Commuters, freight shipments, and public transit are all a part of the daily makeup of our roadways. However, traffic is a double-edged sword: Though the constant flow of traffic is a sign of a bustling economy with busy folks, drivers are no strangers to car accidents in Palisades Park, New Jersey.
If you were involved in a car accident, a Palisades Park car accident lawyer from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. can help evaluate your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not get paid unless you get the settlement you may be entitled to.
Car Accidents in New Jersey
If you are involved in a car accident in New Jersey, navigating the litigation process with insurance companies may be a hassle. No matter the degree of damage to your vehicle or person, always report the accident to the local authorities.
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 .
Nothing but praise for Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi. I have never seen such a fantastic display of teamwork at all levels of the firm. (As an aisde, everyone one who works at the firm was extremely courteous and kind – character traits that one would not typically associate with a law firm. )
Furthermore, the legal results brought about by Mr. Maggiano’s tireless litigation efforts on our behalf were very fair and just. If you ever find yourself in a car accident, be sure to consult Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi.
Reporting a Car Accident
New Jersey Statutes §39:4-130 via a notice from NJ courts mandates the reporting of car accidents within 10 days if any of the following apply:
- Someone was injured
- The estimated property damage is at least $500
- There was a fatality
In the event that you may need to file a claim with your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company, a report can help boost your credibility in the case.
Either way, you should exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident, take photographs at the moment to your best ability, and make sure you leave the scene safe and sound. Be sure to get the contact information of any potential witnesses, the exact location of the accident, and document anything else that might have been a factor in the accident.
Auto Insurance in New Jersey
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state across the board which means in any situation where you are injured or need to make a claim for compensation of injuries or damage to your property, you will need to file through your own insurance policy first. No-fault insurance protects drivers by ensuring that when they are injured, they can have the resources required by the state.
As presented by the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance (DOBI) consumers insurance division, no-fault insurance policies must be designated as either limited or unlimited right to sue. The difference between the two policies relates to the circumstances under which you can sue for additional losses. A Palisades Park car accident lawyer may be able to review which coverage you have and if you can sue the at-fault driver.
In addition, the New Jersey Punitive Damages Act caps your damages at $350,000, per New Jersey Statutes §2A:15-5.14.
Legal Options for People in Car Accidents
If you need to file a lawsuit after a car accident, it will generally be done through New Jersey’s Municipal Courts system. Be mindful of the statute of limitations for the type of case you might want to consider. It is always better to file sooner than later. If you are unsure of what type of claim you have, a Palisades Park car accident lawyer can help ease the burden of the litigation process, as well as try to expedite the process by filing your claim and/or lawsuit.
In addition to personal injury claims and property damage claims, you may be able to make a claim for wrongful death on behalf of someone who died in the accident. The statute of limitations for some of the most common car accident legal claims include:
- Property damage claims: six years, according to N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1.
- Personal injury claims: two years, according to N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2.
- Wrongful death: two years, according to N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3.
Every car accident and its legal proceedings will be different, so you might want to speak with a lawyer sooner than later. Our team understands New Jersey car accident litigation and can work through the filing process with you. Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. at (201) 585-9111 to speak with a member of our team about your case.
Verdicts and Settlements
$2,500,000 - Motor Vehicle Crash
For a 23-year old waitress who was when riding as a back seat passenger of a drunken driver. She suffered injuries when her host driver crashed into the rear of a stopped tractor trailer parked on an approach ramp to a bridge due to a flat tire.
$2,800,000 - Motor Vehicle Crash
To a driver who crashed into the side of a truck that had pulled into his path, resulting in multiple surgeries to his right knee including total knee replacement.
$7,000,000 - Motor Vehicle Crash
To a 23 year old alleged to have been running across a four lane highway in the middle of a block and against a green light when struck by an oncoming motorist. She suffered brain injury resulting in severe cognitive and motor impairment and a speech defect, leaving her totally disabled and dependent on caregivers.
Claims in a Car Accident Case
Some impacts of a car accident are immediately noticeable, while others like soft tissue injuries can take days or weeks to fully appear. Be mindful of the way your injuries and the impacts of the accident could progress in the future. If you make a legal claim for a car accident, it may be able to cover your current costs as well as all costs related to the accident that you may have in the future.
Damages To Seek Compensation
There are long-term and short-term costs associated with recovering from a car accident. From the moment you are injured or lose personal property, your life may be impacted for the worse. Consider if any of the following car accident claims could apply to your case:
- Medical costs: emergency hospital care, long-term medical treatments, doctor’s visits, and prescription medications related to the accident can all be covered by car accident claims.
- Wages: you can make claims for wages immediately lost due to an inability to work, and wages you will no longer be able to earn as a result of the accident.
- Loss of consortium: when the accident impacts your quality of life, it can have a major effect on your relationships, from your marriage to your emotional and financial dependents.
- Car Issues: property damage claims cover anything that was physically damaged in the accident, from your car to any car seats and other valuables that you might have lost in the wreck.
Remember that this list does not cover all claim types and compensation you may be able to seek. A Palisades Park car accident lawyer from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. will work on a contingency-fee basis, so you do not need to worry about payment unless you get a settlement.
Lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. Will Defend Your Rights
If you would like to have a Palisades Park car accident lawyer handle your case, Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. may be able to help. Call (201) 585-9111 today for a free case review. We can help navigate the litigation process for you, so you can focus on your recovery from the car accident.
