Car accidents are unfortunately prevalent in urban areas like Leonia, New Jersey, and can be scary, pulse-pounding moments for victims who suffer severe injuries. A severe injury can be life-altering, emotionally traumatic, and financially difficult for victims and their families.
In times like this, those involved in an accident who were not at fault can seek compensation from their insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer. If a settlement cannot be reached, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant driver.
For victims in need of legal options for their pain and suffering, you can reach out to a Leonia car accident lawyer with Omni Injury and Accident Law in Leonia, New Jersey. Our legal team can guide you through the process and help you secure a more favorable settlement.
How Can a Leonia Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
A Leonia personal injury attorney is a specialist in legal matters where individuals are harmed as a result of another person’s negligent or intentional actions, such as a car accident caused by negligent driving. These attorneys are responsible for the following:
- Legal guidance and expertise: Car accident claims are complicated and often filled with legal jargon that the average victim may not be familiar with, or too busy recovering from injury, so consulting with a lawyer can make you aware of your legal rights and options.
- Accident scene investigation: Lawyers will reconstruct the accident with experts and witnesses to try and determine who was at fault for the accident and build a stronger case.
- Negotiating insurance claims: Lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance agents and adjusters who try and deny claims based on insufficient evidence, so they will negotiate for a fairer settlement.
- Filing lawsuits: Victims who file, known as plaintiffs, will need legal representation with pursuing injury lawsuits to assist with following the state-specific procedures and paperwork.
- Representation in court: Lawyers are also experienced litigators and argue your case against the defendant before a jury.
A car accident lawyer in Leonia can help you gather evidence to support your claim and file with insurance companies. Experienced lawyers are well-versed in tort law and precedents regarding personal injury cases, so they are your best bet for negotiation tactics and litigation in court, if necessary.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Leonia?
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be disorienting. Here are the steps you can take following an accident to help in your recovery.
- Assess damages: It’s important to first assess your own injuries and the injuries of other passengers, and seek immediate medical attention.
- Documenting the scene: Taking photographs and videos of the wreckage and surroundings, making note of the date and time, writing down license plate numbers, and exchanging contacts with the other driver will become important information later on for filing insurance claims or lawsuits.
- File a police report: Authorities should be contacted following an accident. It is required that involved parties file a police report, as failing to do so can lead to legal consequences down the road.
- Contact your insurance company: You should notify your insurance company that there’s been a crash, with basic information like the time, date, and parties involved.
- Collect evidence: Keeping tabs on medical records and doctor’s notes and prescriptions can also support evidence for a personal injury claim.
- Consult with a lawyer: Finally, drivers can contact a Leonia auto accident lawyer and take action on your claim and take the first steps toward recovery.
Common Car Accident Injuries In Leonia
There are many types of catastrophic injury that qualify for compensation, such as:
- Broken bones: Fractures in bones, typically in limbs or the rib cage area, that require surgery or a splint.
- Bruises: Swelling or painful bumps on the skin that can take weeks to heal.
- Internal bleeding: Loss of blood inside the skin and outside of blood vessels that can lead to or be a sign of internal organ damage.
- Spinal cord injuries: Back injuries that may lead to significant discomfort and pain walking, sitting, or sleeping, and in more severe cases can lead to paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injury: Typically a concussion or significant blow to the head leading to loss of brain tissue or brain bleed.
- Dismemberment: When a limb is sheared off, or crushed during an accident and needs to be amputated.
Learn more about these different types of injuries and what it may mean for your claim with a Leonia accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Leonia
Car accidents can be caused by a number of different factors, including:
- Distracted driving: Texting, reading, taking eyes off the road, or drowsiness and daydreaming could lead to an incident.
- Reckless driving: Speeding or neglecting traffic laws, for instance, could cause risk for an accident.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or other narcotics can impair a driver’s cognitive ability and coordination, and often lead to poor judgement.
- Inclement weather: Snow, heavy rains, and other storms can lead to poor driving conditions.
- Road hazards: Construction activity or neglected road maintenance could cause hazards like potholes or corroded asphalt.
- Car manufacturer error: A defective car part, like a faulty steering wheel or rear-suspension could lead to driving risks.
Knowing what causes were at play during a car accident can help determine liability and support your personal injury claim.
What Types Of Damages Can Car Accident Victims Recover in Leonia
Damages, in terms of insurance-speak, refer to the losses the plaintiff suffered as a direct result of an accident. Damages are typically divided into economic, non-economic, and punitive.
- Economic damages: Quantifiable losses, such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, property repairs, cost of physical therapy sessions, lost future earnings, and more.
- Non-economic damages: Not quantifiable losses that must be estimated by an attorney, like trauma and PTSD, pain and suffering, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment.
- Punitive damages: Extra monetary compensation that is granted to a plaintiff in the case of gross negligence or intentional actions from a defendant in order to punish them and deter future behavior.
How Much Is My Leonia Car Accident Claim Worth?
How much a car accident claim is worth can vary from case to case, as the type of collision, severity of injury, scale of damage, and degree of fault is different for every accident.
Many car accident claims settle well into the tens of thousands, but some accidents settle for millions and upward for more severe cases. Your compensation is calculated by your economic and non-economic damages, and up to the limit of the at-fault driver’s coverage unless a personal injury lawsuit is filed.
Consult with a Leonia car accident attorney to get a clear estimate of how much you can expect for your claim.
Statute of Limitations for A Car Accident Claim in Leonia
Each state has what is known as a statute of limitations, which is a legal timeframe under which plaintiffs are required to file a lawsuit by. In New Jersey, this statute extends to two years from the date of the accident. For minors, the date may extend to two years from their 18th birthday.
If you are making a property damage claim, then the limit is six years from the date of the accident.
There is also a discovery rule, which is a rule made for lingering injuries that are not immediately apparent so a victim has a two-year period from when the injury was discovered.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Leonia car accident attorney
Most car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that their payment will depend on whether or not they win your case. In the event the claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to be responsible for paying fees incurred by the lawyer.
For successful claims, lawyers will often receive a percentage of the settlement amount as a reward for their hard work and to absorb fees related to the case, such as discovery costs, witness fees, court fees, and other transactions.
Need Legal Help? Contact a Leonia Car Accident Lawyer Today!
At Omni Law, we have a dedicated legal team ready to tackle personal injury claims and help victims and their families receive the financial relief they need to return to life as normal after an accident. Our law firm has proven success in securing settlements for our clients and winning favorable verdicts.
Schedule a consultation with a Leonia car accident lawyer from Omni Law and protect your legal rights today.
