Do I need a lawyer to have an accident claim?
No, a lawyer is not required, but is certainly recommended. I would not advise dealing with seasoned insurance representatives without legal assistance. That would be like going to an IRS audit without your accountant.
How does a lawyer get paid for representing me in an accident claim?
Our firm gets paid on a contingency fee. That means that we only get paid if we win money for you.
If the accident wasn’t my fault, why does my insurance company have to pay my medical bills?
New Jersey is a “No-Fault” state. This usually means that regardless of who caused the accident, your insurance company is obligated to pay the majority of your medical bills. This makes it much easier to get immediate medical treatment for your accident-related injuries.
What’s the minimum amount of liability insurance available in NJ?
In most cases, the minimum amount of liability insurance available in New Jersey is $15,000/$30,000. That means that the total amount of coverage is $30,000 with no single claimant being able to collect more than $15,000.
What happens if I get hurt by a hit and run driver or an uninsured driver?
The majority of auto insurance policies sold in New Jersey have a separate endorsement for Uninsured Motorist benefits. That means if you are injured by an uninsured or unidentified driver, your insurance will cover your claim for injuries.
Can I go to any doctor I choose for treatment?
If you chose to have your auto insurance as the primary coverage for your accident-related medical bills, you can go to any doctor for treatment of your injuries.
Who pays my medical bills – my health insurance or my auto insurance?
That depends on which of those coverages you designated as primary when you bought your auto insurance.
What’s the Limited Right to sue? How do I know if I have it on my policy?
The Limited Right to Sue or Verbal Threshold is a type of coverage which makes it more challenging to recover money for injuries after an accident. You can check if you have that limitation on your policy by reviewing your auto insurance declaration page.
Can I have a case if I’ve been injured before?
Yes. You can make a claim for any injuries, even an injury that you have suffered prior to your accident.
What happens if my accident occurred while I was working?
If injured while working, you may also have a Workers’ Compensation claim. These are different than a simple accident claim. It is also possible to have both types of claims at the same time from one accident.
What percentage of my settlement is deducted as lawyers’ fee?
In New Jersey, lawyers charge one-third, or 33 1/3% of the amount recovered after expenses.
If I settle my case, can I reopen it later if my injuries get worse?
No. A claim for injuries cannot be re-opened if you settle it. (Under certain circumstances, Work-related accidents can be reopened).
How long do I have to decide if I want to pursue a claim for bodily injuries?
In New Jersey, under most circumstances, people injured in accidents have two years to file a lawsuit to pursue their case. There are exceptions, so please seek legal advice about your specific circumstances.
Can I still pursue an injury case if I did not go to the emergency room after an accident?
Yes. There is no requirement to go to the emergency room and no deadline within which to begin your accident-related treatment.