recover less than those with legal representation — often significantly less. Insurance companies know that an unrepresented person is unlikely to take a case to court, which reduces their incentive to make a fair offer. Having an attorney who is genuinely willing to litigate changes that dynamic.

  • Do you handle car accident cases in Elizabeth specifically?

    Yes. Car accidents are among the most common cases I handle, and Elizabeth's road network — including the Turnpike interchange, Routes 1 and 9, and heavily trafficked local streets — generates a significant number of serious collisions. I handle car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and rideshare accidents throughout Union County and the surrounding region.

If you were injured in a car accident in Essex County or anywhere in New Jersey, I'm ready to help. Call me directly at 973-325-0243, or use the contact form to schedule your free consultation. You'll speak with me — not a staff member — and I'll give you an honest assessment of your case.