Fort Lee Car Accident Lawyer

Hundreds of people travel every day by car. Therefore, it is vital to know the risks while behind the wheel. One of the major causes of car accidents is negligent drivers.  Some of the other contributing causes of car accidents in Fort Lee are as follows:

• Distracted driving: Cellphones, radio dials, eating while driving, or communicating with passengers can cause a driver to take their attention and eyes off the road. Distracted driving behavior may cause dangers such as the driver crashing into another car or object. 
• Drunk driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have impaired cognitive abilities, reflexes, and are more likely to make errors that could cause a crash. If you are injured by a drunk driver who was over-served at a bar, you may be able to  seek compensation from the establishment where they were over-served under a theory of dram shop liability. 
• Drowsy driving: Driving while tired is tantamount to driving under the influence. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel, they can lose control of the vehicle, causing an accident.
• Tailgating: Following too closely is a major cause of rear-end collisions. When a driver is tailgating, they may not be able to stop in time, causing them to hit the car in front of them.
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast despite bad weather or road conditions is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors. Speeding can reduce reaction time and affect stopping distance, leading to crashes.
• Reckless driving:  When a person drives with carelessness and without regard for others on the road, they could be liable for reckless driving. Examples of such driving are speeding, inattentive driving, swerving through traffic, or running red lights.
• Insufficient Car Upkeep: When a car has faulty auto parts, or a vehicle is not properly maintained, the car might not operate properly. These can cause issues that lead to crashes.
• Disobeying traffic laws and signage: Ignoring traffic laws and signs is a dangerous behavior that can cause collisions. These behaviors disrupt the flow of traffic, and other drivers may not be sure what to expect. 
• Adverse weather: Rain, sleet, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and make it challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicle, making the chances of a crash more likely. 
• Poor road conditions: Icy roads, debris, potholes, and other hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Single vehicle runoff or multicar collisions may result. 

It is essential to know the exact cause of the car crash as it will let you know who is at fault. Car accident lawyers can investigate the cause of the accident, type of accident such as head-on collision, rear-end collision, and others along with determining liability for your injuries.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A TBI occurs when the brain bounces inside of the skull. Concussions are a minor and more common type of TBI. Severe brain injuries can cause issues with cognition, memory, and motor skills.
• Disc Herniations: When the discs between the spinal vertebrae bulge, it may cause a herniated disc. A herniated disc can lead to radiculopathy, which causes numbness and tingling. These are painful injuries requiring rest and treatment to resolve. Lumbar spine herniations are a frequent result of car accidents. 
• Spinal cord injuries: Also known as neck injuries, cervical spine herniations often result from a crash. These injuries can affect the muscles, nerves, tendons, and vertebrae in the neck.
• Broken bones: Fractures are a common result of the trauma and impact of a crash. Serious breaks may take months to heal and require surgery. Multiple fractures can lengthen the recovery process and cause even more complications.
• Lacerations: Vehicle occupants may be cut by glass, metal, and other debris during a truck accident. Severe lacerations may require stitches and cause disfigurement.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be caused by unnatural movements during a collision. These injuries can be painful and may require rehabilitation.
• Whiplash: The force of impact can cause the head to whip backward and forward. This motion and the resulting injury is known as whiplash and may require medical treatment.

1. Stay calm & check for injuries

2. Move impacted vehicles out of traffic

3 . Call 911

4. Exchange info & take pictures

5. Notify the insurance company

Economic Damages:

• Medical Bills—Medical bills may include ambulance service charges, costs associated with surgery performed in an emergency situation, emergency medical treatment rendered, doctor consultations, mental health therapy, and even physical therapy if it is warranted as a result of the injuries sustained.
• Lost Wages—In many cases,  an injured party may be unable to work and earn money, which is a difficult situation financially. If the victim’s injuries are sufficiently severe as to create a permanent and complete inability to work, the family likely will need financial help.
• Property Damage—Economic damages also encompass damage to property such as one’s motor vehicle that result from the accident. 

Non-Economic Damages

Punitive Damages

The amount of your recovery will depend on several different factors.s One factor that can impact the amount of your claim is the kind of car insurance that you and the other driver have. New Jersey is a “choice no-fault” state. This means that when a driver selects an insurance policy they have the option of deciding between limited and full tort insurance. 

If you have selected a limited tort or no-fault policy, you will first need to make an insurance claim with your own motor vehicle insurer. You have a limited right to sue a third-party, , and may only bring suit if you are deemed to have suffered a serious injury exceeding the “verbal threshold.” If your injury is not deemed serious, then you may be unable to receive non-economic damages such as those associated with pain and suffering.

With full tort coverage, you may pursue the at-fault party for damages with no restrictions. If you have full tort coverage, you can recover not only for economic damages like lost wages but also non-economic damages like loss of enjoyment of life. 

New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule may also impact your claim’s worth. Even if you are partially to blame for the accident, you may still recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Any damages you may be owed will be reduced by your percentage of legal fault. 

An accident lawyer can help you understand how insurance laws and negligence implicate the value of your claim and determine what damages you may be owed. They may deal with the insurance companies and your options for pursuing monetary compensation.

When pursuing damages after a collision, it is important to determine the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Under New Jersey law, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is just two years from the date of the accident. There are a few exceptions to the statute of limitations, but it is still critical to take quick action to secure your right to recovery. An accident lawyer in Fort Lee can help you understand how the law applies to your case and identify the deadline for filing a lawsuit.