One accident can change everything. You might want your life to return to normal as soon as possible. What’s the best way to get back on track?
You may hear many opinions on this subject. Some will tell you to hire a personal injury attorney; others will encourage you to deal with the challenges alone. But your future is at stake. Since what you decide could change the course of your life, you should not leave anything to chance.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we believe in showing our clients the pros and cons of their actions. During your non-risk consultation, you can learn about your rights and whether you need a lawyer to resolve your legal issues. Call (866) 909-6894 at any time to schedule your free appointment with a member of our New Jersey accident team.
When You Need Help Understanding Your No-Fault Insurance Policy
New Jersey law requires all registered drivers to meet minimum insurance requirements. Individuals might opt for additional coverage that provides more protection.
Standard policies include the following:
- Bodily injury liability to cover claims and lawsuits by people injured in a car accident you cause, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 per incident
- Property damage liability of $25,000 to more than $100,000 for accident-related property damage you cause
- Personal injury protection (PIP) as low as $15,000, with caps for certain injuries
- Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage for accidents caused by others without insurance or with policy limits that fall short of accident expenses
- Optional collision for damage to your vehicle
- Optional comprehensive for non-accident related damage
The other driver’s insurance policy pays for approved vehicle damage if you file a third-party claim. PIP insurance and your other coverage handle your medical expenses and specific economic losses up to the maximum your policy allows.
Did you read all the fine print when you bought your insurance policy? If not, you are certainly not alone. However, you might be surprised to discover that you agreed to choices about your rights that will affect what accidents will be paid and how much you can receive.
These options will apply to others covered by your policy, such as:
- Your spouse
- Your dependents
- Other relatives living in your household who are not covered under a different policy
- Your passengers
If you chose Unlimited Right to Sue, you kept your rights to sue people who cause accidents for pain and suffering associated with any injury.
By choosing Limited Right to Sue, you agreed that you could only sue if you sustained specific permanent injuries, namely:
- The loss of a part of your body
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- A displaced fracture
- The loss of a pregnancy
- Permanent injuries that will not heal even with additional medical treatment
If you do not remember making these choices or understand what they mean, consult our lawyers regarding your accident. We can help you get the most out of the coverage you paid for and minimize your stress during a difficult time.
When Insurers Fail You
Insurance companies know that many customers need help understanding all the rights their coverage provides. Yet, their first priority is often on their profits rather than their clients. If these companies underpay or reject a valid claim, some victims never realize what they missed out on until it is too late.
When insurers offer settlements, the amounts might be lower than you expect or deserve. Our accident injury team can help you evaluate the offer and maximize your payout.
What if insurance companies reject your claim? There might still be hope. Sometimes, the reasons for rejection are repairable. Please send us a brief message for a free review of your insurance case. We will get back to you to schedule your appointment at a convenient time and place.
When You Have Extensive Injuries
When medical and rehabilitation expenses reach thousands of dollars, getting sufficient funds from insurance to cover your bills can be a struggle. Your injuries could prevent you from going to work or school.
Severe injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Amputation
- Burns or deep cuts
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Organ damage
- Paralysis or nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injury
Psychological injuries and emotional trauma hurt too. Mental health counseling or therapy could help you regain your balance. Your personal injury lawyer can calculate the value of your non-economic losses.
For large settlements, consulting a lawyer might be the best way to find out what your claim is worth. Our lawyers can help you get reimbursement for past medical bills. Yet, our forward-thinking legal team can also pursue compensation for your future medical care toward a complete recovery.
When a Family Member Dies
In 2022, there were 121 fatal crashes in New Jersey. If you lost a loved one in a traffic accident, our attorneys want to help you. As a close family member, you could be entitled to significant compensation.
Your settlement could cover:
- Medical costs
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The loss of the deceased person’s financial support
- Damages for grief and loss of companionship
- Punitive damages for death resulting from gross negligence, extreme recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing
If you hire us, our legal team can begin investigating the accident. Interviewing and recording witnesses, obtaining video footage, and obtaining police reports are only a few of the essential tasks we can perform on your behalf while you focus on your emotional recovery.
Once we have identified the liable party, we can take action to hold them responsible for their actions. Criminal and civil lawsuits are different and function independently of each other. Therefore, you retain the right to sue even if the defendant is not facing criminal charges.
When the Other Driver Flees the Scene
According to New Jersey law, all those involved in auto accidents have duties. Car accidents are scary, so some people panic and leave the scene. Others flee to avoid legal consequences.
In New Jersey, it is illegal to flee the scene of an automobile accident. Violators could face criminal penalties and fines.
Motorists who experience collisions should:
- Stop their vehicles in the nearest safe location
- Call 911 if someone needs emergency medical attention
- Exchange contact details and insurance information
Resolving a hit-and-run accident is complex. Many accident victims prefer to trust professionals to handle their settlements rather than attempting to navigate the legal system alone.
Why Contact Judd Shaw Injury Law Today
Whether or not to hire an accident lawyer is a big decision. At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we offer no-obligation consultations so you can make an informed choice. Your initial visit is free, and if you don’t get paid on your claim, then neither do we.
Why not get in touch with us right away? Insurance companies set deadlines that affect your ability to file claims. State law also requires you to seek financial compensation before specific deadlines expire.
Much of the outcome of your financial settlement for your accident injuries depends on how quickly you take action. If you cannot come to us, we can make arrangements to come to you.
Call now! Our law firm is available at (866) 909-6894 or via live chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for your convenience. We look forward to answering your questions.