Howell Township Car Accident Lawyers
We take driving for granted, and though we buckle up and obey the traffic laws to the best of our ability, we never think a car accident could happen to us.
But despite our best efforts, a freak car accident can happen to anyone. The sickening crunch of metal bumper against metal bumper, the adrenaline-spiking loss of control of your vehicle, the disorientation… very few people can truly be ready for an unexpected collision.
The Howell Township car accident lawyers at Ellis Law have helped many clients through the immediate post-accident scenario all the way up to a successfully litigated court case for compensation. Let us help you take that first step toward collision readiness.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Howell Township?
As with any other region, drivers in Howell Township can succumb to distracted driving practices. Adjusting the GPS, eating a meal, and talking with passengers can all take your focus off the road, leading to accidents caused by your lack of attention. Texting, especially, can pose a hazard for drivers as sending a message requires physical and mental distraction.
Other drivers in the area disobey posted traffic signage, opting instead to drive at speeds that put themselves and others in danger. These choices can lead to rear-end, sideswipe, or head-on collisions.
New Jersey deals with almost 27,000 DUI incidents per year on average, and drivers in Howell Township are no exception: the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and reaction times, creating accident-prone conditions.
Lastly, New Jersey’s sometimes unpredictable weather, which can include heavy rain, snow, and ice, can threaten cars on the road and cause stress for drivers unfamiliar with inclement weather.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Howell Township?
After a car accident, you should always prioritize your safety and the safety of your passengers; get everyone out of the car, off the road, and to a place out of the way of traffic. Then, call 911 for medical aid and to report the accident.
Calling 911 here does several things: first, calling 911 will help you comply with New Jersey law. Car accident regulations in Howell Township mandate that you report your accident in case of injury, death, or property damage above $500. But perhaps more germane for you, the police report generated by the call will serve as evidence if you elect to pursue a civil claim down the road.
Second, medical personnel will not only help treat your visible and invisible bodily harm (concussions, nerve damage, and other internal damage can take a while to show symptoms), they will also generate a medical report that will show the extent of your injuries.
Once you have reported the accident, document the collision by taking pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Make sure to also collect the insurance information of the other involved drivers, as well as the contact information from any eyewitnesses.
Do You Need to Go to Court for a Car Accident Claim?
In some cases, you can settle out of court through a payout from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Though it may take a few tries—insurance adjusters tend to lowball the first few offers—many of our clients have received a payout that covered their accident-related expenses.
However, in other cases, the opposing party may dispute your version of the story, or the insurance company may refuse to pay you what you deserve. In these cases, you should consider hiring a seasoned car accident attorney and filing a civil lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Ellis Law, will help you gather all necessary evidence, negotiate on your behalf, protect your rights, and build your strongest possible case to claim the payout you are owed.
What Types of Compensation Can You Seek After a Car Accident?
The types of compensation you can claim for your car accident typically falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
‘Economic’ damages cover tangible losses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income through an inability to work.
‘Non-economic’ damages, on the other hand, do not correlate to a specific dollar amount. Rather, the court awards these damages to make up for subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some rare cases, the court may assign punitive damages in addition to everything else to punish the at-fault driver for especially reckless or egregious behavior and deter similar actions in the future.
One important note to keep in mind while calculating damages: New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence law. Under this law, if the court decides that you bore a certain percentage of fault in your accident, they can deduct your final payout by that percentage.
In other words, if they decide you were 15% at fault for your collision, you will see 15% less in compensation after everything is said and done.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Howell Township?
In New Jersey, personal injury claimants typically have two years from the date of their incident to file a civil lawsuit. This “statute of limitations” helps ensure that the memories of the involved parties, the testimonies of eyewitnesses, and the integrity of any evidence remain fresh. You will likely forfeit your right to claim your due compensation in court if you miss this two-year window.
However, certain circumstances could either increase or decrease during these two years. For instance, per New Jersey’s “discovery rule,” if you find out about your accident-related injury later on, the two-year time limit will start counting down from the day you found out about it.
Conversely, if the at-fault driver was operating a government vehicle in an official capacity, the statute of limitations is shortened to 90 days instead of two years.
Protect Your Rights After a Collision with the Howell Township Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law
If you have been in a car accident and need help covering your collision-related expenses, let the Howell Township car accident lawyers at Ellis Law assist you. We have helped many clients claim the compensation they deserve to cover their costs, and we will provide you with the personalized, dedicated legal service you need. Contact our Freehold, New Jersey, office at 732-308-0200 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
