Who Is Liable for a City Bus Accident in New Jersey?
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The numbers are staggering—more than six million people are involved in motor vehicle accidents in the United States every year—that’s more than 16,000 every day! Experts estimate that the average person will be involved in at least one car crash before the age of 34 and will be in at least three auto accidents in his or her lifetime. Often, even when the impact seems minimal, the consequences can be significant. When you’ve been in any type of car accident, you want an experienced and effective team of car accident lawyers to protect your rights.
At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we have successfully represented automobile accident victims in New Jersey for more than three decades. We know that a motor vehicle accident can change your life in an instant, even if your injuries consist mostly of “soft tissue damage.” We’ll take the time to determine the full extent of your losses, as well as what you need to get your life back. We’ll keep you fully involved and informed at all times so that you know where you stand and what your options are.
Though we’ll always consider a settlement that meets your needs, we have the experience, knowledge, and skills to aggressively protect your rights before a judge and jury. Attorney Edward Lee is a highly regarded litigator, certified as a Civil Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court since 2005. He’s been named as a New Jersey Super Lawyer, has an “Excellent” rating from Avvo, and has been listed among the nation’s “Top One Percent” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
We provide full-service legal counsel to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who have suffered injuries in automobile crashes. We’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of the accident and travel to the scene, if necessary. We’ll also bring in expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, medical professionals, and financial planners, so that we can prepare and present the most compelling arguments for your full financial recovery. We can also be your liaison with insurance companies, helping you get the benefits to which you are entitled.
Our car accident lawyers will help you pursue damages for all your losses, such as wages and income, medical bills, loss of consortium or companionship, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. We take cases involving all types of injuries, from sprains, strains, and other soft tissue trauma to serious and catastrophic losses, such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, burns, broken bones, paralysis, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and amputations or loss of limbs. We also handle wrongful death claims arising out of motor vehicle accidents.
The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel disoriented or unsure of what to do first. Your actions immediately after the crash can have a lasting impact on both your health and your rights. If possible, try to take the following steps:
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, but qualifying depends on several important factors. To start, New Jersey is considered a “no-fault” state, which means that your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your initial medical expenses and certain out-of-pocket costs, regardless of who caused the accident.
That said, to pursue additional damages such as pain and suffering or lost income beyond PIP limits, you must meet certain legal criteria. Whether you can bring a personal injury claim depends largely on the severity of your injuries and the type of insurance policy you have. Drivers who have selected a “limitation on lawsuit” (or verbal threshold) option under their policy can only sue if they’ve suffered one of several qualifying injuries, such as permanent disfigurement, loss of a body part, displaced fractures, or a permanent disability. Those with a “no limitation on lawsuit” policy have broader rights to recover non-economic damages.
To recover compensation from the at-fault driver, you must also be able to prove negligence, meaning you must prove that the other driver acted carelessly or recklessly and that their conduct directly caused your injuries. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1), you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. Your total award would simply be reduced by your share of responsibility.
If you’re considering filing a car accident lawsuit, it’s essential to understand that your time to act is limited. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2), most personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. Failing to file within that period generally means you lose the right to pursue compensation in court.
For a private consultation with an experienced and proven New Jersey car accident attorney, contact us today. Appointments are available evenings and weekends, if necessary. Our offices are conveniently located in Springfield and Newark, and we’ll travel to your home or the hospital for a consultation. We welcome all major credit cards. Nosotros hablamos Español!
In New Jersey, victims of car accidents can seek various types of compensation. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering. In some cases, if the accident leads to long-term disabilities or loss of life, additional compensation for long-term care or wrongful death may also be pursued. An experienced team of car accident lawyers can guide you through what specific compensations you might be eligible for based on your situation.
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to initiate legal proceedings against the responsible party. However, it’s advisable to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and your rights are fully protected. Consulting with a car accident attorney early on can help streamline this process.
Yes, you can turn to your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM insurance is mandatory in New Jersey and covers medical expenses and damages when the other driver is uninsured. If you have underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, it may apply if the at-fault driver’s policy isn’t enough. Your attorney can also investigate whether other parties, like employers or vehicle owners, share liability. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights under these policies. Even without insurance from the other driver, you still have options.
Yes, many modern vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs) that track speed, braking, and seat belt usage before a crash. This data can serve as strong evidence to establish fault. Car accident lawyers often use expert witnesses to interpret the findings. Preservation of this data requires quick legal action, as it may be erased or lost. Insurance companies may also request access to this information. Using black box data can strengthen your case significantly.
New Jersey follows a no-fault system, meaning your own insurance generally covers medical expenses regardless of fault. This coverage comes through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). However, serious injuries may allow you to step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver directly. The severity of the injury is often determined by thresholds such as permanent disability or disfigurement. Choosing the right legal route is crucial to maximizing recovery. A personal injury attorney can help determine whether your case qualifies for a fault-based claim.
Choosing the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your car accident case in Springfield or Newark. At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we have over 35 years of experience and a dedicated team that deeply understands the nuances of New Jersey’s car accident laws. Our commitment to personalized service and our track record of successful outcomes make us a trusted choice for your legal needs. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation from an experienced car accident attorney.
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