Accidents on the road are far more common than people realize, and many drivers are seriously injured. If you or someone you love is ever hurt in a car accident, an attorney can help you fight for fair compensation from those responsible.
We need evidence of the other driver’s negligence to prove that they are at fault for the crash. This often includes video footage from private cameras, traffic cameras, and dashcams, witness testimony, and possibly more, depending on your situation. As you gather evidence, your attorney can help you weigh your legal options, including insurance claims and a personal injury lawsuit. Whatever option you choose, you must understand the extent of your damages. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and similar claims are common.
Ask our car accident attorneys for a free, private case evaluation to start your case when you call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (551) 525-6465.
How to Prove Fault After a Car Accident
You need evidence of the other driver’s fault before you can get compensation. Even if you file a no-fault insurance claim, you still need evidence of the accident and your damages.
Video Footage
Video footage is far more common today than it used to be. There is a chance that cameras were somewhere around your accident, and video footage of the collision may exist. Our car accident lawyers may look for private security cameras, traffic cameras, dashcams, and cell phone videos.
Witness Testimony
When accidents happen on busy roads or in areas with heavy foot traffic, there are likely multiple witnesses who can testify about what they saw. Try to get names and contact details from people around the accident while you wait for help. This will make it much easier to locate potential witnesses later.
Accident Reconstruction
Accident reconstruction experts are people who can analyze facts, data, and evidence from your case and scientifically recreate how an accident occurred.
Accident reconstruction experts may be necessary in cases where accidents are especially severe or complicated. Multi-vehicle accidents often require accident reconstruction evidence.
How Can You Get Financial Compensation After a Car Accident in Hillside?
Car accidents can be quite expensive, and drivers often need help getting fair financial compensation. Review all your options carefully before deciding what to do next.
Insurance Claims
New Jersey requires all drivers to have no-fault insurance. You may file claims with your own no-fault coverage, and there are no requirements to provide evidence of the other driver’s fault.
Keep in mind that drivers must choose between an unlimited and a limited right to sue when they purchase auto insurance in New Jersey. With a limited right to sue, you must have a serious injury to file a lawsuit for a car accident. If you have an unlimited right to sue, you are not bound by these limitations.
Lawsuits
As mentioned before, you must have specific types of injuries to sue for damages after a car accident, including any one of the following:
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of body parts
- Displaced fractures
- Loss of a fetus
- Death
- Any other permanent injury
Remember, if you have an unlimited right to sue, you do not have to meet the above criteria. Many drivers choose to sue after insurance does not pan out as they had hoped, or the insurance company offers an insufficient settlement.
Damages Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit
Damages are unique to each case, but many common damages that many car accident plaintiffs claim are described below.
Medical Bills
If you are injured, you should go to the hospital immediately. Serious injuries may require an ambulance, and you should not hesitate to call 911.
Unfortunately, medical bills can be very expensive, and you should keep track of all the medical costs you incur because of the accident so we can claim them in your lawsuit.
Property Damage
Vehicle accidents may involve extensive property damage. Your vehicle and all your personal belongings inside it may be destroyed. The cost of repairing or replacing your property must be accounted for in your damages.
Lost Income
Your injuries may require that you stop working for a while so you can recover, and you may lose income at a time when you really need it. You may claim the value of lost wages as part of your damages. The longer you cannot work, the greater your claims should be.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages come at a financial cost. Many damages may be non-economic and take a steep toll on your life even though financial costs are not involved. Your pain and suffering, both mental and physical, should be considered when we claim damages in your case.
What Should You Do if the At-Fault Driver Flees the Accident Scene?
If the at-fault driver flees the scene, call 911 and report the accident to the police immediately. A hit and run is a serious crime, and the police can help find the other driver quickly so that you can hold them accountable and get fair compensation.
Your insurance should still pay if the other driver cannot be found, and uninsured motorist insurance might cover even more.
What Should You Do if You Believe the At-Fault Driver is Intoxicated?
If you suspect the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, inform the police right away. The police can conduct chemical testing to confirm whether the driver is intoxicated, and that evidence can be used in your lawsuit.
When Should Injured Drivers Call a Lawyer for Help After a Crash?
In New Jersey, drivers have only 2 years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in court. Although this sounds like a long time, you may need time to explore insurance options, investigate the crash, and gather evidence before filing your case in court. It is best to speak to a lawyer about your accident right away.
Are Car Accident Lawsuits Worth a Lot of Financial Compensation?
Sometimes, yes. Each accident is different, with some being relatively minor and others being quite severe. Many accident cases involve claims for damages worth thousands of dollars. Severe accidents may involve claims for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Review Your Case with Our Hillside Car Accident Lawyers
Ask our car accident lawyers for a free, confidential case assessment to begin your case when you call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (551) 525-6465.