Princeton Car Crash Attorneys
New Jersey Auto Accident FAQ
What should I do after a car accident?
Right after a New Jersey car accident, you should get help for anyone who needs it, and try your best to clear the road while you exchange your information with the other driver. Don't take or accept any blame for the accident, because it might hurt your insurance claim later. In most cases, you should also call the police to file an accident report. Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. If you suspect you might be injured, see a doctor as soon as you can.
In the days following the accident, beware of any calls from the other driver's insurance company. If they ask you to sign anything or offer you money, talk to a New Jersey automobile accident lawyer before you say yes. Accepting this kind of offer might take away your right to sue for more money later. You should keep all of the paperwork generated by the accident, even if it seems unimportant to you at the time. That paperwork can help you negotiate with your insurance company, and it can help you if you decide later to file an auto accident claim. Finally, call Lependorf & Silverstein as soon as you begin to think about filing a car accident lawsuit. We can protect your rights and get you more money than you might be able to get on your own.
Who pays my medical bills if I'm hurt in a car crash in New Jersey?
Usually, your own auto insurance company will pay your medical bills, regardless of whose fault the accident was. That's true if you have no-fault, or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), insurance, which most people in New Jersey choose. In some cases, you'll have to pre-certify the treatment, or have auto insurance reimburse your medical insurance carrier. If you're not sure what your insurance policy covers, call Lependorf & Silverstein for help.
If I have the "Verbal Threshold" insurance, can I still file an auto accident lawsuit?
In some cases, yes. You may still sue if you have sustained:
- The death of a loved one.
- Loss of an unborn child.
- Loss of a limb, fingers or toes.
- Significant disfigurement.
- A broken bone.
- Another permanent injury -- something that won't heal to function normally, even if you have medical care.
If you were struck by a commercial vehicle, even though you may have selected the Verbal Threshold option, it does not apply. You are free to sue for any injuries that you sustained. You may also be able to sue a non-driver third party, like the manufacturer of a defective auto part that caused your accident. If you're not sure whether you have a case, call Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation.
What can I do if my insurance company won't cover my accident?
If you're sure that your claim is covered by your insurance policy, your insurance company's refusal to cover it is an illegal breach of their own contract. This practice is called insurance bad faith, and it's more common than many people realize. Insurance companies are in business to make money, so they have an interest in denying or reducing your claim when they think they can. If you think you're a victim of insurance bad faith, call Lependorf & Silverstein. We understand the common tricks insurance companies use to wiggle out of paying, and we understand the law. We can explain your rights, negotiate on your behalf with insurance adjustors and if necessary, sue for the coverage you are entitled to.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance, or enough insurance?
In the case of an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be covered by uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. Most insurance policies sold in New Jersey include uninsured motorist coverage unless you specifically ask to opt out of it, while underinsured motorist coverage is an option. You should also be able to use your UM/UIM insurance if you were hit by a hit-and-run driver (one who didn't stop at the scene). However, insurance companies don't like to pay UM/UIM claims. If your insurer denies your valid UM/UIM claim, call Lependorf & Silverstein as soon as possible for help.
Why should I file a car accident lawsuit?
Car accident lawsuits ask for money to cover the costs created by the accident, which are called "damages" in court. That includes all of the financial costs directly caused by the accident, such as repair bills, lost wages from time off work and anything else you lost or had to buy as a result of the accident. However, it also includes non-financial damages, for quality-of-life injuries that aren't easy to quantify. Examples could be a permanent disability, pain and suffering or the loss of a spouse's love and companionship. In cases where the person you're suing behaved very badly, you may also be able to win punitive damages, which are payments designed to punish illegal behavior or other wrongdoing.
How much time do I have to think about filing an auto accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
Unfortunately, not much. The basic statute of limitations for car crash claims in our state is two years from the date of the accident. In some cases, such as accidents involving the government, your time limit could actually be much lower. After that time runs out, you simply won't be able to sue, no matter how good your case is. That's why, at Lependorf & Silverstein we tell our clients to call us as soon as they begin thinking about a lawsuit. We can help you figure out what time limits apply to you and protect your right to sue.
If you or a loved one have been hurt in an auto accident, call Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.
