Injuries are an inevitable part of life. Unfortunately, no one is ever truly prepared for an injury, especially one that is caused by someone else’s negligence. You may be confused about your next steps after sustaining a personal injury. Under New Jersey law, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injury.
Many individuals who have suffered injuries in New Jersey may have various questions and concerns about the process of obtaining compensation. Attorney Friedman is ready to address some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injuries to help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
Law Offices of Mitchell R. Friedman, P.C. is based in West Orange, New Jersey, and is proud to serve clients in East Orange, Newark, Jersey City, and the rest of Hudson County. Set up a one-on-one consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injuries in New Jersey
Navigating personal injury law can be daunting, which is why having the right information and support can make all the difference. Below, you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury claims in New Jersey.
1. New Jersey Is a No-Fault Insurance State: What Does That Mean?
New Jersey is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means that if you are injured in a car accident, your own insurance company is responsible for covering your medical bills and other costs associated with the accident. This is true regardless of who was at fault for the accident. The original idea behind no-fault insurance is to make the claims process quicker and easier and to ensure that people who are injured in accidents receive prompt medical care.
2. Who Pays for Your Damages After Sustaining an Injury in a No-Fault State?
If you are injured in an accident in a no-fault state like New Jersey, your own insurance company will cover your medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses up to a certain limit. If your damages exceed this limit, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
3. What Is the Personal Injury Claims Process?
If you are injured in an accident in New Jersey, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive. If your damages exceed your insurance policy limits, you may need to hire a personal injury attorney to help you negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
4. What Should I Do After Sustaining a Personal Injury?
If you are injured in an accident in the state of New Jersey, there are certain steps you should take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. First, get prompt medical care to document your injuries. Second, gather all relevant information about the accident, including contact information from other parties involved and witnesses. Third, report the accident to your insurance company. Finally, be sure to reach out to a personal injury attorney and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
5. What Happens if I Was Partially At Fault?
If you are found to be partially at fault for an accident in New Jersey, your damages may be reduced or eliminated entirely. This is known as “comparative negligence” in the state, according to the official website for the state of New Jersey. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for an accident, the total compensation you are entitled to receive will be reduced by 25%. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages at all.
6. Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
In many cases, personal injury claims can be resolved through a settlement negotiation between the parties involved. However, if the parties are unable to reach a settlement agreement, the case may go to trial. Trials are often lengthier and more complex processes, which can involve additional legal costs and emotional stress. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you understand the likelihood of your case going to trial and develop a strong legal strategy to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
7. How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Another common question individuals ask after sustaining personal injuries is how much their case is worth. The value of a personal injury case will depend on various factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatments, and whether they are expected to make a full recovery, among other elements. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to assess the facts and help you determine a fair settlement or judgment amount.
8. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations in New Jersey sets forth a time limit within which a personal injury claim must be filed. Usually, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim in court. If you fail to file your claim within the statute of limitations, you may lose your chance to pursue compensation. In some limited cases, the statute of limitations may be extended.
9. Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
While some individuals may try to handle their personal injury claims on their own, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Personal injury attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to properly handle injury claims and represent their clients effectively. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and build a strong legal strategy to maximize your compensation.
Seek Trusted Legal Assistance
No one deserves to face the aftermath of an injury alone. The personal injury attorney at Law Offices of Mitchell R. Friedman, P.C. understands the ins and outs of New Jersey’s personal injury law and is ready to help you pursue the compensation you are legally entitled to. Reach out to Attorney Friedman’s office in West Orange to get trusted legal assistance with your claim. Schedule your free phone consultation today.