Every day in New Jersey, roads witness numerous car accidents involving various vehicles, from cars and trucks to motorcycles and buses. Despite ongoing safe driving initiatives and advancements in vehicle safety technology aimed at reducing traffic incidents, car accidents remain a significant concern throughout the United States.
Statistics reveal that over 32,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents occur annually across the nation, with New Jersey sadly contributing more than 500 of these fatalities. The number of non-fatal car accidents is even more staggering, exceeding 240,000 each year in New Jersey alone. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, seeking guidance from an accident lawyer in New Jersey is a crucial step to protect your rights. At Reinartz Law Firm, our New Jersey accident lawyers are ready to offer you a consultation. Having a dedicated car accident lawyer by your side can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of your case.
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Meet Reinartz Law Firm: Your New Jersey Accident Attorneys
Richard Reinartz NJ accident lawyer
Reinartz Law Firm stands as a pillar of experienced legal representation for car accident victims in New Jersey. We are committed to directly engaging with insurance companies and aggressively pursuing rightful compensation from all parties responsible for causing your injuries. Our comprehensive approach includes meticulous injury evaluation, thorough investigation, detailed discovery, securing expert witness testimonies, and robust litigation in court when necessary. Our team of nationally recognized litigators is dedicated to achieving the most favorable outcomes for our clients, ensuring personalized attention and unwavering support throughout every phase of the legal process.
At Reinartz Law Firm, client well-being is paramount. We understand that this is a deeply personal legal journey, and your injuries are at the core of your case. We recognize the immense stress and uncertainty that follow a severe injury from a car accident. Our aim is to provide you with the peace of mind that your legal matters are being handled with the utmost care and expertise, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
We prioritize listening attentively to every detail of your accident and the resulting injuries. Our dedicated team will conduct a comprehensive investigation to pinpoint all contributing factors to the accident and build strong legal claims against all accountable parties. This can encompass negligent drivers, passengers, product manufacturers, municipalities, insurance providers, and other relevant entities.
Furthermore, we manage all communications with involved insurance companies and provide assistance with the necessary medical documentation. This is integral to our client commitment. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we offer legal counsel that prioritizes your best interests, keeping you informed at every step. Should you have any questions, we are always available to provide clear and understandable answers.
Contact Reinartz Law Firm
Address: Court Plaza South – West Wing21 Main St Suite 205, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 289-8614
Understanding Car Accident Statistics in New Jersey
Recent data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation reveals that in a single year, New Jersey experienced over 276,000 car accidents. Alarmingly, nearly 60,000 of these accidents resulted in injuries. While there’s a positive trend in declining car accident-related injuries, the overall number of accidents continues to rise, influenced by factors like increased traffic volume and driver behavior. Of the 60,000 injury-causing accidents, 524 tragically resulted in fatalities. These statistics underscore the critical need for experienced legal representation following a car accident in New Jersey.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Jersey
New Jersey’s busy roads unfortunately see a high number of car accidents annually. While accidents are often complex events with multiple contributing factors, some causes are particularly prominent:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving has become an increasingly dangerous issue, largely fueled by the pervasive use of mobile phones. Even momentary lapses in attention can have devastating consequences. Recent statistics indicate that over 1,000 car crashes in New Jersey in one year were directly linked to handheld cell phone use while driving. Activities like texting, social media browsing, or even answering calls can severely impair focus and dramatically increase accident risk.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Despite extensive public awareness campaigns and strict laws, drunk driving remains a persistent threat on New Jersey roads. Alcohol significantly impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and diminishes a driver’s ability to respond safely to unexpected situations. Data shows that approximately one-third of all car accidents in the state are attributable to driving under the influence, highlighting the urgent need for continued efforts to combat this dangerous behavior.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Driver experience is a critical factor in road safety. Young and newly licensed drivers often lack the developed skills to anticipate hazards and react effectively in challenging driving conditions. Their inexperience, sometimes combined with overconfidence or peer influence, can heighten accident risks. Statistics consistently show that younger drivers are disproportionately involved in car accidents compared to more experienced drivers.
Types of Car and Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle
At Reinartz Law Firm, our accident lawyers in New Jersey have extensive experience handling a wide range of car and motor vehicle accident cases. We are equipped to assist you regardless of the specific circumstances of your accident.
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident: Protect Yourself
Woman on phone after car accident
Following a car accident, your actions in the immediate aftermath are crucial. Here are essential steps to take to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. If you or anyone involved is injured, call for medical help immediately. Ensure you document all medical treatments and keep copies of all medical records.
- Call the Police and Obtain a Police Report: Always contact the police to report the accident and ensure a police report is filed. This official document is vital for any potential insurance claims or legal actions. The police report contains essential details about the accident, including involved parties, insurance information, and the officer’s assessment of the scene.
- Contact an Experienced Accident Lawyer: Early consultation with a lawyer specializing in car accident claims is highly recommended. An accident lawyer in New Jersey can begin gathering critical evidence and properly preparing your claim from the outset. Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless you recover compensation.
- Let Your Lawyer Handle Insurance Communications: Allow your attorney to manage all communications with insurance companies, including your own. Even if you were not at fault, notifying your insurer is important to understand your coverage and potential benefits, which may include medical treatments and other damages.
- Be Cautious on Social Media: It’s advisable to avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies may monitor social media and use your posts or photos against you when assessing your claim. Consult with your lawyer for specific guidance on what not to do after a car accident.
Understanding New Jersey Insurance Requirements
In New Jersey, drivers are legally required to maintain minimum auto insurance coverage to ensure financial responsibility in case of an accident. The minimum required coverage includes:
- Liability Insurance: This coverage protects you if you are at fault in an accident, covering damages to others. The minimum limits are:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to multiple people
- $5,000 for property damage per accident
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP coverage pays for your medical expenses and those of your passengers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. The minimum limit is $15,000 per person, per accident, and can extend up to $250,000 for severe injuries such as permanent brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, disfigurement, or other significant trauma.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to include this coverage in your policy. It protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages.
New Jersey: A Choice No-Fault State
New Jersey operates as a “choice no-fault” state for auto insurance. This means drivers have the option to choose between a “no-fault” policy (Basic Policy) or a “standard” policy. A no-fault policy, while often having lower premiums, comes with limitations, including lower coverage limits and no bodily injury liability coverage. This basic policy can leave drivers vulnerable to significant out-of-pocket expenses, especially if they are found to be at fault in an accident.
A standard policy offers higher coverage limits and broader protection, including bodily injury liability coverage. This ensures that if you are responsible for an accident, your insurance can cover the medical expenses of the other injured party, up to your policy limits.
Beyond assisting with insurance claims, our experienced New Jersey accident lawyers at Reinartz Law Firm can help you understand your insurance policy and coverage options in the event of an accident.
Accidents with Uninsured Drivers: What Are Your Options?
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but discovering that the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured adds a layer of complexity. While New Jersey law mandates auto insurance, uninsured drivers remain a reality. Here’s how to proceed if you find yourself in this situation:
Your Rights and Next Steps
The steps to take after an accident with an uninsured driver are similar to any other car accident:
- Report the Accident to Police: Always report the accident to the police, regardless of the other driver’s pleas. A police report provides an official record of the incident and protects your rights.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: Document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses and note details of the other driver, even if they are uninsured.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider Promptly: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, particularly that the other driver is uninsured.
- Seek Medical Attention and Document Injuries: Get immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Document all medical evaluations and treatments.
- Consider Legal Action with an Accident Lawyer: Depending on the extent of your damages and injuries, consulting an accident lawyer in New Jersey is crucial. You may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault uninsured driver. However, recovering damages from an uninsured individual can be challenging and should be undertaken with experienced legal guidance, especially in uninsured motorist claims.
The Financial Impact of Car Accidents
Car accidents can have devastating financial consequences for victims. Injuries can range from soft tissue damage and fractures to severe traumatic brain injuries, permanent disfigurement, and tragically, death. Catastrophic injuries often lead to not only physical pain and recovery but also significant financial strain due to mounting medical bills, lost income, and depleted savings.
Long-Term Consequences of Car Accidents
The impact of car accidents, regardless of severity, can be long-lasting. While some individuals recover quickly from minor injuries, others face lifelong challenges. Chronic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have profound and enduring effects on a person’s life.
Chronic injuries often require ongoing medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation, leading to substantial medical expenses over time. Conditions like paralysis may necessitate mobility aids, home modifications, and specialized care. Beyond medical costs, chronic injuries can impact a person’s ability to work, engage in hobbies, and maintain social connections, leading to emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can cause lasting psychological trauma. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after serious accidents. The emotional and mental recovery process can be as challenging as physical healing.
Other Potential Long-Term Costs Include:
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Beyond immediate lost wages, long-term injuries can diminish future earning potential. Victims may be unable to return to their previous jobs or may need to accept lower-paying positions due to physical limitations.
- Home and Vehicle Modifications: Adapting homes and vehicles to accommodate disabilities resulting from chronic injuries can be expensive. Ramps, widened doorways, and specialized vehicle modifications are often necessary.
Our accident lawyers in New Jersey at Reinartz Law Firm understand the profound impact of serious injuries and chronic conditions resulting from car accidents. We are committed to handling your case with the seriousness, compassion, and dedication it deserves.
Insurance Policies May Not Be Sufficient
While auto or health insurance can cover some accident-related costs, policies often have limitations and may not fully cover all expenses. Insurance companies may dispute claims or deny coverage for necessary treatments. This can leave injured individuals struggling to afford essential medical care and facing financial hardship, especially when unable to work.
Often, initial emergency medical costs are only a fraction of the total expenses, which can include ongoing surgeries, pain management, and extensive rehabilitation. Ideally, insurance should cover all necessary costs. However, when insurance falls short, victims are left wondering how to manage medical bills, maintain their household finances, and provide for their families while unable to work.
Our experienced attorneys and support staff not only investigate the cause of your accident to determine liability but also manage all communications with insurance companies to maximize your benefits. Dealing with insurers during this challenging time can be overwhelming. With a skilled New Jersey accident lawyer on your side, you can be confident that your best interests are protected.
Maximizing Your Car Accident Claim Value
After a car accident, once you’ve addressed immediate medical needs, financial concerns understandably become a priority. Vehicle damage, medical bills, and lost income can quickly accumulate. It’s common for accident victims to underestimate the full financial impact of an accident and settle for less compensation than they truly deserve. This can lead to significant long-term financial burdens.
This is where the expertise of a car accident attorney becomes invaluable. A seasoned lawyer can thoroughly evaluate all aspects of your case, ensuring no detail is overlooked. They have the experience to accurately assess your damages, considering both current and future needs. Seeking legal guidance promptly after an accident is a critical step to protect your financial well-being and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages, both economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages: Quantifiable Losses
These are tangible, out-of-pocket expenses directly resulting from the accident:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all medical bills, from emergency room visits to ongoing therapy, medication, and future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Earnings: You can recover compensation for lost wages due to time off work for medical treatment and recovery, as well as any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Property Damage: This covers the costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages: Intangible Losses
These damages are more subjective and relate to the impact of the accident on your quality of life:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This covers the impact of your injuries on your ability to participate in hobbies, activities, and aspects of life you enjoyed before the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to compensate for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support within a marital or partner relationship due to accident-related injuries.
In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior, but are less common in typical car accident cases.
Every car accident case is unique, and the specific damages you may be eligible to recover will vary. Consulting with an experienced accident lawyer in New Jersey is essential to understand the full scope of compensation available in your situation and to ensure you pursue maximum recovery.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey
In New Jersey, your ability to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a car accident depends on several factors, particularly the type of insurance policy you have chosen. New Jersey offers drivers a choice between a “limited right to sue” (verbal threshold) and an “unlimited right to sue” (no threshold) policy. This choice directly affects your legal rights after an accident.
If you have a limited right to sue policy, you must demonstrate that your injuries fall into one of the following categories to be able to sue for pain and suffering:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- Displaced fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent injury (any injury that a reasonable degree of medical probability will not heal to function normally)
Therefore, beyond proving the other driver’s negligence, you may also need to meet these injury thresholds to pursue a lawsuit. An accident lawyer in New Jersey can assess your policy and injuries to determine if you meet these requirements and guide you through the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit.
What to Expect in Car Accident Litigation
Car accident case in court
The timeline and process of your car accident claim will depend on the specifics of your case. However, an experienced attorney can provide a clear overview of what to expect if litigation becomes necessary. Depending on your insurance coverage, you typically have the option to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. When dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company, having legal representation is crucial. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to seek the maximum possible compensation for your damages and losses.
In some instances, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may deny a fair settlement. In such cases, your attorney can escalate the matter by initiating formal legal proceedings and, if needed, taking your case to court.
To succeed in a third-party claim or lawsuit, you must legally establish: 1) the other driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely; 2) they breached this duty through negligence; and 3) this negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries.
An experienced accident lawyer is essential to guide you in establishing all necessary legal elements of your case and to advocate for the full compensation you deserve.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in New Jersey
New Jersey law sets a statute of limitations for filing car accident claims against a third party. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. It is crucial to act promptly and begin the claims process as soon as possible. Failing to file within the two-year timeframe may result in losing your right to seek compensation. Once you initiate the claims process, your New Jersey car accident lawyer will ensure all deadlines are met and your claim is handled efficiently.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Many car accident victims assume that filing a claim with their insurance company is sufficient and expect fair treatment and full compensation for their losses. However, without legal representation, you may unknowingly compromise your claim and receive less than you deserve.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on profit. They are not your advocates and will scrutinize your claim to minimize payouts, regardless of the severity of your injuries. If your claim is incomplete, untimely, or contains errors, insurers may readily deny it.
Our skilled accident lawyers understand how to effectively prepare and present claims to insurance companies to maximize our clients’ benefits. We are well-versed in New Jersey law and will gather all necessary documentation to support your claim. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive proper compensation after an accident. Furthermore, we will pursue all responsible parties and hold them accountable for your injuries and damages.
Even Minor Car Accidents Can Have Legal Implications
Even seemingly minor car accidents, often dismissed as “fender benders,” should be taken seriously. While initial damage may appear minimal, injuries can manifest days or weeks later.
While your car may have only minor damage, your body may have sustained injuries that are not immediately apparent. Many victims of minor accidents experience pain or discomfort later on. It is vital to seek medical attention after any car accident, regardless of its perceived severity, both for your health and for potential future compensation claims.
If you are unsure whether you need legal advice for a minor car accident, remember that many accident lawyers offer free initial consultations. They can assess your situation and advise you on potential compensation, even for seemingly minor injuries or damages. Insurance companies may sometimes offer quick settlements in less severe cases to avoid lengthy legal processes. However, initial offers may not adequately cover your actual needs. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate settlement offers and determine the best course of action, whether it’s accepting a settlement or pursuing further legal action.
How a New Jersey Accident Lawyer Protects Your Rights
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be complex and overwhelming. An experienced accident lawyer in New Jersey can significantly simplify this process and protect your rights in numerous ways:
- Managing All Communications: Your attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies, shielding you from potentially harmful statements or admissions. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to use your words against you.
- Comprehensive Claim Preparation: An attorney will meticulously prepare your insurance claim, ensuring all necessary documentation is included, such as evidence, medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other relevant information.
- Effective Claim Negotiation: Insurance companies often begin with low settlement offers. A skilled attorney possesses the negotiation expertise to advocate for a fair settlement that adequately covers your losses.
- Aggressive Legal Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney is prepared to file a car accident lawsuit in New Jersey and represent you in court to fight for your rights.
As an accident victim, remember these key points when interacting with insurance companies:
- Do Not Rush to Settle: Resist the pressure to accept the first settlement offer. It is crucial to fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages before agreeing to any settlement. An experienced accident lawyer can help you assess the long-term financial consequences of your injuries.
- Be Cautious with Recorded Statements: You are not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Anything you say can be used against you. Consult with your attorney before making any statements.
- Avoid Signing Medical Authorizations: Do not sign any medical authorization forms from the insurance company without attorney review. These forms may grant insurers access to your entire medical history, not just accident-related records.
Having an experienced accident lawyer on your side is invaluable in securing a fair settlement or a successful court verdict. Our lawyers understand insurance company tactics and will effectively counter them to protect your best interests.
Contact a New Jersey Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Richard Reinartz, Experienced Car Accident Claim Attorney in New Jersey
If you are struggling with injuries from a car accident, contact Reinartz Law Firm today. Our dedicated New Jersey injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you navigate the road to recovery.
Call us now at (201) 778-HURT or reach out through our contact page to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Reinartz Law Firm – Hackensack Office
Court Plaza South – West Wing21 Main St Suite 205,Hackensack, NJ 07601
Client Testimonial
HEATHER F.
“Richard guided me in my suit and made me feel confident in my decisions during my entire case. He made recommendations that I otherwise, would not have known about.”
