Personal injury accidents occur when another party is careless or reckless instead of taking the necessary care to ensure safety. These parties can be held accountable when they cause an accident that leads to injuries and other losses. Our personal injury lawyers near Passaic can help you navigate the claim process and fight for you if you have been the unfortunate victim of one of these accidents.
At Seigel Law, our team of experienced attorneys has extensive experience handling a wide array of personal injury cases and securing results for clients. We have been representing New Jersey residents since 1976, and our well-honed approach allows us to fight more effectively and efficiently for you when you are unsure about how to proceed. With a strong track record of success, you can trust our team to put your interests first, protect your rights, and provide unwavering support.
What to Do After an Accident in Passaic
The steps you take after an accident could affect your health and the value of your personal injury claim. We recommend the following actions after you’ve been in an accident.
Seek Medical Attention
One of the most important things you can do after an accident is to get medical care. When you are in shock and running on adrenaline, you may initially feel alright, but this is often misleading. Adrenaline and deep or internal injuries can take time to show up, so seeing a doctor is the most accurate way to get an idea of the scope of your injuries.
Visiting a doctor is also a necessary part of the claim process. It provides you with evidence and minimizes insurance pushback.
Make Sure There Is an Official Report of What Happened
In addition to seeking medical care, it’s important to file a report documenting the accident. For example, if you were in a car accident, you may file a police report, and if you slipped and fell at a store, you may file an incident report with the store and a police report.
These reports provide important evidence in your case and can make it harder for the insurance company to avoid paying you. It also helps insurance adjusters understand what occurred as they review your claim.
Document the Accident Site and Your Injuries
You can, and should, document the accident through photos and videos. Gathering your own photographic evidence is essential for strengthening your claim. Talking to witnesses can also help corroborate your claim through documented statements. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case can be.
Be sure to talk to a personal injury lawyer near you to ensure you have sufficient, quality evidence to use in your case.
Passaic Personal Injury Lawyer: What Cases We Handle
Personal injury accidents require a deep knowledge of a very broad area of the law. Our New Jersey personal injury lawyers are adept at handling various cases, tailoring strategies, conducting negotiations, and pivoting as needed to secure a favorable outcome. Each type of personal injury case has unique factors that influence how it’s handled and what laws apply. Some common cases our firm handles include:
- Auto accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bite injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Nursing home injuries
- Workers’ compensation
- And many more
Our team knows how stressful personal injury accidents can be and how much may be at stake when you are impacted by various expenses and losses. We are here in your time of need to share the journey with you and help alleviate the weight of your burden. Our team knows that the right resources can make all the difference for your future, and we never stop fighting for you.
Car Accidents Around Passaic: Key Evidence + How Fault is Proven
Car accidents affect many individuals and their families every year. These accidents can range from minor collisions with very little injury or damage, all the way to catastrophic or fatal accidents. Regardless of the severity of your accident, having a New Jersey car accident lawyer on your side can make resolving your case considerably easier and less stressful. Our team knows what evidence to look for, how to navigate the claim process, and how to effectively and efficiently negotiate for you.
Examining Accident Evidence
After a motor vehicle accident, we can review evidence you have already gathered, as well as collect more as needed. Key pieces of evidence include a police report or SR-1 and 21 form, medical records, photos, witness statements, and contact and insurance information from the other driver. Other forms of evidence may be needed depending on the type of collisions that occurred.
Car Insurance Coverage After a Crash
Since New Jersey is a no-fault state for car accidents, you generally do not need to show that the other party was at fault to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other applicable losses. In most cases, your claim will be filed with your insurance company.
However, if your policy’s coverage is insufficient, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver, where you must show that they owed you a duty of care, breached their duty to you, caused the accident, and must pay for damages.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
In the U.S., slip, trip, and fall accidents are the second leading cause of accidental deaths, according to the most recent data by the National Safety Council (NSC). In the most recent report, falls contributed to 844 deaths and approximately 480,000 injuries. These accidents can happen in the workplace, commercial properties, and on residential properties, to name a few.
Property owners owe patrons and guests a duty of care to properly maintain their premises and take action when there are dangerous conditions. When they fail to remedy these conditions or take the appropriate steps to warn guests, property owners may be held liable under premises liability laws.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents often include slippery surfaces, uneven or damaged flooring, poor lighting, broken fencing, stairs, or handrails, and negligent security measures. For example, if you go to the store and slip because you were not warned of a recent spill, or fall because the stair handrails were in disrepair, then you may have the right to file a claim. In cases of sidewalk injuries, claims may be filed either against property owners or local governments. Talk to a lawyer for clarity on how to proceed.
Dog Bite Injuries: Owner Responsibility + What Victims Should Document
Injuries caused by dog bites can have serious ramifications and increase the risk of complications, such as infection and disfigurement. According to New Jersey Statute 4:19-16, dog owners are responsible for any harm their dog inflicts on others. The state’s strict liability approach means that even if a dog never showed signs of aggression, the owner is still responsible for their dog. Owners are expected to maintain control of their dog at all times and remain alert to their surroundings and potential triggers.
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, it is essential to thoroughly document your injuries and the effect on your life. This means keeping all medical records and bills associated with your injury. You should also thoroughly photograph your injuries and keep a journal of your pain and suffering. Talking with a personal injury lawyer near you can help you understand your rights, options, and what other forms of evidence may help strengthen your claim against the dog’s owner.
Damages in Personal Injury Cases
When you have suffered because of another person or entity, you can generally recover two main categories of losses.
Economic Damages
The first is known as economic damages. This type of compensation is specific to any loss that has a monetary value, such as medical bills, lost wages or earning capacity, death benefits, and property damages in some cases.
Records of all your expenses are used to determine the value of your case.
Non-Economic Damages
The second category includes losses derived from your pain and suffering, which may include the emotional trauma and distress you suffered, a decrease in quality of life and enjoyment, psychological distress, and loss of intimacy or companionship.
A personal injury attorney applies a formula to these losses to assign a financial value since they are intangible. Journals and statements from family, friends, and mental health professionals can be valuable forms of evidence.
How the Claim Process Works
When you hire our personal injury lawyers near Passaic, we can walk you through how the claim process works and what to expect throughout your case.
Thorough Investigation
Our firm typically starts with a thorough investigation of the accident, assesses the details of the case, and collects evidence to support your claim. We also talk to experts as we work to calculate the value of your case. This may include testimonies, video reconstruction, and medical insights into future expenses.
Demand Letter
With this information, we draft a demand letter that outlines what occurred, the reason for your request, details about your losses and how much they are worth, and how much you are requesting in damages. We submit this to the insurance company and negotiate until a fair settlement is reached.
Filing a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to pay you fairly, or insurance isn’t enough to cover your losses, then we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court if it increases your ability to secure a fair result.
Why Choose Seigel Law
As a firm focused on personal injury representation, Seigel Law is dedicated to improving your situation by securing compensation for your losses.
We thoroughly prepare so we can streamline your case, strengthen it, and ensure we are trial-ready if you have to go to court.
You also benefit from no fees unless we win your case, so you can get the support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Passaic?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally restricted to two years. Some cases may have a longer or shorter window of time in which to file your claim or take other actions, so it’s important to avoid delays and seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Lawyers are aware of the deadlines that apply to various cases and can provide clarity on which ones apply to your situation.
What if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?
Insurance companies often try to offer a quick settlement in an effort to pay you less, knowing that once you accept a settlement, you waive all right to any additional action in the future. They also know that you are vulnerable and want to secure compensation as quickly as possible. However, it is often hard to know the extent of your losses right after an accident.
To ensure fair treatment, have a personal injury attorney review all offers and provide counsel before accepting any offer.
Do I still have a case if I didn’t go to the ER right away?
While you may still have a case if you did not go to the ER right away after an accident, it can make it harder to resolve your claim and recover maximum compensation. Medical treatment identifies the extent of your injuries, and insurance companies look closely at your medical records. They may even use delays in medical care as a reason to delay or deny your claim.
If you did not go to the ER right after your accident, then be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Personal injury law firms often work on a contingency fee basis so that legal support is accessible to accident victims without adding to their financial burden. This means that you only pay personal injury attorney fees if a lawyer wins your case and secures you a settlement or verdict. The agreed-upon fees are deducted from the compensation you have been awarded, rather than directly from you.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Near Passaic, NJ
If you have been injured in a serious accident, Seigel Law stands by you and provides unwavering support during this difficult time in your life. Our firm’s extensive experience allows us to help you get results and feel more confident about the future. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers near Passaic, NJ.