Car accidents are among the most common causes of serious injury in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to another driver’s recklessness or carelessness, you may be entitled to significant compensation. That’s where Nagel Rice LLP can assist you.
Our experienced car accident attorneys have a thorough understanding of New Jersey’s negligence and insurance laws. Trust our team to vigorously advocate on your behalf and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Jersey
No matter how safely we drive, we can’t control external factors, like the behavior of other drivers, so the risk of having a collision is always there. Certain factors, some within our control and some not increase the probability that a car crash will occur, including:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs
- Speeding or driving aggressively
- Poorly maintained roadway
- Reckless driving
- Ignoring traffic signals – stop signs, one-way signs, or red lights
- Weather conditions
No matter the cause, you can depend on Nagel Rice to identify the responsible party, hold them accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is No-Fault Insurance?
No-fault insurance is designed to prevent unnecessary, costly litigation and ensure medical costs are paid promptly. Auto insurance in New Jersey or New York is known as “no-fault insurance” because no matter who or what causes a car crash, your own insurance company is responsible for paying medical treatment fees for:
- Doctor bills
- Ambulance and emergency room bills
- Prescription medications
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
- Physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages
While these payments cover your economic losses, No-fault insurance does not cover pain and suffering. To be reimbursed for the misery of being seriously hurt, you must file a personal injury lawsuit.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
All New York State residents and almost all New Jersey residents are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP), an extension of auto insurance that covers the economic aspects of injuries resulting from crashes. PIP covers not only the insured driver but also any passengers or pedestrians who suffer injury in the crash.
Choice No-Fault Insurance in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of only a few states known as a “choice no-fault” insurance state, meaning that drivers can choose between no-fault and traditional automobile insurance coverage. If the no-fault option is selected, the driver’s insurance policy will pay for medical bills and other expenses. A lawsuit can only be brought against the other driver if the car crash resulted in one of the following: displaced fractures, dismemberment, significant scarring or disfigurement, permanent injury, or the loss of a fetus.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Victims of car crashes may suffer all kinds of injuries, some requiring prolonged medical care. If you have been in a serious car accident, you may, in addition to minor scrapes, lacerations, bruises, and swelling, have suffered:
- Broken bones/fractures
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Damage to internal organs
It is not uncommon for bodily harm suffered during a car crash to have manifestations weeks or even years after the fact, so it is essential to consider how your injuries may affect you in years to come.
At Nagel Rice, our New Jersey and New York attorneys understand the possible complications and future implications of your present injuries. We will use our knowledge and skills to help you obtain compensation that considers all your present and future medical and financial needs.
What to Do After a Car Crash
If you’ve been in a car accident, your priority should be safety. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help. If you’re able, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and collect witness information. Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation—some injuries take time to appear. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or on social media. Once your immediate needs are met, contact an experienced car accident attorney. At Nagel Rice, we’ll take over the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
Time Limits for Filing a Car Accident Claim in NJ
New Jersey law sets a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. If you don’t file your claim within that timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation. It’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
How Nagel Rice Can Help
Car accident claims often involve insurance disputes, liability challenges, and medical complexity. At Nagel Rice, we have decades of experience handling high-stakes personal injury cases across New Jersey. Our attorneys will investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, consult with medical experts, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Damages We Will Fight For
We will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our team takes on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We’re known for results—and we’re ready to stand up for you.
Contact Our New Jersey Car Accident Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact Nagel Rice LLP today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients throughout New Jersey, including Roseland, Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York throughout Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.