New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer

Auto Wreck Injuries & Compensation in New Jersey

When a car accident is caused by another person’s negligence, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries and other losses. At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we help car accident victims throughout New Jersey obtain the full, fair recoveries they are owed.

For a free consultation with our New Jersey car accident attorneys, call (800) 817-5029 or contact us online.

How Can a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a car accident, you may be tempted to handle your own personal injury claim and negotiate directly with the insurance company. However, this is rarely a good idea. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and, as such, are always looking for ways to limit their financial liability. Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can and will be used against you to reduce the amount of compensation you receive.

When you hire Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we can help you by:

• Investigating the accident to determine fault
• Gathering evidence to prove liability and damages
• Working with experts to help prove your claim
• Handling all communications with the insurance company
• Filing all necessary paperwork and ensuring all deadlines are met
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
• Representing you in court, if necessary

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we understand that every car accident case is unique. We will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your rights and options. We will put our experience and resources to work for you and maximize your entitled compensation.

Common Types of Car Accidents

A car accident, also known as a traffic collision or crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other obstacles, resulting in damage to property, injury, or death. Car accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe multi-vehicle collisions.

Here are some common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted Driving: This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers while driving. Any activity that diverts attention from the road can increase the risk of an accident.
• Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
• Reckless Driving: This includes behaviors such as aggressive driving, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signals or signs.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds can reduce visibility and traction, making it more difficult to control a vehicle and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy can impair judgment and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris on the road, or inadequate road signage can contribute to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the vehicle's brakes, tires, steering, or other critical systems can lead to accidents.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Failing to obey traffic signals or signs increases the risk of collisions at intersections.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or training, particularly among young or newly licensed drivers, can lead to errors and accidents on the road.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces the time available to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Not yielding the right of way to other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists when required by traffic laws can result in accidents.

How to Determine Fault in a New Jersey Car Accident

In New Jersey, "no-fault" car accident laws refer to a system where drivers involved in accidents are compensated by their own insurance companies regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This system is aimed at providing prompt compensation to injured parties and reducing the need for lengthy and costly legal battles to determine fault.

The state requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who caused the accident.

While New Jersey operates under a no-fault system, there is a threshold that allows individuals to step outside of the no-fault system and pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver. This threshold typically involves meeting certain criteria related to the severity of injuries sustained, such as significant disfigurement, loss of a body part, significant scarring, or other permanent injuries.

New Jersey also offers a "limited right to sue" option. Under this option, individuals can retain the right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering resulting from the accident, regardless of meeting the threshold. However, choosing this option typically results in higher insurance premiums.

Remember, the state follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even in no-fault accidents, fault can still play a role in determining compensation. If a driver is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally.