Mount Laurel Car Accident Lawyers

New Jersey is one of the most highly urban states in the country, as well as being the state with the highest average population density. As a result, traffic in many parts of the state operates almost continuously at full capacity – the perfect conditions for car accidents.

Suffering injuries in a car accident can be traumatic. In New Jersey, those injured in car accidents can recover their losses from their own auto insurance, however, there are certain instances when they can sue the responsible party. If you have been injured in an accident, a Mount Laurel car accident lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman can help you determine the best course of action to recover your losses.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94 percent of all car accidents are caused by human error. Despite how responsible you are on the road, you cannot ensure that others are taking the same precautions, and accidents are bound to happen. Some of the most common accident causes include:

• Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is incredibly dangerous. Alcohol reduces how quickly the brain functions and reduces reaction times, inhibits the ability to process information, blurs vision, interrupts focus, and causes sleepiness, all of which puts everyone at risk.
• Distracted driving: Over the past 15 years, distracted driving has become one of the most common causes of accidents. Texting, talking on the phone, fiddling with onboard technology, eating, arguing, and interacting with passengers interferes with the ability to focus.
• Speeding: A leading cause of fatal accidents is speeding. The faster you drive, the more distance you need to stop.
• Reckless driving: Swerving in and out of traffic, cutting other drivers off, ignoring posted signs and warnings increases the risk of causing an accident and endangers everyone around you.
• Drowsy driving: Many studies have shown that driving while sleep-deprived can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, as it causes the same impairments in the brain.
• Poor weather: Rain, snow, and ice create slippery roads that decrease the tires’ ability to maintain traction. Speeding, making sudden lane changes, and traveling too close to another car in bad weather significantly increases the risk of accidents.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Car Accident?

The actions you take following an accident can help your claim tremendously. If you are able, you should do the following after a car accident:

• Report the accident: Call police to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the scene, including the damage to both cars, injuries, road conditions, signage, lighting, and anything else that may have contributed to the accident.
• Talk to witnesses: Ask witnesses for their contact information and a statement if they are willing. Also, ask them to share any photos or videos of the accident they may have taken.
• Seek medical evaluation: Always seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you think you have no injuries. Some internal injuries do not present symptoms for hours or days but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Also, a doctor’s report is crucial to your insurance claim, and without one, your claim can be denied.
• Save everything: Save all records and correspondence you receive related to your claim.
• Hire an attorney: Taking on insurance companies alone typically results in little to no settlement offers. Working with an experienced attorney increases the likelihood you will receive compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me With My Car Accident Case?

Many people do not consult attorneys based on the assumption that they are too expensive. However, most attorneys who handle personal injury cases work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement.

Being injured in a car accident can be traumatic and leave you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and expensive property damage. If you have been injured by another negligent driver, contacting a lawyer is important. Your attorney can advocate on your behalf while you focus on your recovery. We have over 30 years of experience helping Mount Laurel residents. We can help you reach the best possible outcome.

How Much Is a Car Accident Claim Worth?

Every case is unique, so it is difficult to pin down what a car accident claim is worth. However, a Jury Verdict Research study found that the median award for a personal injury case is approximately $100,000 in New Jersey.

If you are injured by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to cover certain losses. As a no-fault state, each driver’s auto insurance will likely pay for medical bills, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. In some cases, you may be able to sue for economic and non-economic damages. In a personal injury claim, you can possibly secure compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning potential
• Lifelong medical treatment related to the accident
• Disability
• Wrongful death

What Is Comparative Negligence?

New Jersey is also a comparative negligence state, which can affect the amount of compensation you receive based on your contribution to the accident. The law gives judges and juries the ability to determine how much each driver is at fault for the accident. That percentage is used to determine the total compensation package. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, you will receive 80 percent of the total compensation available. Keep in mind that if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible, you cannot seek compensation from the other driver.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?

New Jersey also has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, and six years for a personal property loss claim.