Keyport Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can result in serious injury or death to one or all parties involved in the crash. All accidents should be taken seriously, especially if life altering injuries occur. To ensure adequate compensation for any injuries, the Keyport car accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova will work with clients to get them the compensation they deserve. Car accident laws can be confusing, and it is helpful to hire a lawyer to help navigate the laws.

What are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

A car accident can occur due to many reasons and situations. Accidents may happen due to the negligence of another individual or due to an unforeseen circumstance. The following are common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Drowsy driving
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Weather conditions
• Failure to signal
• Auto defects

What are Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries in the United States. Injuries can vary by person and may depend on the seriousness of the crash. Regardless, all injuries should be taken seriously and individuals should receive medical attention right away after an accident. Common types of injuries include:

Head and back injuries: These types of injuries are the most serious and can cause traumatic brain injuries or death from impact. Seated passengers who are involved in a high-speed crash can hit their head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. Back injuries may cause destruction to the spinal cord, leaving someone with lasting nerve damage. Herniated disk injuries are also common and may require surgery.

Neck and chest injuries: The most well-known car accident injury is whiplash, which is the sudden movement of the head and neck that can cause severe muscle and ligament damage. Chest area injuries are also very common and can cause broken ribs and collapsed lungs. Injuries to the neck and chest require immediate medical attention.

Emotional distress: This is a very common injury that results from car accidents. Counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be necessary for those who experience emotional distress.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

When a car accident occurs, there are a few steps to take while at the scene of the incident, including:

Stay at the scene: It is very important to stay at the scene of the accident. Drivers could face major criminal penalties if they leave the scene, especially if there were injuries or deaths involved.

Call the police: After every accident, the police should be called. All accidents, small or large, need a police presence to ensure that a police report is filed and any injured person is taken care of. After police arrive, make sure to get the name of the officers who handled the accident.

Check on all parties involved: Before assessing the damage, make sure that everyone involved is safe. Car accidents can result in extremely serious injuries and it is important to get injured individuals the help they need. Do not move someone if they have neck or back pain. Wait until qualified medial help arrives to the scene.

Take pictures: Take pictures of any vehicle damage immediately after an accident. Photos help determine compensation and can help a case.

Exchange information: It is crucial to get the information of the other driver before leaving the scene, including the names, numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved. If there are passengers involved, get their information as well.

Inform the insurance company: After the accident, be sure to inform the insurance company. Tell them exactly what happened and never lie about the incident. Lying can result in denial of compensation if the insurance company finds out that the accident did not occur the way it was described.

Keep medical bills: If the accident results in needing medical treatment, keep all bills and medical records to be used in court. Keep track of all doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, or any other medical professionals that administered treatment as well. This will help prove medical costs when filing for compensation.

Hire a lawyer: If injuries were involved, it is helpful to hire an experienced car accident lawyer to ensure that one’s rights are protected.

New Jersey Car Accident Laws

New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means that for victims to receive compensation, they must file through their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, no matter who caused the incident. In this type of claim, the injured person submits a liability claim to their own insurance company who will then pay for the charges. Unfortunately, under this system, insurance companies will not pay for pain and suffering and will only cover legitimate expenses. If the case does not qualify as no-fault, victims will then file a liability case against the opposing driver. Victims have two years to file this claim.

Determining Fault

Depending on the type of vehicles involved in the accident, the laws for who is at fault differ by case. New Jersey uses the comparative fault rule to determine compensation for an accident victim. Under this rule, it is possible for both parties involved to share responsibility of the accident, including the costs involved. If a person is found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the incident, they will not receive any compensation.

Compensation of Expenses

In a no-fault case, victims can receive compensation for the following:

• Medical bills: If a victim of a car accident requires medical help due to an injury, they are entitled to receive compensation from their insurance provider or from the party who was responsible.
• Lost wages: Accidents may result in victims needing to take off work due to their injuries.
• Pain and suffering: This type of compensation will come from the at-fault driver if the accident does not fall under a no-fault situation.

How can a Lawyer Help?

A car accident is a serious situation that brings with it many questions regarding compensation and insurance claims. An experienced car accident lawyer can provide help and support to victims in many ways. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure clients are receiving the compensation they deserve. A lawyer also understands car accident lawsuits and will help with obtaining a reasonable resolution to any case.

Keyport Car Accident Lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova Advocate on Behalf of Car Accident Victims

If you were involved in a car accident, the Keyport car accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 732-705-3363 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Hazlet and Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Ocean County, Sussex County, and Pennsylvania.