Freehold Car Accident FAQs
Car accidents can cause significant disruption to every part of life. Between physical injuries, medical expenses, and time away from work, recovery can be challenging. If another driver’s careless behavior caused your crash, the legal process offers a way to pursue compensation for losses and hold negligent parties accountable.
At Ellis Law, our Freehold car accident lawyers have significant experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases. Every case receives personalized attention and strategic representation aimed at achieving meaningful outcomes. During our free consultations, we typically answer questions like the ones below.
What Types of Car Accidents Are Common in Freehold?
Freehold experiences many of the same crash patterns seen across New Jersey. Rear-end collisions, head-on impacts, and intersection accidents frequently occur on busy routes such as Route 9 and Route 33. Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving are leading causes. Understanding how the accident happened helps attorneys determine who may be held legally accountable for damages.
How Do Car Accident Lawyers Help Clients?
Our Freehold car accident lawyers handle the investigative, procedural, and negotiation stages of a case. We gather police reports, witness statements, and medical evidence, then calculate the full value of losses. Our team members also handle communication with insurance carriers, file necessary court documents, and advocate for fair compensation either through settlement or trial representation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
After a collision, check for injuries and call 911; if it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle away from traffic. You might need ambulance transport to a hospital; otherwise, get a prompt medical evaluation after leaving the scene. Even minor symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor, as some injuries appear hours or days later. Try to snap photos of the other driver’s license, registration, and information; take pictures of skid marks, traffic signs, and other details from the scene. Call your auto insurer to report what happened, but do not share details or admit fault.
How Is Fault Determined in a Freehold Car Accident?
Evidence such as police reports, video footage, and witness statements helps demonstrate how the collision occurred and who was primarily responsible. However, New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule; liability is divided based on each party’s percentage of fault. A person can recover compensation if they are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident.
What Compensation Might Be Available After a Car Accident in Freehold?
Our Freehold car accident lawyers pursue compensation that may include reimbursement for medical care, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, long-term care costs or reduced earning capacity might also be included. The specific amount depends on the extent of injuries, financial losses, supporting evidence, and comparative negligence findings.
Can I Sue if the Insurance Settlement Offer Is Too Low?
If settlement discussions fail to result in fair compensation, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. A lawsuit allows our Freehold car accident lawyers to present evidence before a court and request damages based on documented losses. Although most claims settle out of court, we are prepared to go there when necessary.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but failing to meet this deadline can bar recovery altogether. Because evidence can be lost or witnesses can become difficult to locate over time, we recommend starting the legal process as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment.
What if the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may apply. This coverage helps pay for medical care, lost income, and other losses up to the policy limits. We can review your policy and clarify the available options that might prevent unnecessary delays in payment.
Are All Car Accident Injuries Eligible for Compensation?
Most injuries caused by another person’s negligence can form the basis of a legal claim. Common injuries include fractures, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. The key factor is whether the other driver failed to act responsibly and that failure directly caused harm. Medical records, witness statements, and professional evaluations can substantiate an injury claim.
Can Multiple Parties Be Responsible for a Car Accident?
Yes, some accidents involve shared liability among several parties. For instance, both a negligent driver and a vehicle manufacturer could be held accountable if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash and the driver was speeding. Each responsible party’s share of fault is considered when determining compensation, which may increase the overall recovery available to the injured person.
What if My Accident Happened While Working?
If an accident occurred during work-related duties, Workers’ Compensation benefits might apply in addition to a third-party claim. These benefits can cover medical expenses and partial wage replacement. When another driver or entity caused the crash, a personal injury claim can be filed simultaneously to pursue additional compensation beyond what Workers’ Compensation provides.
What Happens if I Am Hit by a Distracted or Drunk Driver?
Drivers who text, make phone calls, or drive under the influence are violating traffic laws. In other cases, fatigued driving is also considered negligence. In general, if another driver’s negligent behavior causes injury, they could be held financially accountable for resulting damages.
What if the At-Fault Driver Fled the Scene?
If the driver responsible for the crash leaves without exchanging information, it becomes a hit-and-run case. Contact law enforcement immediately to file a report and document any details you remember about the vehicle or driver. Your uninsured motorist coverage may help cover medical bills and property damage.
How Are Settlements Calculated in Car Accident Cases?
Settlement amounts are influenced by medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Serious injuries that limit long-term employment or mobility typically result in higher compensation. Insurance coverage limits and liability percentages also affect the outcomes.
Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Give Your Case the Attention It Deserves
If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle crash, contact our Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law. Call 732-308-0200 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in New Jersey, including Freehold, Neptune City, and Middletown, and New York, and we serve clients throughout both states.
