Car accidents are incredibly traumatic experiences. With physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens to contend with, victims often don’t know where to turn, what their rights are, or how to proceed. The legal landscape surrounding car accident laws in New Jersey is complex and nuanced. Being well-informed and strategic in your decision-making is essential to protect your rights and to seek rightful compensation. This process requires a comprehensive understanding of state laws and New Jersey’s unique approach to insurance. However, an experienced attorney can guide you through the process with ease.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident in Atlantic City, Camden, Vineland, or beyond, the experienced personal injury team at the Law Offices of Craig A. Altman is here to help you navigate the complex legal aftermath. We’ll guide you through the process, explain your options, and safeguard your rights every step of the way. We’re ready to start fighting for you today.
How Do You Determine Fault in a South Jersey Car Accident?
New Jersey follows a fault-based system when it comes to car accidents, meaning the party at fault is financially responsible for the damages. However, determining fault is an incredibly difficult task, requiring a thorough evaluation of traffic laws, eyewitness accounts, and evidence. It’s critical for car accident victims to gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, witness statements, medical documentation, and police reports to make a strong case against any and all negligent parties.
What Happens if More Than One Person Is at Fault?
Often, car accidents occur when more than one person acts negligently, and New Jersey law accounts for that, following a modified comparative negligence standard. If more than one party is found to share the blame, they are each assigned a percentage of the fault and are responsible for that percentage of the total damages.
If the injured party bears some of the fault, their potential compensation is reduced by their percentage of the fault. For example, if a victim is found to be 10% at fault for the accident, and the other party is 90% at fault, and the total value of the victim’s damages is $10,000, the victim is entitled to $9,000 from the at-fault party. However, if the victim is deemed more than 50% responsible for the accident, they cannot collect any compensation under New Jersey law.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work in South Jersey? Who Pays for My Medical Bills?
While New Jersey operates under a fault-based system, not far from a “you break it, you buy it” policy, the state does offer a no-fault insurance policy where their insurance company will cover medical expenses regardless of whether the policyholder was partially or wholly at fault. This form of coverage is an add-on to ordinary insurance plans known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) which motorists can choose to purchase. However, PIP coverage doesn’t extend to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish. It’s important to understand your insurance policy and its limits to make informed decisions in the aftermath of a South Jersey traffic accident.
Additionally, carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is a smart choice. If the negligent party doesn’t have insurance, or your damages exceed the limits of their insurance policy, your own insurance can step in to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and similar losses. Given that accidents strike when you least expect them, having this coverage adds a layer of protection and security when navigating South Jersey roads.
What’s the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim Following a South Jersey Car Accident?
Regardless of whether or not you intend to take your case to court, you only have bargaining power if there is a looming prospect of legal action. Therefore, even if you intend to settle, you need to bring your case before the statute of limitations. A statute of limitations, in essence, is the legal deadline by which you are required to bring a claim. In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the accident to bring forth a claim. However, you don’t want to cut it too close, as building a strong case and taking that case to negotiations takes time, so it’s important to act fast and consult with an experienced attorney to ensure you’re complying with deadlines and aren’t forfeiting your right to seek just compensation.
Your Experienced South Jersey Car Accident Lawyer: the Law Offices of Craig A. Altman
The Law Offices of Craig A. Altman understands the profound impact of a car accident in South Jersey, and we have made it our mission to help our clients find and navigate their next steps. We stand with you every step of the way, safeguarding your rights and relentlessly pursuing your rightful compensation. If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident in South Jersey or Pennsylvania, trust the experienced personal injury team at the Law Offices of Craig A. Altman provides comprehensive and client-centric representation tailored to your unique needs, circumstances, and goals. Contact us or call us at (856) 327-8899 today!
