Howell Township Car Accident Lawyers

Howell Township Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can have a significant impact on one’s life, often resulting in physical, emotional, and financial challenges. We know that facing the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from serious injuries. Understanding your legal options after a car accident is critical for protecting your rights.

From recovering medical expenses to obtaining damages for emotional distress, knowing what steps to take and what to expect can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. So where can you turn? The experienced Howell Township car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can help you address these challenges and seek the justice you deserve.  One of our first tasks is identifying a client’s injuries; after determining fault, we fight to pursue fair compensation.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents?

Common physical car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, are also prevalent. In more severe cases, survivors may experience permanent disabilities or life-altering conditions that require long-term medical care.

Beyond physical harm, car accidents can lead to emotional injuries, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions can affect your ability to return to work or resume daily activities, compounding the physical injuries from the accident.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

To determine fault in a car accident, our Howell Township car accident lawyers evaluate evidence like police reports, eyewitness accounts, and photographs and video camera footage from the accident scene. Liability may also be assessed by reviewing traffic laws and analyzing weather, road conditions, and vehicle defects.

Since New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence system, fault can be shared among the parties involved. If you are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation, although it will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

Compensation for a car accident can include economic and non-economic damages.

  • Economic damages cover tangible costs such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
  • Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly negligent. Our Howell Township car accident lawyers can help you understand what types of compensation you may be eligible to receive based on the specifics of your case.

Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

In New Jersey, car accident medical expenses are typically covered under personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage includes medical expenses, lost income, and certain out-of-pocket costs.

However, PIP benefits may not cover all medical expenses, especially in cases involving severe injuries. If your costs exceed the limits of your PIP policy, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or through a personal injury lawsuit.

Can Passengers File Claims After a Car Accident?

Yes, passengers injured in a car accident have the right to file claims for compensation. Depending on the circumstances, they can seek damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance, the driver of the vehicle they were in, or both.

Passengers are not typically assigned fault for an accident, making it easier for them to recover damages.

Can Poor Road Conditions Be a Factor in Car Accidents?

Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage, can contribute to car accidents. In some cases, liability may fall on government entities responsible for road maintenance. Establishing fault in these situations requires evidence of negligence in maintaining safe roadways; if road conditions played a role in your accident, documenting the scene thoroughly is critical.

What Role Does Speeding Play in Car Accident Cases?

Speeding is a significant factor in many car accidents, as it increases stopping distances and reduces the driver’s ability to react to hazards. High-speed collisions often result in more severe injuries and property damage compared to accidents at lower speeds.

In New Jersey, speeding violations can be used as evidence of negligence in a car accident case. Our Howell Township car accident lawyers can gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate how speeding contributed to the collision and your resulting injuries.

What Are the Risks of Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away?

Failing to seek medical attention after a car accident can jeopardize your health and legal claim. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Prompt medical care ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications.

Why would delaying medical attention weaken your claim? Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. Obtaining a medical evaluation as soon as possible provides documentation to support your case.

Can I Sue for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?

Emotional distress is a recognized form of non-economic damage in car accident cases. If you have experienced anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Pursuing damages for emotional distress often requires demonstrating how the accident impacted your life so documentation from mental health professionals can support your claim.

How Do I Deal With Insurance Adjusters After an Accident?

This requires caution. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and adjusters may use tactics to reduce or deny your claim. We recommend providing accurate information but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident’s details.

You can consult with our Howell Township car accident lawyers before contacting your auto insurance company. We can help you prepare for discussions or handle communications on your behalf, protecting your rights throughout the claims process.

What Should I Look for in a Howell Township Car Accident Lawyer?

When selecting a Howell Township car accident lawyer, consider their experience handling similar cases, knowledge of New Jersey’s laws, and ability to communicate effectively. They should provide personalized attention and explain your legal options and their pricing in detail. Ask about a free consultation; that way, you have nothing to risk. Remember, trustworthy legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Howell Township Car Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Are Ready to Hear About Your Case

If you were injured in a car accident, the Howell Township car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can help you pursue justice. For a free consultation, call us at 732-920-8383 or submit our online form. Located in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.