Car Accident Lawyers: Serving Clients in Sussex County & throughout New Jersey
We know that our clients, after being hurt in auto collisions, are far more than clients. They are people with families, jobs, and lives of their own that they need to get back to, but can’t without getting compensated for their injuries. This is where we come in. If you were hurt, you can turn to our compassionate and highly-skilled New Jersey auto accident lawyers to fight for you.
Causes of Car Crashes
As you may know, most car crashes are caused by negligent drivers. However, sometimes, other unsafe conditions can lead to collisions, including dangerous road conditions, inclement weather conditions, negligent signage, or even faulty car parts. That said, the number one cause of car crashes is driver negligence. Some common examples of driver negligence are as follows:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted (such as texting while driving)
- Driving while fatigued
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring traffic lights, signs, or any other rule/regulation of the road
Types of Car Crashes
There are several types of car crashes, all of which can lead to serious injuries. Some of the most common types of car crashes are as follows:
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Sideswipe collisions
- Blind spot collisions
- Rollover crashes
- Multi-vehicle collisions
If you were injured in any of the aforementioned because of someone else’s failure to obey the rules of the road, you may very well have a valid personal injury claim. Our firm can help you bring that claim.
Can Motorists Purchase PIP in New Jersey?
All insurers are required to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance here in New Jersey, and all motorists are required to have at least $15,000 of PIP insurance to drive on public roads.
If you’re involved in a car crash and you have PIP coverage in place, you should receive compensation for a portion of your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. That said, PIP may not cover the full cost of your injury, and if your crash was caused by the negligence of another, you should consider filing a personal injury claim so we can help you recover the full compensation to which you may be entitled.
Taking Action After a Car Accident
After a car crash, there are certain steps you can take to get immediate medical attention and maximize your chances of winning a future personal injury claim. Those steps are as follows:
- Call the police. Emergency medical services will be sent to the scene and the police will write up an accident report once they arrive.
- Get the other driver’s insurance information. Be polite, but never apologize.
- Ask anyone who saw the crash for their contact info.
- Take pictures of any damage to your car, the other driver’s vehicle, and any property involved in the collision. You can also take pictures of any injuries you sustained.
- Once you’re treated in a hospital or by a doctor, get a copy of all medical documentation and bills associated with your injury.
- Hire a skilled car accident lawyer who can help you satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim.
What if I Am Partially At Fault for the Crash?
Many states have laws in place regarding “comparative negligence.” New Jersey is no different. Essentially, when a plaintiff is injured and sues a defendant but the plaintiff is found to share some level of responsibility for an accident, they may still recover compensation, albeit a diminished amount based on the degree to which they are responsible. For example, if it’s determined that you were 20% responsible for a car crash, you may still receive compensation, albeit 20% less of the compensation you would have received, had the other driver been 100% at fault. That said, if you are deemed to have contributed more than 50% to an accident, you will not qualify for compensation.
What Does Compensation Cover?
Individuals may receive financial compensation for the monetary and non-monetary damages caused by their injury. This can include, among other things, pain and suffering, the cost of medical bills, the cost of lost wages, the loss of enjoyment of life, emotional anguish, and, in the cases of wrongful death, the cost of funeral expenses.
Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims in New Jersey
The statute of limitations for most injury claims here in New Jersey is two years. This means you are required, by law, to file your personal injury claim within two years of the date your injury occurred. Don’t wait any longer than two years, for if you do, you’ll likely permanently lose your right to sue.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
We know and understand just how important being fully compensated after a crash can be, and you have our pledge to do everything in our power to fight for you. Contact Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP today to schedule your free initial consultation with our seasoned and dedicated personal injury law firm.
