Atlantic City Injury Crash: What to Do After an Accident at Atlantic & Ohio Avenues

An accident, especially one resulting in injuries, can be a frightening and disorienting experience. If you’ve been involved in an injury crash at a busy intersection like Atlantic & Ohio Avenues in Atlantic City, knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, your rights, and your future.

The Immediate Aftermath: What to Do Right Away

The moments following a car crash are critical. Here’s a breakdown of essential steps:

Ensure Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Call for Help: Contact 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. In New Jersey, you must report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to the police as quickly as possible.
Exchange Information: If it’s safe to do so, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. This includes names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not manifest immediately. A medical professional can properly diagnose and treat any hidden injuries.

Understanding New Jersey’s “No-Fault” Insurance System

New Jersey operates under a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that, regardless of who caused the accident, your own insurance company is responsible for covering your medical bills and lost wages. However, New Jersey uses a “choice” no-fault law. Every vehicle owner must purchase and maintain the minimum required amounts of automobile insurance.

Navigating the Legal Landscape

While the “no-fault” system covers some expenses, it may not fully compensate you for all your losses. In certain situations, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages, such as pain and suffering.

When Can You Sue?

In New Jersey, your ability to sue for pain and suffering depends on the type of insurance policy you have chosen:

“No Limitation on Lawsuit” (also known as “Unlimited Right to Sue”): This option allows you to sue the at-fault driver for any injuries, regardless of severity.
“Limitation on Lawsuit” (also known as “Limited Right to Sue”): This option restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries fall into one of the following categories: death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement or scarring, displaced fractures, loss of a fetus, or a permanent injury.

Modified Comparative Fault

New Jersey follows the “modified comparative fault” rule. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can only recover 80% of your damages.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the aftermath of an Atlantic City injury crash can be complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to protect your interests.

Here’s how a lawyer can help:

Investigate the Accident: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties.
Gather Evidence: They can collect police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence to support your claim.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

Whiplash
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Fractures
Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries
Internal Injuries
Psychological Trauma

Atlantic City: A High-Risk Area

Atlantic City, with its bustling tourism and busy intersections like Atlantic and Ohio Avenues, sees its share of traffic accidents. Between 2017 and 2021, Atlantic City had 20 fatal and 55 serious injury crashes. In 2024, Atlantic County had the second-highest number of traffic fatalities in New Jersey, with 48 deaths. This highlights the importance of being vigilant and prepared when driving in the area.

Seeking Compensation for Your Losses

If you’ve been injured in an Atlantic City car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including:

Medical Expenses
Lost Wages
Property Damage
Pain and Suffering
Emotional Distress
Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Time is of the Essence: The Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. This means you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Generally, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe could bar you from recovering compensation.

Recent Crash at Atlantic & Ohio Avenues

On January 21, 2026, a two-car crash with reported injuries occurred near Atlantic Avenue and Ohio Avenue. Emergency units responded to the scene at approximately 9:55 a.m. While details about the cause of the crash and the extent of injuries are still under investigation, this recent incident underscores the potential dangers at this intersection.

Don’t Wait, Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Atlantic City injury crash, particularly at a location like Atlantic & Ohio Avenues, it’s essential to take prompt action to protect your rights. Contact an experienced Atlantic City personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.