New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a New Jersey car accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a settlement or a jury award. However, securing compensation requires initiating the legal process, which can be complex and challenging. You will need to prove that the other driver was at fault and negotiate a fair settlement. These tasks are often difficult to manage on your own, which is why hiring a skilled New Jersey car accident lawyer can greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome.

How Does Car Insurance Work in New Jersey?

New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that if you have purchased Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, your own insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, if you sustain certain severe injuries, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

Alternatively, New Jersey drivers can opt for a liability-based policy, also known as a traditional fault system. This option allows you to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and you can sue for both economic and non-economic damages if necessary. While fault-based insurance is generally more expensive, it can provide broader coverage in the event of a serious accident.

Additionally, recent updates to New Jersey’s insurance laws have increased the minimum required coverage for all drivers, which may provide more opportunity for compensation in the event of an accident.

What Should I Do After a New Jersey Car Accident?

If you are injured in a car accident, here are the critical steps you should take, along with common mistakes to avoid:

• Seek medical attention immediately for your injuries and follow the prescribed treatment.
• Contact an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer to help guide you through the legal process.
• Gather and preserve any evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos from the accident scene.
• Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company or sharing details about the accident on social media, as this can negatively impact your case.

Contacting your insurance company promptly to notify them of the accident is also essential. Timely reporting is vital to ensure you meet all deadlines for claims submission and avoid any potential issues with your insurance coverage.

What Is the Legal Process After a New Jersey Car Accident?

The legal process depends on your insurance coverage and the determination of fault. If you have no-fault insurance, you can file a claim with your insurer without needing to prove negligence. However, you will still need to negotiate compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

If you opted for liability-based insurance, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If the insurer refuses to settle, you may need to file a lawsuit and let a jury decide your case. It’s important to note that even if the other party’s insurance denies liability, your lawyer can help you challenge this and pursue fair compensation through negotiations or court.

Your lawyer will often attempt to resolve the case through a settlement before proceeding to trial. Settlement negotiations can take time, but it is often in both parties’ best interests to avoid the expense and uncertainty of a trial.

What Do I Need to Prove in a New Jersey Car Accident Case?

In every New Jersey car accident case, you must prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence refers to actions deviating from a reasonable driver’s actions under similar circumstances. Examples of negligence include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Distracted driving (e.g., texting)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

It’s essential to gather evidence to demonstrate negligence. This can include eyewitness testimony, dashcam footage, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence from the scene. Your lawyer will know how to collect and present this evidence effectively to strengthen your case.

Who Can I Sue in a New Jersey Car Accident Lawsuit?

Typically, you would file a claim or lawsuit against the other driver involved in the accident. However, in some cases, there may be other parties responsible. These could include:

• The government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway (if poor road conditions contributed to the accident).
• The manufacturer or seller of a defective vehicle part.
• A third party whose actions indirectly caused the accident (e.g., another driver).
• The employer of the at-fault driver if the accident occurred during the scope of their employment.

By identifying all potentially responsible parties, you may have access to additional insurance coverage, which can lead to more substantial compensation. If the other driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer’s insurance may also be held liable, potentially increasing the amount of compensation available.

How Much Is My New Jersey Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your car accident case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment required, and the impact the accident has had on your life. In New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement

For example, if your injuries are permanent, you may receive compensation for long-term medical care and the emotional toll the injury has taken on your daily life. Pain and suffering is a category that compensates you for both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a New Jersey Car Accident Claim?

Navigating the insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with for-profit insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts. An experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company, protect your rights, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Representing yourself without legal counsel significantly lowers your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.

Your lawyer will also be able to advise you on the best course of action throughout the process, whether that involves negotiating a settlement, challenging the insurance company’s decisions, or taking your case to court.

Contact the New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P.

If you have been injured in a car accident, the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. are here to help. We offer free consultations, so contact us today by calling 732-247-3600 or contacting us online. Our offices are located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.