Somerset County Car Accident Lawyers

Far from a minor inconvenience, a car accident can change your life dramatically. The injuries you could sustain from a collision can disrupt your day-to-day actions and overturn how you live, not to mention the significant costs you could incur to treat those injuries and pay for those damages.

If you have gotten into a car accident and need to deal with the overwhelming physical, mental, emotional, and financial aftermath, our Somerset County car accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. want to help. If you need a seasoned legal team behind you, call us today.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Somerset County?

Prioritize your safety and well-being immediately after your car accident; get out of the traffic flow and out of harm’s way, then call 911 to request medical attention. Even if you do not feel injured, some serious symptoms take a while to manifest because of adrenaline and possible shock.

If you can do so safely, take pictures of the accident scene, injuries or car damage, and all unusual road conditions. Also, collect contact information from the other drivers involved.

How Does New Jersey Law Impact Your Claim?

The state of New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that your insurance provider will need to cover your medical bills and financial losses, regardless of who caused the accident. You do not need to prove negligence to collect insurance benefits. However, depending on the type of car insurance you possess, you may have the option to sue for additional compensation.

New Jersey requires all drivers to purchase either a “basic” or “standard” insurance policy. The “basic” policy contains personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which helps pay for your medical expenses and care after an accident; liability insurance, which can help pay for property damage that you cause to others; and uninsured motorist insurance, which helps you pay for damages when the other driver lacks sufficient coverage to compensate you.

However, drivers have the option to upgrade their basic policy to “standard” insurance. Standard insurance policies carry two significant changes. First, they add a bodily insurance liability provision to help pay for any injury you cause to other drivers. Second, a “standard” policy allows New Jersey drivers to sue other drivers to recover compensation beyond their initial insurance payout. The standard policy allows drivers to choose between a “limited” and an “unlimited” right to sue. Under the former, victims can only sue if they suffer a significant injury. Under the latter, policyholders can file a lawsuit regardless of the severity of their injury or damage.

Under New Jersey’s statute of limitations, if you want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in your accident, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file that lawsuit. If you miss this lawsuit, you might give up your legal right to sue, regardless of your insurance policy coverage.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Our attorneys have helped victims of all sorts of car accidents: speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to follow traffic signals all contribute heavily to Somerset County car accidents.

Additionally, inclement weather, such as heavy rain or snow, can cause drivers to lose control and collide with each other accidentally. Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire issues, have also led to a significant number of collisions in the area.

If you need to get on the road, evaluate the road conditions, maintain your car’s mechanical state, and exercise defensive driving habits to minimize your chances of getting into an accident.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Car Accidents?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some mild, some deadly serious. We have helped many victims who dealt with post-accident whiplash, concussions, broken bones, and internal bleeding after their car accidents. Some even sustained traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, which required extended or lifelong medical treatment.

Collision victims also need to deal with emotional trauma, such as PTSD or driving-related anxiety. The psychological toll can make it increasingly difficult for you to work and engage in daily activities.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident Case?

If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, you need to establish that the other driver caused the accident. Police reports, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage can all substantiate your case and maximize your compensation.

New Jersey law utilizes comparative negligence, which means the court will assign each party a percentage for which they were at fault in the accident. The judge may then reduce your final compensation amount by your percentage of liability.

For instance, if you were responsible for 20% of the accident because you failed to turn at a light quickly enough, the court could reduce your final payout by 20%.

Why Is Legal Representation Crucial in Car Accident Cases?

Unfortunately, even if you have an insurance policy that allows you to file a lawsuit to recover additional damage, proving liability can feel overwhelming. New Jersey courts tend to side with defendants in car accident lawsuits, so you need a strong case and sufficient evidence.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you cope with your injuries and financial stress by taking the brunt of your legal headache. They can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, put together your strongest case, and navigate the complexities of New Jersey law for you.

Turn to the Somerset County Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P.

If you have any questions or need a seasoned and compassionate legal team at your side, trust the Somerset County car accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. to guide you from start to finish. Call us at 732-247-3600 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our offices in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey serve clients throughout Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.