Seeking Compensation After A Car Accident In New Jersey
There are millions of car accidents in the United States every year, resulting in thousands of injuries and roughly 40,000 fatal injuries annually. In many of these accidents, only one driver is responsible. They committed a negligent mistake – such as distracted driving, drunk driving or reckless driving – and caused the crash. The other party may have suffered injuries, and they deserve financial compensation.
If you have been injured in a car accident, Law Office of Michelle R. Katz can help. We have over three decades of experience and are dedicated to helping our clients seek fair compensation and maximize their claims. We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in meeting with us. We’re dedicated to exploring the unique factors of every case to determine how much compensation is necessary and the best legal avenue to take when seeking that compensation. If you’re facing financial damages, you need us on your side.
How Do These Accidents Take Place?
Car accidents happen for a range of reasons. Young drivers cause accidents because of their lack of experience. Impaired and distracted drivers are a constant risk. Many crashes happen at intersections when people make mistakes like running red lights. Human error is the root cause of over 90% of all car accidents.
What Compensation Do You Deserve?
These accidents can be serious and may lead to many potential areas of compensation. This could start with medical bills, but may also include the cost of long-term medical care or rehabilitation. Compensation may also be necessary for lost wages, lost earning capacity or reduced earning potential. Furthermore, we can help you explore options regarding compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life and the impact of ongoing disabilities or disfigurements.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Car Accidents
After a car wreck, it helps to have as much knowledge as possible about what happens next. Here are the answers to some common questions we hear:
Should I notify my insurance company about the accident?
New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, so you are required to file your claim with your insurance company’s personal injury protection (PIP) first, regardless of who caused the wreck. Failure to make a timely report can cause your claim to be denied.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Uninsured and underinsured (UM and UIM) insurance is mandatory in New Jersey. If the other driver has no insurance, your own insurance company would step in to cover the losses that the other party’s insurance would normally cover.
Can I claim compensation for my injuries?
While you will typically need to file a compensation claim with your own insurance company first, regardless of who is at fault for the wreck, you can sue the other driver for additional damages if you meet the “serious injury” threshold. Typically, that involves situations where a wreck led to death, dismemberment, the loss of a fetus, significant disfigurement, displaced fractures or any other permanent harm.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Fault is based on the idea that a driver’s actions were intentionally dangerous, reckless or negligent. Negligence is the most common cause of car accidents and can involve things like distracted driving, speeding, tailgating and more. Fault is often determined based on things such as accident reports, admissions by the driver, dashcam or video evidence, accident reconstruction, and witness statements.
What should I do if I’m blamed for the accident?
The most important step you can take is to contact a car accident lawyer immediately and discuss your options, particularly if you believe that the assignment of fault is unfair. You are still entitled to recover damages as long as you are not judged to be more than 50% responsible for your accident and injuries.
Contact A Car Accident Attorney Today
With more than 30 years of experience, we understand the steps to take and the areas to consider in the wake of a New Jersey car accident. If you have any questions or if you’re looking to hire an MVA lawyer today, contact us online or dial 732-352-3001 at your earliest convenience.