Car accidents can flip your world around in the blink of an eye. Medical bills, lost income, and repairing your vehicle are just a few things you may have to deal with. If you’ve recently been in a car accident in New Jersey, you might ask yourself, “Do I require car accident lawyers in New Jersey?”
And the short answer could be? It depends!
Here are some components that lead you to decide whether you should find an experienced attorney to deal with car accident cases in New Jersey and how they can help defend your rights.
Understanding New Jersey’s No-Fault Insurance System
You must be very clear that New Jersey is a no-fault state for automobile collisions. In most automobile accidents, your insurance company covers your medical bills and lost income, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. They do this through something called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
You may not require an attorney if your accident is relatively minor and your PIP entirely pays for your expenses. But if your injuries are severe, or if there’s an issue of fault, that’s where it gets complicated—and in such a situation, legal help is much more valuable.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
1. You Have Sustained Serious Injuries
If you have had broken bones, head injuries, back or neck wounds, or anything you have to be treated for repeatedly, your medical expenses can easily be more than your PIP coverage. Your attorney can assist you in filing a claim against the responsible party to obtain full compensation for your damages.
2. You’re Facing Permanent or Chronic Disabilities
When a permanent disability or limitation in working ability has been caused to you by an accident, it is difficult to estimate future medical charges and lost income. A professional lawyer can have medical and financial experts estimate the amount of such expenses and losses accurately.
3. Liability Is Unclear or Disputed
If you’re interested in knowing who caused the accident—or if the other party’s insurance company is trying to blame you—a lawyer can investigate the crash, obtain evidence (including police reports, witness statements, or traffic cameras), and defend you.
4. The Insurance Company is Lowballing You
Insurance companies are businesses whose goal is to pay out as little as possible. Don’t sign on the dotted line if you’re provided a settlement that’s nowhere near your expenses. Your attorney will negotiate with you to get a good deal or take the suit to court if necessary.
5. You’re Being Pressured to Settle Quickly
When there is an accident, a company will usually push you to resolve the claim before you know the extent of your injuries. Once you sign the release, you can’t go back and ask for more money. A lawyer will save you from accepting a settlement for less than you deserve.
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?
A reputed Car Accident lawyer does more than simply complete forms. Here’s how they can assist:
- Determine the cause of the mishap and collect evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
. - Calculate the total value of your claim, including non-monetary damages like pain and suffering.
- Negotiate a reasonable settlement in your favor.
- Advise and represent you in court if a reasonable agreement cannot be reached.
In short, having an attorney means you have an advocate who knows the system and battles on your behalf.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer
Most New Jersey car accident lawyers are compensated using a contingency fee, meaning they do not get paid unless you are paid. In general, their percentage fee is a percentage of your award or judgment received.
This setup is low-risk for you: you’re not handing over any money upfront, and you’re not paying the lawyer anything if you don’t earn back money.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you have a two-year time limit to bring an action for personal injury after an accident. That is a specific period in which you can sue if you have to. Taking too long will cut you off from recovery entirely—so even if you don’t know whether or not you want to sue, it is best to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
If Unsure, Get a Free Consultation
You don’t need to sort all of this out on your own. Most car accident lawyers in New Jersey provide free consultations, so you can have a trained expert review your case without paying a cent.
If you’re not convinced your case is worth a lawyer’s help, an initial consultation with an experienced attorney can put you at ease and save you from throwing thousands of dollars away.
Need Help After a Car Accident in New Jersey?
If you are injured in a car crash and don’t know what to do next, having the services of an experienced lawyer can be one of the wisest things you can ever do. Your health and financial recovery are worth too much to leave to chance.
