If you’ve been injured in Hackensack because someone else was careless, you have the legal right to seek payment for your losses. New Jersey law allows you to file a personal injury claim to cover everything from medical bills and lost pay to the personal suffering you’ve endured.
The personal injury claims process in New Jersey involves managing complex insurance negotiations while you’re still dealing with medical treatment and financial pressures. With an impending deadline and specific legal rules that directly impact your compensation, we know how overwhelming it is to deal with on your own.
Protecting your rights under New Jersey’s specific legal framework requires immediate action and experienced guidance, knowledge you shouldn’t have to acquire while recovering from an injury. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our experienced Hackensack personal injury lawyers handle the legal process so you are able to focus on your health.
For a free, confidential discussion about your case, call us at (201) 585-9111.
Hackensack Personal Injury Guide
- Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.?
- What Is Your Personal Injury Claim Worth?
- Where Accidents Happen in and Around Hackensack
- Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Hackensack
- Dealing with Insurance Companies
- What to Do to Protect Your Rights After an Injury
- Frequently Asked Questions for a Hackensack Personal Injury Lawyer
- Take the First Step Toward Recovery with Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.?
Our Commitment to the Hackensack Community
Our firm is rooted in the Hackensack community. Our office, located at Court Plaza South, 21 Main St., Suite 206, Hackensack, NJ 07601, is centrally located, just a short distance from the Hackensack University Medical Center and the Bergen County Courthouse. We aren’t a law firm on the other side of the country; we are part of this community and understand the people who live and work here.
We recognize and respect the diverse fabric of our surrounding communities. From the growing Korean population in Fort Lee and Palisades Park to the vibrant mix of cultures in Hackensack, Englewood, and Teaneck, we are committed to serving and understanding everyone from all backgrounds.
A Record of Success and Dedication
With over 90 years of combined trial experience, our attorneys have recovered more than $300 million for our clients.
We are prepared to take on difficult cases and will not hesitate to go to trial to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. Our history includes a significant role in the $101 million settlement for the Tropicana Casino Garage Collapse, one of the largest construction accident resolutions in U.S. history.
Our Promise to You
- No Win, No Fee: You will not pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
- Free Case Review: We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
- Personalized Attention: You are not just another case file to us. We take the time to understand your story and how your injuries have impacted your life.
What Is Your Personal Injury Claim Worth?
The goal of a personal injury claim is to provide financial stability to cover all the losses stemming from the accident. This compensation is broken down into two main types.
Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)
These are the direct, calculable costs tied to your injury. We will pursue payment for:
- Medical Expenses: Every cost related to your medical care, from the first ambulance ride and emergency room visit to future surgeries and ongoing physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: The income you’ve lost from being unable to work. This also includes your diminished future earning capacity if your injuries permanently affect your career.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace personal property damaged in the incident, such as your car.
Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)
These damages address the non-financial toll of your injuries, which frequently represents the most profound part of your ordeal. This includes:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have suffered because of the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This covers how your injuries have restricted your ability to engage in hobbies, family activities, and the simple daily pleasures you once took for granted.
How New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Law May Affect Your Compensation
New Jersey uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you could still receive payment for your injuries even if you were partly to blame for the accident. You are able to recover damages as long as your share of the fault is not greater than the fault of the other party involved, meaning 50% or less.
Your total compensation award is then reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but decides you were 20% responsible for the accident, your financial recovery would be cut by that 20%, leaving you with $80,000.
Where Accidents Happen in and Around Hackensack
Local Accident Hotspots
While an accident can occur anywhere, certain roads and intersections in our area pose a higher risk.
High-risk areas in and around Hackensack include:
- The interchange between Route 80 and Route 17.
- The intersection of River Street and University Plaza Drive.
- The intersection of Essex Street and Polifly Road.
- The intersection of Main Street and Mercer Street in downtown Hackensack.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Hackensack
Our firm has years of experience handling a wide variety of personal injury claims. We handle cases involving:
- Car Accidents: Collisions are one of the most common sources of serious injuries.
- Truck Accidents: These cases are more involved due to the size of commercial trucks and the regulations governing trucking companies.
- Bus Accidents: Hackensack sees heavy bus traffic, especially around Main Street and the Bergen County Courthouse. If you were injured on a NJ Transit bus or while boarding or exiting, your case may involve filing a claim against a public entity, which comes with a strict 90-day notice deadline. Whether it was driver negligence, poor maintenance, or unsafe boarding conditions, our firm helps you pursue damages while meeting all procedural requirements.
- Medical Malpractice: Hackensack University Medical Center is a top medical facility, but no institution is immune to error. We handle medical malpractice cases involving surgical mistakes, diagnostic errors, and hospital-acquired infections. These cases require testimony from medical experts and compliance with New Jersey’s “affidavit of merit” law, which demands early confirmation that your case has medical merit. If you believe a healthcare provider’s mistake caused your injury, we’re ready to investigate.
- Premises Liability (Slip and Fall): We frequently handle cases involving injuries at high-traffic locations like The Shops at Riverside, Target, and Main Street businesses. Retailers have a legal duty to quickly address hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or icy walkways. If you slipped and fell on commercial property, our team will gather video footage, incident reports, and witness statements to build your case.
- Construction Accidents: Construction sites present many dangers, and injured workers may have claims for compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
- Wrongful Death: If you have lost a family member because of someone else’s negligence, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Remember that insurance companies are businesses and that their goals conflict with your best interests. Their objective is to settle claims for the lowest amount possible.
What to Be Aware Of
Be mindful of these common approaches:
- Early Settlement Offers: An adjuster might offer a quick payment before the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs are clear. This first offer is almost always far less than the true value of your claim.
- Recorded Statements: You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Your responses to questions could potentially be taken out of context to weaken your claim. It is best to speak with an attorney before providing any statement.
- Claim Processing Delays: The claims process is usually slow. The financial strain may pressure you to accept a lower offer out of sheer necessity.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your bills? This is where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy becomes critical. New Jersey law requires standard auto policies to include this coverage.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has no insurance at all. [32]
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover all of your damages.
What to Do to Protect Your Rights After an Injury
Once you’ve received initial medical care, the steps you take next greatly affect your health and any legal claim. Here is what you can do to protect your rights.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: Your health comes first. Following all medical advice, attending every follow-up appointment, and completing physical therapy is for your recovery and also shows the seriousness of your injuries.
- Keep a Journal: Document your experience. Write down your pain levels each day, how your injuries affect your daily life, and the emotional toll you are feeling.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all receipts for medical co-pays, prescriptions, and any other costs related to your injury in one folder. If you have photos of the accident scene or your injuries, be sure they are saved in a secure place.
- Avoid Social Media: Do not post anything about your accident, injuries, or daily activities on social media. Insurance companies will look at your profiles for photos or posts to use that suggest your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- Obtain a Copy of the Police Report: The police report contains key information about the accident, including the officer’s initial findings. In Hackensack, you are typically able to request a copy of your report from the Hackensack Police Department.
How to Request Your Hackensack Police Report
To get a copy of your police accident report, contact the Hackensack Police Records Bureau at (201) 646-7777. Reports are typically available within 5–7 business days. You can request it in person at 225 State Street, or online via the NJ State Police crash portal. Bring ID and, if possible, the incident number.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Hackensack Personal Injury Lawyer
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey?
In most instances, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are very important exceptions. For claims against a public entity (like the city or county), you must file a formal notice of claim within only 90 days of the injury, as mandated by the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Missing this deadline can prevent you from ever recovering damages.
Do I have to go to court?
Many personal injury cases are resolved out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. A settlement avoids the time and stress of a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are always prepared to take your case to trial to pursue the compensation you are owed under the law.
What If the driver who hit me is from out of state?
It’s common in Bergen County to be injured by drivers from New York or Pennsylvania. If your accident happened in New Jersey, your case will be governed by New Jersey law, even if the other driver is from out of state. We’ll make sure jurisdiction is properly established and pursue the maximum compensation under the laws that apply.
My accident happened in Fort Lee, but your office is in Hackensack. Can you still help me?
Absolutely. We serve clients throughout Bergen County and the surrounding areas. We have a deep understanding of the unique demographics and legal venues of towns like Fort Lee, with its large Korean community, as well as the diverse populations of Teaneck and Englewood. Our commitment extends to all members of our broader community.
What if I missed the 90-day deadline for a government claim?
If you didn’t file a notice of claim within 90 days, it doesn’t always mean your case is over. New Jersey law allows exceptions in limited situations, such as delayed discovery of the injury, minority status, or extraordinary circumstances. If you believe you missed a deadline, contact us immediately to explore any possible legal remedies.
What should I know about juries in Bergen County?
Bergen County jurors tend to be practical and fact-driven. They want to see clear medical documentation and consistent testimony. Having local attorneys who know how to present cases effectively in this environment makes a difference. Our team has tried cases in this courthouse for decades—we know what resonates with juries here.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery with Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
Let us manage the legal details so you are able to focus on your recovery. Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today at (201) 585-9111 for a free consultation.
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. – Hackensack Office
Court Plaza South, 21 Main St Suite 203,
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Ph: (201) 292-8182
