Act Now To Prepare A Claim With a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer
New Jersey sees thousands of car accidents each year. In many cases, compensation can be recovered for damages associated with personal injury and related losses from insurance companies and third parties. A New Jersey Car Accident Attorney can be your ally in such situations.
If another party is responsible for your suffering, you as an injured individual may be entitled to substantial compensation. Most victims survive with minor cuts and injuries, but some people suffer serious, even permanent injuries.
In some cases, accidents that occur are quite serious. The death of a friend or family member can create a surge of emotions as well as economic turmoil throughout the family.
Even in cases of minor injuries, the medical bills and lost wages can bring misfortune to the victim and family. The financial, physical, and psychological consequences that follow can make it hard for victims to return to normal life.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In New Jersey
Every year thousands of victims report car crashes in New Jersey. The leading cause of such road accidents is negligent driving. Other causes can include following:
- Distracted driving;
- Reckless driving;
- Excessive speeding;
- Aggressive driving;
- Drinking and driving;
- Drug abuse;
- Drowsy driving;
- Faulty motor vehicle designs or manufacturing defects;
- Poor road conditions;
- Bad weather conditions;
- Multi-vehicle accidents;
- Roll-over accidents;
- Intersection and rear-end collisions.
There can be many people, groups, and companies responsible for a car accident. If you can prove any of these parties are responsible, you may be able to receive compensation. Your compensation will largely depend on the severity and consequences of your injuries.
However, most people don’t understand how personal injury law works. It requires evidence and knowledge to make the process of getting compensation easier. Therefore, you may wish to hire an experienced New Jersey Car Accident Attorney.
Major Injuries Following A Car Accident
Auto accident victims may face serious injuries. Below is a list of injuries many drivers endure on the roads:
- Head injury;
- Spine injury which leads to paralysis;
- Broken bones and rib cage;
- Internal organ damage;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Severe burns;
- Loss of limbs;
- Wrongful death;
- And many other injuries.
It is important to note that in some cases, a car accident survivor may not immediately notice an injury. They may later complain about health issues related to the accident.
Thus, it is a good idea to immediately seek medical treatment after an accident, even if you do not notice severe injuries. If medical treatment is administered, the victim should consider contacting a New Jersey Personal Injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can help victims through the complex process of the claim to receive fair compensation.
What Steps To Be Followed After A New Jersey Car Accident?
It will help your case if you can collect some evidence to support your claim. There are several other things that you can do such as:
- Take a picture of the accident scene where the conditions of the road can be seen (for adverse road conditions);
- Try and take a photograph if the weather conditions are rough;
- Consider taking a picture of your damaged car and the other vehicle involved in the accident;
- Seek information such as the driver’s license, car number, contact details, and auto insurance policy number of the other party involved in the accident;
- Collect evidence from eyewitnesses;
- Keep a copy of your police report if possible;
- Keep all medical records related to your accident injuries. Even small details of medical bills and prescriptions should be preserved.
Before talking to your insurance company or adjusters, you can talk to a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer. They will help build your case and represent you before the court.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
This is one of the most common queries but is difficult to answer. As all motor vehicle accidents are different, the claim value will vary. Before you accept any settlement offer, you need to evaluate the extent of your injuries.
There are two forms in which damages come. Economic damages cover the following:
- Medical treatment expenses;
- Costs related to loss of a vehicle such as a rental car or towing;
- Lost income;
- Car repair costs;
- Future medical costs;
- Future nursing care costs;
- Future lost earnings capacity;
- Money to pay for household services.
Non-economic damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, mental trauma, and similar losses. However, there are no particular rules on how these non-economic damages will be calculated and estimated.
Car Insurance Policies in New Jersey
Every car driver in New Jersey must carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage. This insurance is intended to compensate for losses suffered in any accident. There are two types of auto insurance policies, standard and basic.
Most people choose standard insurance policies that provide different coverage options. There is a chance to purchase additional protection as well. The standard policy also provides uninsured motorist coverage based on the amount chosen for liability coverage. However, basic insurance policies provide limited coverage and limited benefits.
The amount of liability insurance coverage differs for standard and basic policies. Under a standard policy, the bodily injury coverage ranges from $15,000 per person to $250,000 per person and $30,000 per accident to $500,000 per accident. In a basic policy, no bodily injury coverage is provided to the injured victim. However, in some situations, $10,000 can be provided per person and per accident.
In a standard policy, the property damage coverage ranges from $5,000 to $100,000 per accident, and in a basic policy, the amount is $5,000. Uninsured motorist coverage ranges from $15,000 per person to $250,000 per person and from $30,000 per person to $500,000 per accident.
Under a standard policy, you have the right to choose different options when you are injured in a car accident. However, under a basic policy, you have a limited right to sue option.
New Jersey Car Accident Statistics: An Eye Opener
Analyzing the trend over 20 years, you will be surprised to know that car crashes have been declining. However, New Jersey car accidents are common. According to The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2020 there were 35,766 car collisions in the United States.
Amongst these, 547 fatal crashes were recorded in New Jersey, and 587 deaths were due to car crashes. The deaths recorded were 6.3 deaths per 100,000 people and if we look at 100 million miles traveled data then it is 0.88 deaths. 341 deaths were caused due to single-vehicle crashes and 243 deaths due to multiple-vehicle crashes in New Jersey.
Need Legal Help? Contact The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman Today
An experienced auto accident lawyer will help you in the following ways:
- Get compensation: You can seek compensation for your property damage as well as your physical injuries. You can also claim pain and suffering, loss of potential to work, and lost wages. A legal professional can help you understand the nature and argument of your case.
- Stay focused: With physical ailments, oftentimes, people settle for less than they should. They can help you stay focused on your goal and prevent you from falling into the trap of agreeing to inadequate compensation for the injuries sustained.
- Get appropriate documentation: Recording each medical document is necessary. You should have extensive evidence of hospital visits, treatments, medications, surgeries, and various conditions and symptoms.
Accidents can happen at any time, at any place, no matter how much you prepare. Remember, an accident involving a car is likely to cause catastrophic injuries. Feel free to consult a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer or call for a free consultation.