Even if you remember how a recent crash happened, let our lawyers investigate. We can get evidence that confirms the other driver was speeding, driving drunk, or being generally reckless, and their conduct caused the collision. We can also prepare and file your case before the statute of limitations runs out, so do not wait to start.
You should seek compensation if you suffered serious injuries, expensive medical damages, harmful lost wages, and any emotional distress. After we file a claim, we may negotiate a settlement. Settlements should cover most or all of your damages, or they are not worth accepting. Trials may also happen, and we can prepare plaintiffs for this possibility.
Call (201) 777-1111 for a free case discussion with the car accident lawyers of Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C.
Why Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Garfield?
Negligent drivers often cause car accidents, though they may claim bad weather or road conditions contributed. Let us determine your crash’s cause and reach out right after a collision in Garfield.
Negligent Drivers
The following are some of the top car accident causes:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Reckless merging
- Ignoring another driver’s right of way
- Tailgating
Tell us what you can remember about the crash, and give any photos you took. Vehicle damage photos help us determine which car initiated the impact. Eyewitnesses may confirm the other driver was being negligent, so we will prioritize interviewing them.
Bad Conditions
In extreme rain, snow, or other bad weather, drivers should adjust their behavior. If it is raining heavily, they should slow down for safety, even if that means driving under the speed limit.
Drivers being negligent in bad weather increases the risk of accidents and makes them liable.
Vehicle Malfunctions
If you suddenly lose control of the steering wheel, brakes fail, or another serious interruption happens while driving, call us. Vehicle malfunctions can lead to single-vehicle car accidents or other crashes, making manufacturers liable.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare Car Accident Lawsuits?
We need time to build your case after a car crash, but we also must file the lawsuit within two years under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2. Case preparation involves many crucial steps, all of which our attorneys can handle.
We cannot file your lawsuit until we know if you pass New Jersey’s serious injury threshold. New Jersey is a choice no-fault state, and many drivers need to prove they qualify to sue for pain and suffering. It takes longer for doctors to diagnose some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries. Our car accident lawyers can compare yours to § 39:6A-8(a) to see if they are “serious.”
Calculating damages, gathering evidence, and building arguments can take several months, depending on the case’s complexity. Starting sooner can lead to a faster recovery, so do not wait to begin your case.
What if I Miss the Statute of Limitations for My Car Accident Lawsuit?
Missing the two-year statute of limitations for injury claims is bad. Courts strictly enforce the deadline. Unless there is an applicable “tolling” exception, you lose your opportunity for recovery.
The statute of limitations sometimes “tolls” or pauses, like if the defendant lives in another state and the plaintiff cannot serve them.
Let us confirm your filing deadline right away. As discussed, some cases take longer than others to prepare. That said, we can aim to file well before the statute of limitations runs out so you get damages sooner.
What Happens After I File My Car Accident Claim in Garfield?
We are here to help plaintiffs through all the steps of car accident lawsuits, from discovery to trial.
Discovery
We enter the discovery phase after filing the lawsuit. At this time, either side can request and review evidence. You may be “deposed” by the defense, too. In a deposition, the defense attorney may ask about pre-existing conditions, your ability to work, and more. We ensure plaintiffs are ready for depositions so they give accurate statements.
Settlement Talks
Then comes settlement talks. Settlement negotiations may take time. The other side might try to get you to agree to a low amount, which we can prevent. Offers may start low, but we can get them to increase by leveraging strong evidence. Signing a settlement agreement ends your lawsuit, so only do so if you feel comfortable.
Trial
Not all cases settle. If yours goes to trial, do not be intimidated. We will prepare you for court, where you may testify. Testifying lets you express your pain and suffering and other non-economic damages since the accident.
A trial ends with the jury deciding the defendant’s liability. If it finds the defendant liable, it will also award you damages. New Jersey does not limit jury awards for compensatory damages, often meaning large recoveries for plaintiffs.
Why Should I File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Garfield?
Even after bad accidents, victims might be unsure whether they should file lawsuits. We can review your case, confirm its value, and help you navigate it.
You Incur Expensive Medical Bills
Lawsuits can cover all medical damages from wrecks. That includes damages from upcoming procedures, therapies, or treatments. You should not have to cover expensive medical damages due to another driver, and we can recoup them in a lawsuit.
You Cannot Work
Concussions, broken bones, and other injuries affect victims’ income temporarily. Others, like limb loss or a spinal cord injury, affect victims’ income permanently. If you cannot work and incur lost wages, a lawsuit can help.
You Experience Emotional Distress
Car accidents and the injuries they cause often traumatize victims. Mental suffering and anguish, emotional distress, and other “intangible” damages warrant compensation. We can quantify non-economic damages and assert your need for them during settlement talks or a trial.
For Help with Your Case, Call Our Garfield Attorneys
Call (201) 777-1111 for a free case assessment from the car accident lawyers of Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C.