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Irvington Car Accident Lawyers
The aftermath of a car accident can feel overwhelming — and rightly so. Not only do you need to worry about short-term concerns (like your immediate safety and well-being), but you also need to deal with potential long-term headaches, like insurance company negotiation, potential medical treatment, and legal recourse in the case of significant property damage or injury.
But you never need to deal with any of this alone: with the help of an experienced team of Irvington car accident lawyers, you will have the confidence that a seasoned personal injury attorney has your back. And at Goldstein & Goldstein, we will give you personalized guidance through the entire post-accident process, advocate for your best interests, and help you claim maximum possible compensation for your damages.
Here is everything that you need to know about the steps to take after a car accident in East Orange, the benefits of retaining legal aid for your claim, and what you can expect to recover in damages for your car accident.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Irvington?
Immediately after a car accident, ensure your safety and that of any passengers. If you suspect any injuries at all, even if they appear minor, call 911 immediately. Some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, and nerve damage, may appear insignificant — but they get worse over time if left untreated or undertreated. A medical professional can diagnose the early signs of any potentially serious health concerns.
Additionally, requesting medical assistance and reporting the accident to the police will generate both a medical record and an official police report, which will come in handy if you decide to file a personal injury claim. If you delay the process of requesting medical attention and reporting the incident, you could both put yourself in harm’s way if an injury worsens and complicate the process of filing a claim.
Once you have called 911, if it is safe to do so, gather the other driver’s contact and insurance details, collect any witness statements, and take photos of the scene and damages. Try to ensure that your phone or camera records the timestamp of each photo, to prevent any dispute about the integrity of your photos.
Additionally, avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or making statements about your condition until you have spoken with both a medical professional and an attorney.
When Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you believe that the negligence of the other driver caused your accident, contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to review your case, the easier it will be for them to secure and preserve the evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and avoid potential legal pitfalls. You will also benefit from peace of mind early on, as your dedicated attorney will guide you through the entire post-accident scenario.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Provide Help?
Legally and technically speaking, you do not need to hire a lawyer to advocate for you. However, the services of a qualified and seasoned attorney will significantly increase your shot at fair compensation.
Insurance companies will often lowball their first initial offer to claimants, hoping to close the case quickly and save money. If you do not know how to accurately evaluate the monetary value of your damages, you run the risk of accepting an offer that will not adequately cover your property damage, medical costs, and future unexpected expenses.
An experienced lawyer can navigate the complex New Jersey legal landscape for you, accurately evaluate the monetary value of your claim, and negotiate on your behalf. Additionally, they can help you understand the full extent of your rights and entitlements and uncover every possible compensation opportunity for you.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Car Accident?
Depending on the severity of your accident, you can file a personal injury claim to cover medical expenses, lost wages due to your inability to work, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of ongoing or particularly severe injuries, you can also pursue compensation for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
What Are Some Common Types of Car Accidents?
Each type of accident has unique legal and medical implications. Rear-end collisions, one of the most common types of automobile accidents can result in bruises, concussions, or whiplash — a neck injury induced by a rapid forward-and-back movement of the head. However, safety features such as airbags and seat belts generally minimize the severity of injuries sustained in rear-end collisions.
No such luck in side-impact crashes, as manufacturers tend to install fewer safety features on the sides of vehicles. With these more hazardous accidents, victims have suffered traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding. In fact, 22% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths nationwide occurred due to side-impact collisions.
If you can accurately describe your accident, your lawyer can build a stronger, more personalized case to claim your maximum possible compensation for damages.
How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
To succeed in your personal injury claim, you or your attorney need to demonstrate that the other drivers caused the injury through their negligence. To this end, the court will examine the police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any expert testimony to assign fault.
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule: in other words, if the court determines that you were partially to blame for the accident, your insurance payout can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
If the other driver in your accident lacks insurance, you can recover damages. Though New Jersey law does not mandate uninsured motorist coverage for policies purchased in the state, it strongly recommends this add-on.
Your experienced car accident lawyer will help you discover other available avenues of compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
In New Jersey, the “statute of limitations” sets a general time limit of two years from the date of the incident for car accident victims to file a claim for damages. However, if the victim is under the age of 18 or if the victim files a claim against a government entity, the law provides exceptions to this two-year statute.
How Much Does an Auto Accident Lawyer Charge?
At Goldstein & Goldstein, we understand how stressful the decision to pay for a quality attorney’s services can feel. That is why our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid via a percentage of the settlement or award you receive if you win your case. With this arrangement, you can access our dedicated and personalized legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Get On the Path to Recovery With the Irvington Car Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein
With our legal team by your side, you can have the confidence that a dedicated, seasoned attorney will build your best possible case, advocate tirelessly for your interests, and help you pursue the maximum possible compensation for your damages. The Irvington car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein will navigate the legal complexities of New Jersey personal injury law, and they will guide you from the beginning of the process to the end of your claim. If a negligent driver injured you or a loved one in a car accident, call us at 973-675-8277 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our East Orange office serves clients just like you in the surrounding areas. Let us help you get on the path to recovery today.