Auto Accident Attorney in Bloomfield, New Jersey
The residents of New Jersey rely on their vehicles to get where they need to go. There are various types of motor vehicles on the road, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. The unfortunate reality is that New Jersey’s roads are congested, and people don’t always drive as safely as they should. When a driver behaves negligently, he or she may cause a motor vehicle accident, which often results in serious injuries that can haunt a victim for the remainder of his or her life. If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Essex County or across New Jersey, it is important to consider your legal options. For years, our Essex County auto accident attorney has assisted individuals who’ve been wrongly injured in auto accidents, and he is ready to put his experience to work for you. The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. is here to guide you through each step of the personal injury claims process. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
Types of Automobile Accidents
Automobile accidents can involve any combination of vehicles. With so many vehicles on the busy roads of New Jersey, accidents are bound to happen. The vast majority of automobile accidents are caused by drowsy driving, driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, texting while driving, failure to yield, speeding, and failing to abide by stop signs. That being said, the complexity of your accident case depends heavily on the type of vehicle you were injured by. At the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., we understand that all accident cases need to be handled with individualized attention. Our firm has experience representing clients who have been injured in the following types of automobile accidents:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Uber/Lyft accidents
- Mass transit accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Drunk driver accidents
- Injured passengers
Personal Injury Protection
New Jersey car insurance policies include a form of no-fault coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This exists to cover the immediate medical expenses and lost wages of a driver and any passengers involved in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. It is important to note that the state of New Jersey does not extend PIP coverage to motorcyclists. Those who have “limitation on lawsuit” insurance may only pursue compensation for pain and suffering if their injury is considered permanent and serious, such as injuries that resulted in one or more of the following:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent injury
- Fractures
- Recovering Damages
While some accidents are simple fender-benders where everyone is able to walk away without a scratch, others are more serious and result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other life-changing injuries. If you were seriously injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation–this compensation is referred to as damages. The Essex County auto accident attorney at the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. has years of experience helping clients recover damages for the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, lost current and future wages, and more. Our firm can even look to recover damages for the non-economic l burdens you may have faced as a result of your accident, including emotional distress, loss of independence, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Burden of Proof
If you choose to take legal action against the individual who caused the accident, you will be required to prove that they were negligent. This is referred to as fulfilling the burden of proof. It is important to have a law enforcement officer come to the scene of the accident so he or she can begin documenting what happened as soon as possible. It is also important to seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t believe that you are injured because often, injuries take some time to reveal themselves, and this can make it harder to show that the injury stemmed from the accident. It is also beneficial to take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident, as long as you are physically capable of doing so.
Statute of Limitations
In the state of New Jersey, all personal injury lawsuits, including those for motor vehicle accidents, must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. All too often, wrongly injured motorists will wait to see if their injuries heal on their own, unaware that the clock is ticking on them being able to file what may be an absolutely necessary personal injury claim. When an individual waits any longer than two years from the date of their accident to take legal action against the party responsible for their accident, they will most likely permanently lose their right to sue. Do not let this happen to you. Our Essex County auto accident attorney is ready to assist you today.
Contact an Essex County Auto Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an automobile accident in New Jersey, it is time to consider your legal options. Our firm is comprised of dedicated and experienced legal professionals ready to step in and protect your legal rights. The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. has years of experience helping clients recover compensation so they can focus on recovering from their injuries. Contact our firm today to discuss your case for free.