Union Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident can upend your life in an instant, leaving you with property damage, mounting bills, and potentially life-long complications from injuries. Car accidents happen every day throughout New Jersey and Union is no exception.

New Jersey insurance laws limit compensation only to economic costs incurred because of a car accident, which have bearing on your ability to seek damages outside of what insurance companies can legally provide. Given the complexity of the law, you should work with one of our experienced Union car accident lawyers. We will advise you of your best options to recover compensation for losses and injuries.

What Are New Jersey’s Car Accident Laws?

New Jersey applies modified comparative fault, and the insurance system is referred to as choice no-fault because drivers can choose either limited or unlimited right to sue. You have a limited right to sue if you have a basic insurance policy. One exception is if you have a catastrophic, permanent injury. You cannot pursue non-economic damages through a no-fault/personal injury protection insurance (PIP) claim. You may be able to file a suit in certain circumstances.

In a personal injury suit, your amount of fault will be reduced from your overall compensation award. You will be barred from collecting damages if you are more than 50 percent at fault for an accident. If both parties are equally at fault, then each driver would turn to their respective insurance companies to cover costs of medical treatment and property damage repairs.

Receiving compensation benefits from insurance carriers is faster than suing an at-fault party’s insurance for damages. However, compensation may be limited, so it is advised to speak to a lawyer after a car accident. You may be able to recover additional damages if the accident results in one of the following:

• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of a body part.
• Significant scarring or disfigurement.
• Loss of a fetus.
• Permanent injury or disability.
• Displaced fractures.
• Death of a spouse, parent, child, or caregiver.

To sue for damages for any of these conditions, you must file the lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident unless you can show special circumstances for the delay.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Car accidents can be instantly life-changing, affecting entire families. In addition to injury and emotional strain an accident can cause, you and your family will likely experience financial and personal hardships as a result. Our Union car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping clients recover compensation to cover the following:

• Injury and physical pain: Injuries resulting from car accidents range from mild cuts and bruises to life-changing permanent disability and physical pain, some which may require lifelong care and recurring medical treatments.
• Medical treatment: Depending on the severity, your injuries from a car accident could lead to multiple and reoccurring surgeries, in-home medical assistance, physical and occupational therapy, home modifications, medical equipment, follow-up doctor appointments, and medications.
• Medical bills: Few services compile enormous costs quite like medical treatment. Even minor treatment in the emergency room can leave you with a plethora of bills. Injuries requiring surgery, hospitalization, extensive testing, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and more can add into the hundreds of thousands in a matter of weeks.
• Lost wages: Even minor injuries can require time off work to recover. The more extensive your injuries, the more time you are likely to miss work and any paychecks during that time. Injuries that result in permanent disability leave you unable to work entirely. Even those who can return to work often have lingering or life-long pain forcing them to take occasional sick days. Pain is one of the main culprits of missed workdays.
• Property damage: Car accidents always cause at least some property damage to your vehicle costing you for towing expenses, repairs or replacement, and potentially higher insurance premiums.

If you have been injured in a car accident, your focus should be on healing and recovery without having to be overwhelmed by mounting bills, lost wages, and property damage. Our goal is to allow our clients to focus on their recovery while our team fights on their behalf.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

Car accidents, from mild to severe, can happen anywhere and can result in lifelong complications. If you find yourself in an accident, the following steps should be taken:

• Report the accident. Always call the police and report the accident. In New Jersey, the law requires all accidents resulting in injuries must be reported.
• Seek medical care as soon as possible. Obtain a medical evaluation within the first 48 hours, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Some medical conditions do not present symptoms for hours or days and can be life-threatening if left untreated. A medical report will also be a crucial element of your claim as well.
• Photograph the accident scene when possible. Take pictures or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, road and weather conditions, traffic signs, signal lights, visibility issues, and anything else that may have contributed to the accident.
• Collect statements from witnesses. Gather names and contact information from all witnesses as well as a statement if they are willing to provide one. The police will do the same, and you can request a copy of the police report if you are not comfortable asking witnesses yourself.
• Document all records. After the accident, retain all documents and communication related to the accident, including the medical reports, treatment, and medications, police report, medical bills, repair bills, insurance company communications, and any other pertinent document.
• Retain a car accident lawyer. The complexities of car accidents can be overwhelming to take on yourself, especially in cases with questionable responsibility. Insurance companies can be exceedingly difficult to deal with and hiring an experienced lawyer will ensure you the best opportunity to recover compensation.

You will benefit from a lawyer’s years of experience successfully litigating car accident lawsuits. Additionally, your lawyer will:

• Meet with you personally to gather and discuss information specific to your accident and injuries.
• Handle your personal injury claim in its entirety, such as filing necessary paperwork and documentation.
• Advise you to receive total medical treatment, both necessary and recommended.
• Advise you of available options regarding compensation for property damage.
• Communicate and negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies.
• Advise and counsel you and answer any questions or concerns throughout your case.

Union Car Accident Lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova Protect the Rights of Those Injured in All Types of Collisions

A car accident can alter the course of your life, leave you with lasting injuries, and affect your ability to earn an income. If you have a severe injury from a collision, one of our experienced Union car accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova will advocate on your behalf. We will help you find justice. Call us as 732-705-3363 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Hazlet and Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Ocean County, Sussex County, Neptune, Middlesex County, and Pennsylvania.