NJ Car Accident Lawyers

New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers

Free Consultation: (609) 924-1115
Confidential. No Obligation. No Fees Unless We Win.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident? We fight for the Maximum NJ Injury Compensation for You and Your Loved Ones.

What to do if you were injured in a car accident?

Even a minor car accident can leave you disheveled and unsure of what to do. For this reason, we have created a quick Accident Glovebox Guide.

Unless you suffered severe injuries and need to wait for emergency medical treatment, there are a few things you can do immediately after a car accident to protect your legal rights.

  1. Stay calm and check for injuries. First, take a deep breath and try not to panic. Next, check yourself and anyone else in your vehicle for injuries. Call an ambulance immediately if there is any suspicion of injury. If someone is unconscious or immobile, do not move them unless it is absolutely necessary to save their life (e.g., they are in the middle of the road). If vehicles are drivable, they should be moved out of traffic if it is safe to do so.
  2. Call the authorities. Avoid talking to the other driver. Even if the accident was not your fault, the shock of the car accident could result in you saying something you did not mean. When the officers arrive, they will take a statement from everyone involved, document insurance, and other general information.
  3. Document the scene. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, the roadway, signs, signals, and any landmarks. If anyone saw the accident, ask them to stay and give a statement to the police officers.
  4. Seek medical attention. Even if you think it is unnecessary to see a doctor, you should have yourself examined. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms and you should protect your health and legal rights by having an immediate exam. Failing to get immediate medical attention, allows an insurance company to argue that you were not injured in the accident or that the injuries were not that serious. The key to building a strong personal injury case is medical documentation.
  5. Contact a New Jersey car accident attorney. It is crucial that you speak with a New Jersey injury attorney after an accident. An injury lawyer can navigate the claim process on your behalf, securing the maximum compensation for your injury and losses. Time is of the essence, so please do not hesitate to call our office. One of our knowledgeable attorneys will provide you with a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.

How much is my car accident case worth?

How much is my car accident case worth?

While it is illegal for a New Jersey injury attorney to provide you with a guaranteed amount, we may be able to provide you with a rough estimate based on similar cases. However, every accident is different and there will be many factors in determining what a reasonable settlement may be. Nevertheless, our experienced attorneys are able to recover various types of damages on your behalf.

Damages refer to the losses you suffered because of an accident. Damages can be broke up in to two main categories, which can then be further broken down into various subcategories. The two main categories are economic damages and non-economic damages.

  • Economic damages: these damages consist of anything that has a direct bill connected to your accident. This would include things like medical bills, lost wages, future wages, household services, or any other out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Non-economic damages: are the damages that are harder to quantify with a dollar figure. These include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or other mental or emotional injuries.
  • Medical bills are a large portion of your claim. New Jersey uses a no-fault system, meaning your medical bills will be typically paid by your own insurance through coverage known as personal injury protection or "PIP."

    A New Jersey personal injury attorney will make sure that all of your medical bills are paid.

  • If you are unable to work due to your injury, your injury lawyer will make sure that insurance reimburses you for any missed paychecks. This includes both past and future paychecks.

  • Pain and suffering is a type of non-economic damage. This means the dollar figure is not easily discernable. As we each feel pain subjectively, it can be difficult to convince an insurance company how much pain you are actually experiencing. This is why you need an experienced New Jersey accident attorney, located in Mercer County or Somerset County, who can retain local medical experts and build a strong case on your behalf. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Farrell Thurman & Flammer, P.C. can retain experienced medical doctors who will provide convincing reports as to just how bad your pain is.

  • Like pain and suffering, these types of damages can be difficult to prove. For that reason, it is always beneficial to have an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer in your corner.

  • A per quod servitium et consortium amisit claim or simply "per quod" for short, is a derivative claim that can be made on behalf of an injured person's spouse. It is a legal claim where the spouse of a severely injured individual may be compensated for the extra care that they have had to provide, and the loss of companionship and relations between the married couple.

    An experienced New Jersey car accident attorney is therefore essential in a severe injury case, so that maximum compensation is awarded and nothing is left on the table.

  • Punitive damages may also be awarded in some cases. Punitive damages unlike compensatory damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer. These types of damages are not awarded in most cases but an experienced New Jersey accident attorney will know when they can be obtained.

How long will my car accident case take?

How long will my car accident case take?

A common question of car accident victims is, how long will my case take? While the answer is a bit of a moving target and will depend on the specific claim, most car accident cases are settled within two years.

However, the first thing to be considered is the severity of your injuries. A car accident lawyer will not begin to negotiate your settlement until you have reached your maximum medical improvement or "MMI." This is because until a doctor has done all they can for you, your attorney cannot know the extent of your injuries and suffering.

Insurance companies are also experts at employing what they call "delay, deny, defend" (Jay M. Feinman was one of my law processors at Rutgers Law School). An insurance company will do everything it can to delay, deny and defend your claim. For this reason, you need an attorney with extensive experience prosecuting car accident claims in Mercer County and Somerset County New Jersey.

Can you represent yourself in a car accident case?

Can you represent yourself in a car accident case?

While the answer is yes, there are important considerations to be made and proceeding pro se can lead to a lot more problems. First, New Jersey has several very complex laws regarding no-fault insurance that must be complied with. Additionally, complex laws such as the Deemer Statute or Verbal Threshold may also apply to your case. For that reason, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before deciding whether to represent yourself.

Our accident attorneys offer a FREE Case Evaluation and have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. Also, remember that insurance companies have powerful lawyers on their side. For that reason, it is often prudent that you have a lawyer on yours.

Does hiring a car accident lawyer get you more money?

Does hiring a car accident lawyer get you more money?

If you have not already decided to hire a New Jersey car accident attorney, consider the advantages of having one. First, preparing for and going through litigation can be extremely stressful and daunting, especially if you are still dealing with the aftermath of your injuries. Having a personal injury attorney representing you will lift an immense weight off your shoulders. But, will it get you more money?

The answer, according to numerous studies is a resounding yes. This is because an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney understands the litigation process, and knows what your case is worth.

Probably the hardest part of your case is understanding the value of your injuries. There are numerous types of damages as outlined above and properly valuing your case is a long and tedious process. An attorney will conduct an investigation, obtain all relevant information such as medical records, scans, and reports, and put together a strong case to ensure you receive your maximum compensation.

Be aware of insurance company tactics

Be aware of insurance company tactics

Insurance companies are not your friends. Shocker I know. For this reason alone, you should strongly consider hiring a local Mercer County or Somerset County accident lawyer. Here we will provide some of the telltale signs that the insurance company is trying to low-ball you.

  • Alarm bells should ring in your head if the insurance company is offering you a settlement immediately after your accident. They often will try to flash a little money in your face and then ask you to sign a release. Do not sign anything without first speaking with an experienced car accident attorney, as the failure to do so could waive your case.

    If you were injured in a car accident, you should never settle your case until your treatment if fully finished. This is why an attorney will not start negotiating your case until you have reached the maximum medical improvement and all of your medical records have been obtained. It is essential that you know the full extent of your injuries so that you are not left with uncovered bills or unresolved pain following a settlement.

  • An insurance company should never tell you not to consult an attorney and it would in fact be unethical to do so. However, an insurance company will also never tell you to consult with an attorney. Nevertheless, you should always talk with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer before speaking with an insurance adjuster one on one.

  • Insurance adjusters go through extensive in-house training before they speak with claimants. This training teaches the insurance adjuster to use high-pressure tactics to make cases “go away.” Do not be taken advantage of.

    Some of these tactics may include calling you immediately after the accident when you are not thinking straight, calling you early in the morning, or even calling you multiple times throughout the day. They may even speak with your family members to try to convince them to persuade you to take an offer.

  • The legal system requires you to prove your case but insurance companies will often try to diminish or ignore your evidence to avoid a hefty payout. An insurance company may try to place some of the blame on you or try to convince you that your injuries are not that severe. Do not be fooled by these tactics. It is always prudent to seek the opinion of a knowledgeable car accident attorney.

Do I have to go to court for a car accident?

Do I have to go to court for a car accident?

Personal injury attorneys have a saying: "good cases settle, bad cases go to court." Most car accident cases settle before ever reaching court. For this reason, you likely will not have to go to court. The more severe your injuries and the better the evidence, the higher the chance you will never have to appear in court for your case. This is why it is important to take pictures of the scene of the accident and immediately seek medical attention for any injuries suffered.

Nevertheless, some cases will go to court. This will typically happen where the insurance company thinks they have a strong case. Typically, insurance companies defend car accident cases by raising the verbal threshold or limitation on lawsuit defense. This defense requires an injured party to prove they suffered a permanent injury as a result of a New Jersey car accident.

Ways to improve your chances of not having to go to court

  • Avoid posting on social media.
  • Call the police immediately after your accident.
  • Take pictures of the accident scene.
  • Speak with witnesses. Get their contact information and ask them to speak to the officers.
  • Do not speak with the other driver.

How long do I have to sue after a car accident?

How long do I have to sue after a car accident?

You should speak with a New Jersey car accident lawyer immediately. However, under the Statute of Limitations:

Every action at law for an injury to the person caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of any person within this State shall be commenced within two years next after the cause of any such action shall have accrued; except that an action by or on behalf of a minor that has accrued for medical malpractice for injuries sustained at birth shall be commenced prior to the minor's 13th birthday. N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)

In other words, you have two years to file a lawsuit following an accident. Waiting to speak with an attorney, however, will likely diminish the value of your case, as an extensive investigation needs to be performed during this time.

Common types of accidents

Common types of accidents

The two most common types of at-fault accidents are rear-end collisions and side angle collisions. Rear-end collisions are often the result of tailgating. Tailgating is a type of aggressive driving where one car follows too closely behind another vehicle. With not enough distance between the cars, an accident usually occurs when the front car brakes abruptly. Tailgating in traffic or at high speeds is particularly dangerous and often times leads to multiple car collisions.

Side angle collisions often occur because of one of the following: improper lane change; failing to yield to traffic; running a red light or stop sign; turning without signaling; weaving in and out of traffic; or trying to get through a yellow light.

Any of the above can result in a severe accident. However, accidents and injuries may be magnified when additional factors such as drunk driving, texting and driving, talking on a cellphone, or speeding are involved.

Accidents involving trucks or commercial vehicles are also often far more severe. The injuries sustained are often catastrophic for the passengers of a car that is hit by a truck. Truck accidents can be very complicated. Both state and federal laws apply to semi-trucks, and knowing what laws apply is essential to recovering your maximum settlement.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Given the advances of today’s vehicles, drivers often become too confident in their vehicles capabilities. Drivers today will rev their engines, speed and drive as if they are on a racetrack even in wet or rainy conditions. One wrong move, however, can result in serious injuries and significant damage.

Injuries from a car accident can be broadly categorized into two areas. Impact injuries and penetrating injuries. An impact injury occurs when the body of a passenger hits something inside the car, whether it is the steering wheel, windows, the windshield or even airbags. A penetrating injury on the other hand is where something penetrates the skin. This could be from broken class or bent metal.

Some common resulting injuries from car accidents include neck and back injuries, head injuries, arm and leg injuries, broken bones, soft tissue injuries such as cuts and bruises, nerve injuries, or mental and emotional injuries.

How you were hit often determines what types of injuries you may suffer. For instance, rear-end accidents often result in whiplash, whereas side impacts often cause concussions.

How much does a New Jersey car accident lawyer cost?

How much does a New Jersey car accident lawyer cost?

Farrell Thurman & Flammer, P.C. takes car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are never any upfront legal fees or out of pocket legal expenses.

We only get paid a percentage if we win your case.

There is never any obligation. Call us today for a FREE Case Evaluation.

Contact a Mercer County and Somerset County Accident Lawyer

Contact a Mercer County and Somerset County Accident Lawyer

At Farrell Thurman & Flammer, P.C. we are determined to achieve the maximum amount of compensation for our clients.

If you are a victim of a personal injury in Mercer County or Somerset County New Jersey, you are encouraged to call (609) 924-1115 for a FREE Case Evaluation with a personal injury lawyer.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you may send us an email (Contact Us) or Schedule a Consult where we call you at the time you prefer.

Speak With A Lawyer

I have read and understand the Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

PRACTICE AREAS

RECENT POSTS

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest with Farrell Thurman & Flammer, P.C.

Email