A car accident can happen in an instant, leaving you with injuries, property damage, and unanswered questions. If you’ve been involved in a crash in Jersey City or the surrounding areas, you may struggle to get your life back on track.
Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and missed time from work can feel like too much to handle on your own. But you don’t have to go through it alone. A dedicated Jersey City car accident lawyer can help you take the right steps toward justice and compensation.
Whether it was a fender bender or a serious collision, focusing on your recovery should be your top priority. But what about the medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other unforeseen costs that pile up after an accident?
That’s where having an experienced advocate by your side can make a big difference.
Do I need a car accident lawyer in Jersey City after a crash?
After a crash in Jersey City, hiring a car accident lawyer can protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering full compensation.
- New Jersey’s no-fault law means your own insurance pays first—but a lawyer helps if injuries are severe or a claim is denied.
- An attorney handles adjusters, investigates the crash, and negotiates with insurers while you focus on recovery.
- If you’re visited by an insurance adjuster at the hospital, a lawyer can step in to protect you from saying or signing anything that harms your case.
- Legal help is especially critical if your injuries are long-lasting or involve lost wages, pain and suffering, or liability disputes.
- A lawyer can also explain your options if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Know Your Rights After a Car Accident in Jersey City
After a car accident, you have legal rights designed to protect your well-being and help you recover financially. New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance is often the first place to turn for compensation, regardless of who caused the accident. However, this doesn’t mean you’re stuck relying solely on your policy in every situation.
Under New Jersey law, you may also have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds. For example, if you’ve suffered permanent injuries or if your medical bills exceed certain limits, you could be eligible to seek compensation beyond no-fault insurance.
This can cover not only medical costs but also pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages.
How to Handle Insurance Adjusters Who Visit You in the Hospital
After a car accident, the last thing you may expect is a visit from an insurance adjuster while you’re still in the hospital. Knowing why they’re there and how to protect yourself during these interactions is mandatory.
A Jersey City car accident lawyer can guide you if you or a loved one is dealing with this situation.
Why do they do it?
Insurance companies often send adjusters to speak with accident victims shortly after the incident. Their primary goal is to gather information quickly, sometimes before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.
While they may present their visit as a kind gesture or concern for your well-being, their ultimate priority is protecting the company’s interests.
How to respond to an insurance adjuster
If an adjuster comes to your hospital room, it can feel intrusive and pressuring. These tips can help you manage the situation and protect your rights:
- Politely Decline to Answer Questions Immediately
Acknowledge their presence without providing detailed information. For example, you can say, “Thank you for checking in, but I cannot discuss this matter at the moment.” Staying calm and respectful can ensure you remain in control. - Don’t Sign Any Documents
Adjusters might bring forms like medical record releases or settlement agreements. Signing anything before consulting with a legal advocate could limit your options. Kindly refuse and state that you will review any documents later. - Avoid Speculating or Apologizing
Be cautious about your words. Avoid discussing who might be at fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you. Keep your responses neutral and refrain from providing details about the accident. - Request Written Communication
Politely direct the adjuster to send any questions or concerns in writing. This guarantees there is a record of their requests and allows you the time to seek proper legal advice before responding. - Focus on Healing
Your health and recovery are your top priorities. Conversations about claims and settlements can wait until you’re in a better physical and emotional state to handle them.
If you’re unsure about how to handle an insurance adjuster’s visit, reaching out for legal support can provide peace of mind. With the right legal advocate, you can ensure that all communications with the insurance company are handled in your best interest.
Being prepared during these interactions helps protect your case and allows you to focus on what matters most—your recovery.
How a lawyer supports you against insurance adjusters in Jersey City
Dealing with a car accident is mindboggling, but an experienced attorney can relieve the burden.
Here’s how they can help:
- Handle Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts from the moment you file a claim. An attorney ensures your interests come first.
- Investigate Your Case: A thorough investigation into fault and liability strengthens your position.
- Negotiate for Maximum Compensation: Whether through settlement or trial, they focus on achieving your best possible result.
- Provide Peace of Mind: When you have someone in your corner, the process becomes easier to manage, allowing you to focus on healing.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause many injuries, some of which have long-term effects. Common types include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These are some of the most frequent injuries in rear-end collisions.
- Broken Bones: Fractures may require weeks or months to heal, affecting your ability to work or complete daily tasks.
- Brain and Head Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and other head injuries can have serious, lasting consequences.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle damage may not be immediately visible but can limit your mobility.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to life-altering conditions, including paralysis.
If you’ve suffered significant injuries, get proper medical care and explore your options for compensation.
Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. as Your Dedicated Legal Advocate?
When it comes to recovering from a car accident, choosing the right legal representation matters.
Here are a few reasons why having the right lawyer can make all the difference:
- Exceptional Track Record: Choose a lawyer who has a strong history of winning cases and securing significant settlements. This type of success shows their commitment to fighting for you.
- Personal Service When You Need It: Your case isn’t just a file on a desk. You should have direct access to your lawyer and a team that’s available to answer your questions every step of the way.
- No Upfront Costs: Reputable lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid when you do.
Ultimately, an advocate who treats your case as a priority, not just another claim, is the one who will fight for the justice you deserve.
Verdicts and Settlements
$1,300,000 - Motor Vehicle Crash
For 76 year old man that was struck by a vehicle that was traveling in reverse and ran over his leg. He required multiple surgeries and ultimately was forced to have an above knee amputation.
$6,200,000 - Motor Vehicle Crash
To a commercial truck driver who was struck by another truck driver while pulled off on the side of the road, resulting in disabling brain injury.
$2,500,000 - Motor Vehicle Crash
To a middle-aged tax preparer injured when a New Jersey Transit Bus struck his car in the rear after exiting the Lincoln Tunnel requiring two back surgeries following diagnose of aggravation of pre-existing stenosis and a herniated disc leaving him permanently disabled from his career and in need of Life Care Plan.
Steps to Take While Healing From a Car Accident
Recovering from a car accident involves more than just physical healing. What you do in the days following the crash is just as important for protecting your well-being and your claim for compensation.
While you focus on recovery, here are the steps you should take:
1. Prioritize Follow-Up Medical Care
Even if you were seen at the hospital immediately after the accident, it’s essential to attend all follow-up appointments. Some injuries may worsen over time, and new symptoms could emerge.
Medical records from these visits will document your condition and connect it to the crash, which is valuable if you decide to pursue a claim.
2. Keep a Record of Your Recovery
Write down how your injuries are affecting your daily life. This includes physical pain, emotional challenges, missed work, and activities you can no longer perform. Your notes can provide a detailed timeline of your experiences and demonstrate the toll the accident has taken on you.
3. Protect Communication with Insurance Companies
It’s likely you’ll hear from insurance adjusters during this time. Be mindful of sharing only basic information such as your name and contact details. Politely decline to provide recorded statements or discuss fault, as these can be misinterpreted or used to minimize your claim.
4. Organize Your Documents
Start gathering and organizing all paperwork related to the accident. This includes medical bills, car repair receipts, doctor’s notes, police reports, and any letters from insurance companies. Having these documents in one place will help you stay prepared for the legal process.
5. Be Cautious with Social Media
While sharing updates with friends is tempting, avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or any activities you’re engaging in while healing. Insurance companies may monitor your accounts and try to use posts to challenge your claim.
6. Explore Your Legal Options
While you focus on recovery, seeking guidance on your rights and options is a good idea. A car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and handle the legal side of things, allowing you to concentrate on healing.
7. Build a Support System
Recovering from an accident is not just a physical process; it can affect every aspect of your life. Surround yourself with family, friends, and others who can help you through this time. Having a strong support system can make a big difference as you heal.
Taking these steps after an accident can help safeguard your health and your right to fair compensation. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help along the way.
A legal advocate can take the burden of complex processes off your shoulders, so you can focus on what matters most.
A Better Tomorrow Starts Today
Every decision after a car accident can shape your recovery. From the moment you call for help to the final resolution of your case, having the right advocate by your side makes all the difference.
You don’t need to face this without help if you’ve been injured in Jersey City or the surrounding areas. You deserve answers, and you deserve justice.
Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today at (201) 585-9111 for compassionate guidance and relentless advocacy.
Take the first step toward the recovery you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Jersey City
Do I really need a lawyer for a car accident claim?
While it’s possible to file a claim without legal representation, having a lawyer significantly improves your chances of getting fair compensation. Insurers may undervalue your claim, and a lawyer ensures that every aspect is thoroughly considered.
How much time do I have to file a car accident claim in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to act as soon as possible while evidence is fresh.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options. Your own uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation in some cases. Consult a lawyer to explore the best course of action.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Fault can be determined based on evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident scene details. New Jersey uses modified comparative negligence, meaning you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault.
What types of damages can I recover?
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and even future care needs in severe cases.
It was a pleasure having Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi take on my case. After a car accident left me jobless for several months, they helped get me back on my feet. They went above and beyond the call of duty!
I have been a practicing personal injury lawyer in New Jersey for over twenty years. I knew Michael Maggiano by reputation and when I was involved in an automobile myself I went to him to handle my case. I learned that the reputation was well founded and he has an outstanding law firm, very efficient and professional. He and his staff were always available and helpful during every step of the process and the resultant settlement was excellent. I could not recommend Mr. Maggiano and his firm more highly. Thank you to all at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi .
The Office of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi have been so helpful in my case that I just wanted to stress to anyone needing an attorney who has been in an accident that this office is the best. From the beginning of my case I was treated as number one. Mr. Maggiano and staff always kept me informed of the entire process of my case. I even had a driver, Juan, from their office, take me to my medical appointments because I no longer have an automobile. It just made me feel so much more relaxed. This is a law firm makes you feel right at home as soon as you come in. There were many times that I had questions and I would speak to Mariel, Mr. Maggianos’s paralegal and she would always be there to help
