Auto Accident Injury in Trenton, NJ

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

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Trenton, 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. The New Jersey Department of Transportation reports that over 11,000 auto accidents per year occur in the Trenton area. The majority of accidents are on municipal or county roads and involve rear-ending. In addition, speeding and distracted driving are the primary causes of auto accidents involving severe injuries or fatalities.

Additionally, drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol are also a significant factor in causing Trenton auto accidents. In fact, according to the New Jersey State Police, more than 30% of fatality accidents involve alcohol or drugs.

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 is injured, it’s crucial to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When the officers arrive, note their names and badge numbers. Answer their questions truthfully, but avoid offering unsolicited information, especially your opinions about what happened or who was at fault. Be sure to ask for the police report number and inquire about when and where you can obtain a copy, along with any associated costs.

For serious accidents in Trenton, especially those involving injuries or alcohol, it’s essential to report the incident immediately by calling 911. For minor accidents, you can file a report directly with the Trenton Police Department.

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

The New Jersey Department of Health reports that auto accidents are a leading cause of death for Trenton residents. In addition, nearly 60% of those fatally injured were not wearing seatbelts. In total, the CDC reports that New Jersey auto accidents cost around $9 million in medical bills and $789 million in lost work per year. For a clearer picture of the cost of an individual accident, the National Safety Council reports that the average costs per accident range from $12,000 to almost $100,000.

Your potential compensation for an auto accident can often include payment for medical care, or car repair bills. However, there may also be less clear costs like lost wages or loss of quality of life. A Trenton attorney can help you recover all of the damages that you are entitled to after an auto accident.

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 Trenton

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.

Liability insurance is required for all Trenton motorists, and New Jersey insurance companies use a no-fault system. This means that each driver’s insurance company typically pays their damages, regardless of who is at fault. If a lawsuit is filed, New Jersey courts apply a modified comparative fault standard. This means that if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault.

Statute of Limitations in Trenton

Each state has its 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. Trenton drivers have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim. After that, most courts will deny the case.

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 Trenton, 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. We can even help you connect with legal help across New Jersey state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.