Car Accident Injury? Get Help from our Experienced NJ Auto Accident Lawyers.
If you have been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, you are likely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The specific circumstances of your accident are unique and the questions you face, equally so. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault, especially when there are multiple drivers or vehicles involved. You may also be wondering if you still have a case if the accident was partially your fault. Other potential questions you may be facing involve the seriousness of your injuries, how long you have to file a claim, what happens if your friend was driving while you were injured, or what a lawsuit would be like if the other party was on a motorcycle, driving a truck, or if there were several other drivers involved. No matter how your car accident occurred, it is important to contact an attorney immediately after your accident.
The experienced New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys at our firm will work tirelessly on your behalf. We will ensure that your case receives the individual attention that it deserves. Our approach to personal injury is just that: personal. We know you are in need of individual attention and support, not becoming another name on the list in a big firm of lawyers. Our commitment to you is simple: we take your case and handle it like we would our own. You are not a faceless victim, you’re a person who needs the best possible representation and the maximum amount of damages. Call us anytime at 732-825-6120 for a free consultation with an attorney who will listen and fight for you.
Car Accidents & Injuries in New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Health estimates that there are approximately 274,000 car crashes in New Jersey every year. According to the NJ Department of Transportation, there were 61,753 accidents resulting in injuries in 2017 alone. In addition, these crashes result in over 600 deaths annually and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage. If you have been injured or suffered financial loss due to a car accident, you may have a legal claim entitling you to monetary damages.
An accident involving motor vehicles can occur in various different circumstances and for many different reasons. When a car accident occurs, people can suffer a wide range of injuries. Some of those injuries may be very serious. For example, car accidents frequently lead to injuries and costly medical expenses for:
- Head Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
- Burns and Lacerations
- Psychological Effects (ie. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The financial, physical, and emotional toll that car accidents can take on those injured cannot be underestimated. Some of these injuries lead to permanent disability and even death, on top of lost wages during missed work and mounting medical bills. If another person’s lack of safe driving led to your car accident, he or she is also responsible for damages to pay for these costs.
What Your Car Insurance Policy Means when Injured in an Accident in NJ
In the state of New Jersey, there are several types of automobile insurance policies available, each of which has unique features and clauses. The three main types of insurance in the state vary mainly in the amount of coverage they provide to the insured in the event of an accident. They also vary on the rights the insured has to pursue a lawsuit if they are injured in an accident. If you have suffered injuries as a result of an automobile accident, you should understand the distinctions between the following different types of policies and what your rights are under the law.
Basic Insurance Coverage
The least expensive, and therefore least extensive policy type is known as a basic policy or “mini-policy.” Such policies offer the least amount of coverage possible to still satisfy the state’s compulsory insurance law. Basic policies often include what is known as a “verbal threshold”, which acts to limit an individual’s ability to enter into a lawsuit should they sustain injuries in an accident. If someone with a basic policy has agreed to the verbal threshold and wishes to recover damages from injuries sustained in an automobile accident, they must prove that they have suffered very serious injuries such as loss of a limb or other permanent harm.
Limitation on Lawsuit Policy
The second type of automobile insurance policy in New Jersey is known as a limitation on lawsuit policy. This type of policy, offers more coverage than the basic policies however it also limits an individual’s ability to recover damages in the event of a motor vehicle accident. A person who wishes to recover damages under such a policy must prove serious injuries were sustained such as permanent spine injuries or significant scarring.
Zero Threshold Policy – Unlimited Right to Sue
The third type of policy in New Jersey is known as a no limitation on lawsuit policy or a “zero” threshold policy. Such a policy is more expensive than the basic and limitation policies, but offers significantly more coverage for the insured and makes it much easier for an individual to recover damages from an automobile accident. An individual with such a policy will not be subject to the verbal threshold statute and is therefore able to sue for any injury they suffer.
Our law firm can help you to determine the best course of action in your case based on the type of policy you hold and the type of car accident you were injured in, whether it be a rear-end collision, a single-vehicle crash, a multiple-vehicle pileup, or another type of crash.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Motor vehicle accident claims can vary greatly in cost and complexity. It is important to have an attorney who will take the time to understand your case, your individual circumstances and the circumstances of the accident. If you believe you have been the victim of an accident involving a motor vehicle in New Jersey, including in Freehold, Belmar, Asbury Park, Deal, or Holmdel, contact our New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys for answers about your specific case. Our passionate team of lawyers can be reached anytime by calling 732-825-6120 or simply contact us online and an attorney will get back to you as soon as possible.
