Most people get behind the wheel every single day without thinking twice about it. It is just part of the routine. You go to work, you run errands, you pick up groceries, and you expect that, so long as you are paying attention and following the rules of the road, you will make it from point A to point B without any real issue. Unfortunately, that is not always how things play out. Auto accidents happen far more often than they should, and when they do, they tend to leave people dealing with far more than just damage to their vehicle. If you were injured in an auto accident due to another party’s negligence, our Union County injury lawyers are here to help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.

Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Auto accidents are not all the same, and the way a case is handled will often depend on how the accident occurred in the first place. In some situations, liability is relatively straightforward. In others, it becomes far more complicated, especially when multiple parties or unique circumstances are involved. Our firm handles a wide range of accident cases throughout Union County, including the following:

Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

After an accident, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. That said, the steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days following a crash can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your ability to pursue a claim. Some of the most important steps to take after an auto accident are as follows:

Call 911 and check for injuries: First and foremost, you should ensure that everyone involved is safe and that emergency services are on their way. Even if injuries seem minor, it is always best to have medical professionals evaluate the situation.
Move to a safe area if possible: If your vehicle can be moved and it is safe to do so, getting out of active traffic can help prevent further collisions.
Exchange information with the other driver: You should obtain names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved.
Document the scene: Take photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, any traffic signs or signals, and any visible injuries. These details can become very important later on.
Gather witness information: If anyone saw the accident occur, try to get their names and contact information. Their perspective may help clarify what happened.
Seek medical attention promptly: Even if you feel fine at the moment, certain injuries do not present symptoms right away. Getting checked out creates a record of your condition.
Notify your insurance company: You should report the accident, though you should be mindful about providing recorded statements before fully understanding your situation.
Speak with an attorney before moving forward: Before accepting any settlement or signing anything, it is generally in your best interest to understand your rights and options.

PIP In New Jersey

New Jersey operates under what is known as a no-fault insurance system. What this means, in simple terms, is that after an accident, your own insurance policy is typically responsible for covering your medical expenses, regardless of who actually caused the crash. This coverage is referred to as Personal Injury Protection, or PIP.

PIP coverage is required for drivers in New Jersey, and it is designed to ensure that individuals can receive medical treatment without unnecessary delay. Generally, PIP will cover medical bills, certain rehabilitation costs, and, in some cases, lost wages.

However, it is important to understand that PIP coverage is not unlimited. Policies come with specific limits, and in more serious accidents, those limits can be reached fairly quickly. When that happens, many people begin to wonder what their options are.

In certain circumstances, if another party was responsible for the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against that party for damages that go beyond what your PIP coverage provides. That said, New Jersey also allows drivers to select different types of insurance policies, including those that limit your ability to sue for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless your injuries meet certain thresholds.

Establishing Liability

In any auto accident case, one of the central issues is determining who was at fault. In New Jersey, this comes down to the concept of negligence. Essentially, you must show that another party failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure directly resulted in your injuries.

Proving this is not always as straightforward as it may seem at first glance. In many cases, it requires gathering a variety of evidence and piecing together exactly what happened leading up to the accident. Some of the most commonly used forms of evidence are as follows:

Police reports
Witness statements
Photographs or video footage
Traffic camera recordings
Vehicle damage assessments
Expert analysis

It is also worth noting that New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced accordingly. For example, if you are determined to be 25 percent responsible, your recovery would be reduced by that same percentage.

Financial Compensation

After an accident, many people are left dealing with both immediate and long-term consequences, and naturally, one of the most common questions is what kind of compensation may be available. Generally speaking, compensation in auto accident cases can be broken down into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are those that have a clear financial cost associated with them, such as:

Medical expenses
Ongoing or future medical treatment
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Property damage

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a bit less tangible, though no less important. These may include the following:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement

Statute of Limitations

Finally, it is important to understand that there is a limited window of time in which you can file a lawsuit after an auto accident in New Jersey. This is known as the statute of limitations.

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you do not file within that timeframe, you may lose your ability to recover compensation altogether.

There are certain exceptions that may apply in limited situations, such as cases involving minors or claims against government entities, though these exceptions can be complex and often involve additional requirements. For this reason, it is generally best to take action sooner rather than later. Our auto accident lawyers are here to help.

Contact Our Auto Accident Lawyers in Union County, New Jersey

We understand that being involved in an auto accident is not something anyone plans for, and the aftermath can leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next. If you have been injured in an accident in Union County, do not wait to get the answers you need. The Mark Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take the next steps. Contact our dedicated Union County auto accident lawyers for a free initial consultation today.

Union County Auto Accident Lawyers