From Fender Bender to Catastrophic Injury: What You Need to Know About Car Accidents in NJ
Car accidents are a common occurrence on New Jersey roads, and they can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic injuries that can have a lifelong impact. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New Jersey, it’s essential to understand the legal and practical implications of the accident. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what you need to know about car accidents, from the types of accidents to the legal options available to you.
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can take many forms, and they can range in severity from minor to catastrophic. Here are some common types of car accidents:
1. Rear-End Collisions:
These occur when a driver collides with the back of another vehicle. Distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops are common causes of rear-end collisions.
2. T-bone Collisions:
These occur when the front of one car collides with the side of another car. T-bone collisions often happen at intersections and can result in serious injuries.
3. Head-On Collisions:
These occur when two vehicles collide head-on. Head-on collisions are usually the most severe type of car accident, and they often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
4. Side-Swipe Collisions:
These occur when the sides of two vehicles collide. Lane changes or merging are common reasons for side-swipe collisions.
5. Single-Vehicle Accidents:
These occur when a driver collides with a stationary object, such as a tree or a wall. Driver error, such as speeding or losing control of the vehicle, frequently leads to single-vehicle accidents.
Legal Options for Car Accident Victims in NJ
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New Jersey, you may have legal options available to you. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Personal Injury Claim: If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Personal injury claims can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Property Damage Claim: If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident, you may be able to file a property damage claim. Property damage claims can help you recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Insurance Claim: If you have car insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance company. Insurance claims can help you recover compensation for your injuries and property damage.
- Comparative Negligence: NJ follows the comparative negligence doctrine, which means that fault is apportioned between the parties involved in the accident. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation.
Types of Damages
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: These are tangible losses that can be calculated, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-economic Damages: These are intangible losses that cannot be calculated, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: These are damages awarded to punish the at-fault party for their behavior. These damages are typically only awarded in cases where the behavior was particularly egregious, such as in cases involving drunk driving or road rage.
NJ Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you want to file a lawsuit, you must do so within two years of the date of the accident. Failure to file within this timeframe will likely result in the court dismissing your case.
NJ Insurance Requirements
New Jersey is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, each driver’s insurance company will pay for their damages, up to the policy limit. However, this does not mean that you cannot sue the other driver. If your injuries are severe enough, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver, even if they were not at fault for the accident.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating the legal system after a car accident can be complex, and it’s not something you should do on your own. It is highly recommended that you work with an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also help you understand your rights, give you peace of mind, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact Gelman Law, LLC Today For a Free Consultation About Your Car Accident Injury
If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey, Gelman Law, LLC is here to help you. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on your life, and we are committed to helping you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.
Our experienced team has a proven track record of success in representing car accident victims in NJ. We work tirelessly to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
When you work with Gelman Law, LLC, you can trust that we will provide you with personalized attention and guidance every step of the way. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case and helping you move forward with your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you recover from a car accident.
