Highways in New Jersey, such as the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, are busy roads where accidents are unfortunately common. When car crashes occur on these high-speed roads, they often result in serious injuries, leaving victims dealing with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you’ve been injured in a car accident on a New Jersey highway, it’s important to know how to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
This blog will guide you through the steps you should take, from filing a car accident claim to working with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Causes of Highway Accidents
New Jersey’s highways see a wide range of accidents, often due to high traffic volume, excessive speeds, and sudden lane changes. Several factors contribute to these accidents, and understanding them can help strengthen your car accident claim if you were not at fault.
Common Causes of Highway Accidents:
These are the most common causes of highway accidents in New Jersey:
- Speeding: High speeds increase the risk of serious injuries in a car crash, and speeding drivers often have less time to react to changes on the road.
- Distracted Driving: From texting to eating while driving, distracted drivers are a leading cause of accidents on highways.
- Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, road rage, and aggressive lane changes can lead to dangerous collisions.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or snow can make highways slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue is particularly dangerous on highways, where long stretches of road can cause drivers to lose focus or fall asleep behind the wheel.
If any of these factors contributed to your accident, documenting them in your car accident claim is essential for proving fault and securing compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Highway Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident on a New Jersey highway, it’s critical to take certain steps right away to protect your rights and lay the foundation for a successful car accident claim.
1. Move to Safety (If Possible)
If the accident hasn’t left you seriously injured and your vehicle is operable, move it to the shoulder of the highway to avoid further collisions. Always turn on your hazard lights and exit the vehicle carefully.
2. Call 911
Even if the crash appears minor, it's essential to notify the police and file an official report. In New Jersey, a police report is a crucial piece of evidence in car accident claims, especially when determining liability. Make sure to give officers a clear and detailed account of the incident for accurate documentation.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It's crucial to get a medical evaluation right after the accident, even if you don’t notice any immediate symptoms. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or head injuries, may take time to show but can have serious consequences. Additionally, having medical records can play a vital role in supporting your car accident claim by providing clear evidence of your injuries and their impact on your health.
4. Collect Vital Crash Evidence
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gathering witness contact information can also support your claim if there is a dispute about who caused the accident.
5. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Before speaking with insurance companies or agreeing to any settlement, it’s important to consult a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in New Jersey
In New Jersey, car accident claims can be complex, especially if the accident occurred on a highway. Here’s what you need to know about the process of filing a claim.
No-Fault Insurance Laws
In New Jersey, your insurance typically covers medical bills and other costs following an accident, regardless of fault. This is part of the state's insurance structure aimed at quickly providing coverage. However, if your injuries are serious or the damages surpass your policy limits, you may have the option to pursue legal action against the driver who caused the accident. This allows you to seek additional compensation for your losses that go beyond what your insurance can cover.
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to act quickly after an accident, as New Jersey law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to secure compensation for your injuries.
Proving Fault in a Highway Accident
While New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system covers initial medical costs, you can pursue further compensation by proving that the other driver was at fault. A car accident lawyer can help collect evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction analysis to establish liability.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After a highway accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact of the accident on your life.
1. Medical Expenses
This includes both immediate medical costs, like emergency room visits and surgeries, and ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy or prescription medications.
2. Lost Wages
If your injuries have prevented you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income. If your injuries result in long-term disability, you may also be entitled to compensation for future earnings.
3. Pain and Suffering
In addition to financial losses, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. This can be particularly important if you’ve suffered severe or permanent injuries.
4. Property Damage
You can also seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged or totaled in the accident.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
Filing a car accident claim, especially after a serious highway accident, can be complicated. Insurance companies may offer settlements that don’t fully cover your damages, or they may try to downplay the severity of your injuries. A car accident lawyer will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer:
- Thorough Investigation: A lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and speak with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.
- Legal Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Need Help With a Car Accident Claim? Contact Camili & Capo, PA in New Jersey Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident on a New Jersey highway, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. At Camili & Capo, PA, our dedicated car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (973) 834-8457 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery after a car accident on one of New Jersey’s major highways.
