Car accidents, no matter how severe, can have unforeseen consequences for victims. While not every accident causes catastrophic injury, even minor accidents or fender benders can have its share of disputes from a car insurance agency. If a car hits you from behind, you have a right to file an insurance claim and seek compensation for your pain and suffering.
A car accident lawyer in Jersey City will specialize in motor vehicle crashes in personal injury law and be able to provide accident claim advice during a lawsuit.
There are several types of vehicle collisions that can cause personal injury:
What sets apart a minor collision from a major one typically depends on factors like the severity of the injuries to either party, the level of vehicle damage, the number of people or vehicles involved, and other factors like financial loss or property damage.
Many insurance companies may navigate the claim process and label an accident as minor if the victim only suffered surface level injuries, or if there was not extensive damage to the vehicle.
Knowing what to do immediately after an accident will be essential to a smooth claims process and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Securing the scene typically refers to cordoning off the area from oncoming traffic or personnel from an otherwise dangerous scene to mitigate the risk of further injury. Checking yourself for injuries and making sure you are a safe distance away from any fire or hazardous chemicals after an accident is crucial.
Notifying your insurance company after you’ve exchanged information will lead to a faster claims process. An insurance claims adjuster will be in touch with you to ask about the time, date, and location of the accident as well as the extent of damage and injuries to yourself and others.
Your safety is most important. After you’ve secured the scene, you should call 9-1-1 and seek treatment at the emergency care, even if the injury seems minor. Soft tissue injuries like internal bleeding or bone bruises may not always be immediately apparent, and so you will need to be checked out. For a fast and speedy claim, gather and preserve medical records like treatment plans or doctor’s notes, build your insurance claim and get you closer to a fair settlement.
Understanding how to file a claim with an insurance company can be a complicated process. Before filing, it is typically recommended to review your own insurance policy so that you can get a full understanding of what’s covered.
Every state has negligence laws which can dictate how much compensation a claimant receives due to how much fault is shared between both parties. Fault determination is often decided from evidence found during the accident investigation or during discovery, and your attorney will preserve this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf and come to terms with an insurance company on a settlement offer.
Some insurance companies may offer a lowball settlement, that may be way lower than what is standard.
At Omni Injury & Accident Law, we represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Fort Lee, Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County and other surrounding areas.
While not every car accident suit is the same, many of them follow the same claim timeline:
During the settlement process, you may be asked to answer questions regarding the accident and present evidence such as medical records or witness statements. Navigating insurance policies can be complex, but your injury advocate will assist in preserving evidence and making a strong argument on your behalf. Your lawyer may also review clauses in the settlement contract that you may have disputes with.
While the majority of car accident cases are settled without a trial, it is important to be prepared in the event a trial is necessary. The plaintiff will often need to prepare for answering several accident-related questions during depositions and on the stand. Your lawyer will guide you through the trial proceedings and answer any questions you may have.
Knowing how a personal injury case can turn out, hiring legal aid for a car accident is the next best step. Our law firm at Omni Injury and Accident Law has a dedicated team of attorneys with a proven track record of winning and securing favorable settlements with our clients. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstance. Schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward collecting the compensation you deserve!
