New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer
New Jersey roadways present a unique challenge for travelers. While navigating through the state, drivers are likely to experience heavy congestion on the roadways, rush hour traffic, and, unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents.
Car accidents can happen instantly and without any warning. On top of that, they can have serious consequences for the victims involved. Unfortunately, accidents can cause life-altering injuries that force victims to deal with thousands of dollars in medical bills, physical and mental pain and suffering, and endure a complete or partial loss in the quality of their life. What makes this unfortunate situation even worse is that accident victims may not even have done anything to contribute to their anguish, yet they are left to deal with the devastating consequences of someone else’s negligence behind the wheel.
According to statistics published by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the state witnessed 264,582 accidents in 2015 alone. Unfortunately, these accidents resulted in 60,431 injuries to those involved. Victims who sustain injuries in motor vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages resulting from their accidents. The attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC work diligently to help accident victims protect their legal rights and fight for fair and adequate redress.
Our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
The New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC have a deeper understanding of the difficulties victims face in the aftermath of their accidents. Quite often, victims have to go through extensive medical treatments, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy. Some victims are permanently impaired simply because they were on the wrong road at the wrong time.
If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit without the assistance of an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer by your side, you could end up with an unfair insurance settlement. It is extremely common for the insurance companies of at-fault drivers to go after accident victims and coerce them to sign away their rights in exchange for a minimal amount of compensation. Unfortunately, accident victims sign for the settlements simply because they are unaware of their options and in need of restitution to cover their living expenses while they are dealing with their recovery.
Unfortunately, the settle offers provided to accident victims by these insurance providers often are not even enough to cover a fraction of medical expenses or lost wages resulting from the accident. Working with an attorney from Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC will ensure you are able to obtain the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries and damages. Our team of experienced attorneys helps accident victims by filing their legal claims, gathering evidence, and fighting to protect their legal rights from start to finish. We work diligently to help accident victims protect their legal rights so they can focus on their recovery.
New Jersey Car Accident Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links below.
When Should You Call an Attorney?
New Jersey Car Accident Injury Claims
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Leading Causes Of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Types of Car Accidents
Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements in New Jersey
Things to Avoid After a New Jersey Crash
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Car Accident
New Jersey Car Accident FAQs
Speak to an Attorney Today
When is the Right Time to Hire a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer?
Deciding to hire a New Jersey car accident lawyer can alter your legal journey for the better. While it’s always a good idea to at least speak with a lawyer, the following are some key instances where professional guidance could make a significant difference:
Serious Injuries
If you’ve experienced serious injuries in your car accident, you should reach out to a lawyer immediately. They can help you explore all avenues for compensation, which could include your own personal insurance coverage as well as the at-fault party’s coverage if your injuries are serious enough.
Fault Disputes
If there is a disagreement about who is responsible for the accident or you believe you’re partially at fault, it’s a good idea to work with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you gather evidence and investigate the accident so they can present a solid claim to the insurance company or in court if it gets to that point.
Complex Legal or Insurance Issues
Some accidents are more complex than others – like those that involve multiple other parties or if a commercial vehicle was involved. In these cases, working with a lawyer can help make sure you take the right steps when seeking justice and compensation.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
If you’re in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, a lawyer can be valuable. This situation requires navigating complex legal and insurance issues that can be challenging without proper counsel.
Your attorney will usually seek resolution through your own insurance provider’s uninsured motorist coverage clause if it exists within your policy. However, these cases can become complicated due to disagreements with your insurance provider concerning the value of the claim or if there are issues proving liability.
New Jersey Car Accident Injury Claims
Anyone injured in a New Jersey motor vehicle accident should hire a personal injury lawyer who is willing and able to represent them throughout the entire claim process. Filing a motor vehicle accident claim is overwhelming and complicated, especially for victims who have never gone through the process before. Thankfully, motor vehicle accident attorneys are able to assist victims throughout the claims process with various tasks, including:
- Obtaining copies of police reports and medical reports;
- Collecting contact information and statements from witnesses;
- Collecting contact and insurance information from the at-fault driver;
- Contacting insurance companies; and
- Negotiating full and fair amounts of compensation for victims.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Choosing the right lawyer to advocate for your rights is instrumental, particularly in tough car accident cases. To make sure you make the right choice, consider the following factors when making your choice:
Consider Experience and Track Record Handling Car Accident Cases
One of the most important things to consider is the experience and track record of your potential attorney. Make sure they’re experienced with handling car accident cases and that they have dealt with ones involving similar circumstances.
Evaluate Client Testimonials and Reviews
Another way to decide which lawyer to choose is to look at their client testimonials and reviews. You can do this on their website or through Google or Avvo reviews. Be careful of only looking at reviews on their personal website, as many attorneys curate the review section on their website and only showcase the positive ones.
Determine Communication and Accessibility
Make sure the attorney you choose is going to be accessible and will communicate with you. You want someone who will answer questions and give you updates on your case as they arise. It’s always a good idea to find a lawyer who will reach out to you personally instead of always putting you in touch with a paralegal.
This is not an exhaustive list of what to look for when choosing an attorney, but it’s a great place to start. If you need a car accident lawyer, we’re always here to help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Leading Causes Of Car Accidents In New Jersey
Motor vehicle accidents can occur at any time for any reason in New Jersey. Unfortunately, a lot of accidents happen due to another driver’s negligent actions on the roadway. There has been a major increase in motor vehicle accidents due to cell phone and text usage across the state. In 2015, the New Jersey Department of Transportation reported over 3,571 accidents occurred due to cell phone use while driving.
In addition to drivers being distracted with cellular phones while operating their vehicles, accidents also happen for reasons including:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Distracted driving, such as adjusting the stereo, navigation or entertainment system, eating or drinking, talking with passengers;
- Aggressive and impatient driving;
- Inclement weather conditions;
- Speeding;
- Tailgating;
- Vehicle malfunction; and
- Failure to adhere to traffic laws and signs.
When an individual is injured by a reckless, distracted or negligent driver in New Jersey, they have a right to file personal injury lawsuits against the at-fault drivers for their injuries and damage. These lawsuits are designed to protect accident victims and enable them to obtain reimbursement to help alleviate the financial burdens they face in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident.
Types Of Car Accidents In New Jersey
There are various types of motor vehicle accidents that happen every day across New Jersey. Although motor vehicle accidents typically involve cars, they may also involve municipal equipment, as well as:
Regardless of the type of vehicle involved in the accident, if you are injured as the result of another person’s negligence, you may file a personal injury claim to recover damages. Individuals who wish to file motor vehicle accident claims must do so within the state’s statute of limitations. New Jersey provides two years from the date of the accident for victims to file their claims. If an injured party does not file their lawsuit within this period, the court system will throw out the case and the victim will not receive any compensation for their injuries.
Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements in New Jersey
Driving in New Jersey requires you to have certain types of insurance coverage, and it’s essential for all vehicle owners registered in the state to understand exactly what is required. Here’s what you need:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is required in New Jersey. If you’re involved in an accident and you were partially at fault, this part of your policy may help cover the losses of the other party. It won’t cover any of your personal medical expenses or losses, but will help cover you if someone else is injured and is able to file a claim against you.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection is also required in New Jersey, as it is a no-fault state. This type of coverage will cover part of your medical expenses and lost wages no matter who was at fault for the accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Finally, you must also have uninsured motorist coverage in New Jersey. If you’re involved in an accident and are eligible to file a claim against the responsible party but they don’t have insurance coverage, your lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation through this part of your policy.
Understanding the type of coverage required in your specific jurisdiction helps protect you from financial disruption and legal conflict after a motor vehicle accident.
Things To Avoid After a New Jersey Accident
If you are injured in an accident, it is important to know the mistakes to avoid that can have devastating consequences for you if you and your personal injury lawsuit. If you ever become involved in an automobile accident caused by a negligent driver, seek immediate medical treatment after your accident.
You will need to go to the hospital immediately to have a complete medical examination. These exams will help to identify and correct any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. You may suffer injuries, but, as a result of adrenaline rushes common after motor vehicle accidents, you may not feel the effects immediately. It is crucial to go to the doctor to check for any internal wounds and to monitor any injuries that may have a delayed onset of symptoms.
In addition to seeking medical treatment, there are legal mistakes you want to avoid making as well. Most importantly, do not hire an inexperienced attorney to represent you in your claim. Although you may be able to get a deeply discounted rate from a brand new attorney, you could end up losing out in the end. Their inexperience can cost you thousands of dollars in damages. Once you hire an experienced attorney, you will want to keep them fully informed about your accident, problems you are experiencing, and any past injuries or lawsuits that you have suffered from or been involved in.
Finally, you will want to refrain from engaging in any conversation regarding your accident with anyone other than your attorney. You should not discuss any details of your case with others. Do not post on social media or comment on other people’s posts, and do not post any details about the accident, your case, or injuries online or elsewhere. Under no circumstances should you ever contact the at-fault driver or their insurance company. Engaging in any of these activities could have serious legal and financial repercussions for you.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident in Toms River, Kearny or Camden can be extremely overwhelming to victims. These accidents often come suddenly and unexpected, taking drivers by surprise and making them suffer lifelong consequences. In an instant, a victim’s life can be completely changed.
The attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC understand car accidents can take a huge toll on a victim, physically, emotionally, and financially. Unfortunately, victims and their families often suffer the devastating impact that their injury accident caused.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is crucial for you to take certain steps to ensure your legal rights are protected, as well as your health and wellbeing.
These steps include:
Seeking medical attention immediately: No matter how big or how small the accident is, you need to get checked out in a local hospital. Be sure to give emergency responders accurate details about the crash. Explain to any and all symptoms you are experiencing, so they know how best to treat you. Quite often, victims underestimate the severity of their wounds. Adrenaline often clouds victims’ judgment and their ability to feel certain symptoms from their injuries. Requesting a full examination following an accident is crucial for ensuring all injuries are addressed immediately.
Contact law enforcement: Contact the police and have them report to the scene of the accident. You will need a law enforcement officer to write up a police report detailing the circumstances surrounding your accident. If you are physically able, request that the officer gives you a written copy of the report to keep for your record before leaving the scene. If your injuries are too severe, your Jersey City personal injury attorney will be able to get it for you and can use this report to support your legal claim.
Collect evidence if possible: Although it may not always be possible for you to get out of the vehicle and walk around, if you are able to, gather as much evidence as possible. You will want to take photographs or videos with your phone from the accident. Take photographs of the vehicles, the road conditions, objects in the road, and even the point-of-impact on each vehicle. Write down the names and contact information for all witnesses so your attorney can contact them at a later time. Gather driver’s license, insurance, and contact information from the other drivers involved.
Finally, do not admit fault for the accident to anyone. Do not apologize to anyone at the scene and do not admit guilt to anyone involved in the accident; bystanders, police officers, or insurance companies. Anything you say can be used against you in a legal claim. Any type of admission to the car accident can greatly impact your ability to file a successful legal claim against the other party to the accident in the future. Instead, contact a car accident attorney in Jersey City or New Jersey as soon as possible to work on your behalf. An experienced Passaic attorney from Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC can help you file claims, deal with insurance companies, make statements, and handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. We have the skills and the resources needed to pursue even the most complex cases. We can you recover damages for your injuries and losses.
New Jersey Car Accident FAQs
When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s natural for questions to arise about what to do next and how the situation can impact your life. Here are some of the frequently asked questions on this issue:
How long does it take to settle a car accident case?
The timeline for settling a car accident case can vary quite a bit, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on the case, it could take anywhere from a few months to several years. This timeline depends on the specifics of each case, including the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, the willingness of the other party to negotiate, insurance coverage, and the competence of your attorney.
Can you file a car accident claim in New Jersey without a police report?
Although technically possible in some situations, it’s generally recommended to always call 911 so they can create a police report. According to New Jersey law,, accidents involving an injury or death or those causing over $500 worth of damage must be reported.
Determining whether an accident meets these criteria may not be immediately clear at the time of the incident, as some issues might only surface later on. Therefore, ensuring that a police report is done is always a good idea.
Should I try to get information from witnesses of the car accident?
Yes, it’s very beneficial to collect the contact information of any witnesses at the scene if they’re willing. Their accounts may provide additional context around who was at fault or about how exactly things unfolded during the accident, potentially providing evidence for your claim later on.
While this only covers a small fraction of potential questions, arming yourself with these answers can help you navigate your accident more effectively.
A New Jersey Motor Vehicle Attorney Can Help You
In order to file a successful lawsuit against an at-fault driver in a motor vehicle accident, it is crucial for you to prove liability. You must show the other driver acted negligently while behind the wheel and, as a result, you sustained injuries in an accident they caused. Doing so successfully will ensure you are able to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages.
The attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC have a well-established history of helping accident victims obtain compensation for their Newark, New Jersey motor vehicle accidents. We have developed a firm grasp and understanding of the complexities of personal injury laws in New Jersey by helping victims since 1965 obtain full and fair settlements for their injuries.
We have helped countless New Jersey injury victims get the highest-value settlements for their damages and losses. Our Trenton lawyers are standing by and are available to speak with you to discuss your accident and legal rights. We will review every available legal option and explain the legal process to you from start to finish. Contact the trusted and knowledgeable attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC today by calling (201) 997-0030. Schedule a free case evaluation so we can determine which legal options are available based on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident.