Auto Accident Injury in Newark, NJ

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Newark? 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 and around Newark, NJ that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Newark, New Jersey

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. In the state of New Jersey there were 278,413 accidents. Essex county, where Newark is located, saw a total of 30,078 crashes.

In addition, 61,043 people were injured in accidents across the state, resulting in 6,779  injuries in the new Newark alone. The New Jersey Department of Transportation says that the most prominent cause of accidents was driver innaction, or failure to stop, and speeding.

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 report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

A New Jersey driver involved in a car accident is obligated to report the accident to police if it resulted in more than $500 worth of damage to the property of another person, or if it caused the injury or death of another person. If police are not called the Newark Police Department has set up an online citizens reporting program for various complaints and accidents, and you have 10 days from the date of your accident to file a report with authorities.

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, your 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

New Jersey citizens saw an economic loss of $798 million due to fatalities in auto accidents across the state in 2018. According to data organized by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention  42% of that cost was made up by adults over the age of 25. Accidents with fatalities only represent .00184% of accidents in the state per the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Auto accidents on average in the U.S cost upwards of $60,000 if they involve injuries. In nearby cities such as New York City, those average costs are even higher at around $90,000.

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 Newark

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.

Auto accidents in New Jersey are covered by “no fault” insurance which means your own policy requires liability insurance minimums for your injuries and vehicle damage regardless of who caused the crash.

Statute of Limitations in Newark

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 some others may give you up to six years. The statute of limitations in New Jersey gives you two years to file a personal injury claim.

This means that in Newark, you only have two years from the date of the accident to initiate any legal action. 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 Near Newark, NJ

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 New Jersey!