Auto Accident Injury in New Jersey
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in New Jersey? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in NJ that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in New Jersey
In New Jersey, auto-related accidents and injuries are a particularly alarmingly high number. For the most recently recorded year, there was an aggregate of 281,134 total car crashes on municipal, county, state, interstate, and toll roadways. Of these, 59,850 cases resulted in injuries, and 524 were fatal. On the other hand, 216,487 cases only resulted in property damage.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
Drivers who are involved in an auto accident that results in property damage in excess of $500 or leads to injury or death must complete and return an official accident report within 10 days of the accident.
If your accident is not investigated by the police, you can obtain a Self-Reporting Crash Form. Reports are to be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Failure to comply results in a hefty penalty, as you lose both your registration and license privileges.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number, and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in New Jersey
Liability Laws for NJ
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
New Jersey adheres to the state’s Comparative Negligence Act to determine fault for insurance purposes. It is up to the insurance companies to determine the degree of fault for each driver in a car crash. The determination of damages is based on those findings. An individual who is found to have a higher percentage of fault cannot collect damages from the driver with a lower fault percentage.
Statute of Limitations in NJ
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while others may give you up to six years. In New Jersey, you are required to file your accident claim within two years from the date of the accident. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In New Jersey
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in NJ!
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