Car Accidents in Union County, NJ? Get the Compensation You Deserve with Brett M. Rosen, Esq.
Car Accident Attorney in Union County, NJ
Have you been injured in a car accident in Union County, New Jersey? The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, insurance claims, and the emotional toll can be daunting. You don’t have to face this alone. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is a leading personal injury law firm with a proven track record of helping car accident victims throughout Union County secure the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Brett M. Rosen, Esq. for Your Union County Car Accident Claim?
- Local Expertise: We have an in-depth understanding of Union County’s legal landscape, roads, and courts. This knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our clients.
- Proven Results: Our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for car accident victims. We are committed to achieving the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Client-Focused Approach: Your well-being is our priority. We provide personalized attention, compassionate support, and clear communication throughout your case. We will fight for your rights while guiding you through the legal process with empathy and understanding.
- No Win, No Fee Guarantee: You don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This ensures that you have access to top-quality legal representation without any financial risk.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Our firm has extensive experience handling a wide range of car accident cases in Union County, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents)
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Highway accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists
- Fatal car accidents
We Pursue Maximum Compensation for Your Losses
After a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, therapy, and medication.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work for recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or services of a loved one due to their injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault driver for particularly reckless or egregious conduct.
The Legal Process for Car Accident Claims in Union County
Understanding the legal process can help alleviate stress and ensure you know what to expect:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Seek medical treatment immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not manifest right away.
- Gather Evidence: Collect information at the scene if possible (photos, contact information of witnesses).
- Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to the police and to your insurance company, but be cautious of what you say.
- Consult with an Attorney: Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
- Investigation & Claim Filing: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and building a strong case for your claim. We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Litigation (If Necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
New Jersey’s “No-Fault” Insurance Law
New Jersey follows a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that your own insurance company will typically cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other damages if your injuries exceed a certain threshold. Our attorneys can help you navigate the intricacies of New Jersey’s no-fault law and determine the best course of action for your case.
Understanding UM/UIM Insurance in New Jersey: Protection When the Other Driver Can’t Pay
UM/UIM stands for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. It’s a crucial component of your auto insurance policy in New Jersey and serves as a safety net when the at-fault driver in an accident either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
How UM/UIM Insurance Works
UM/UIM insurance is designed to step in and protect you when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or non-existent. Here’s how it works:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This applies when the driver who caused your accident doesn’t have any liability insurance at all. Your own UM coverage will kick in to cover your injuries and damages, up to the limits of your policy.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: This comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully cover your expenses. Your UIM coverage will pay the difference between the at-fault driver’s coverage and your actual damages, again up to the limits of your policy.
Benefits of UM/UIM Insurance for Injured Drivers
UM/UIM insurance is vital for New Jersey drivers because it provides essential protection in situations where the at-fault driver can’t fully compensate you for your losses. Here’s how it helps:
- Covers Medical Expenses: UM/UIM can pay for your medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Compensates for Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, UM/UIM can cover your lost income.
- Pays for Pain and Suffering: In some cases, UM/UIM can even compensate you for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Protects You in Hit-and-Run Accidents: If you’re injured in a hit-and-run where the other driver is unidentified, your UM coverage can step in to help.
Important Considerations:
- Mandatory in New Jersey: UM/UIM bodily injury coverage is mandatory in New Jersey, but you can choose your coverage limits. It’s generally recommended to carry the same UM/UIM limits as your liability coverage.
- Filing a Claim: If you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance company.
- Legal Assistance: Navigating UM/UIM claims can be complex. It’s often wise to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with your insurance company for fair compensation.
Understanding New Jersey’s “Tort Threshold” Options for Car Accident Claims: Full Tort vs. Limited Tort
When you purchase car insurance in New Jersey, one crucial decision you’ll face is choosing between two options regarding your right to sue: “Full Tort” (also called “Zero Threshold”) and “Limited Tort” (sometimes referred to as “Verbal Threshold”). These options determine your ability to recover damages for pain and suffering after a car accident, significantly impacting your potential compensation.
Full Tort / Zero Threshold: Unrestricted Right to Sue
What It Means: With Full Tort coverage, you have an unrestricted right to sue the at-fault driver for all damages, including both economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). There is no threshold or minimum level of injury required to pursue compensation for these non-economic damages.
Advantages:
- Maximum Compensation: You can seek full compensation for all types of losses, including pain and suffering, which can be substantial depending on the severity of your injuries.
- Deterrent Effect: The possibility of being sued for all damages may deter other drivers from negligent behavior.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have full legal recourse can provide peace of mind in the event of an accident.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Premiums: Full Tort coverage typically comes with higher insurance premiums.
Limited Tort: Restrictions on Suing for Pain and Suffering
What It Means: With Limited Tort coverage, you waive your right to sue for non-economic damages (pain and suffering) unless your injuries meet certain thresholds defined by law. These thresholds include:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- Displaced fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent injury
If your injuries do not meet one of these thresholds, you are generally barred from suing for pain and suffering damages.
Advantages:
- Lower Premiums: Limited Tort coverage usually comes with lower insurance premiums, which can be attractive to budget-conscious drivers.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Compensation: If your injuries are serious but do not meet the defined thresholds, you may be unable to recover compensation for pain and suffering, even if you experience significant pain and disruption to your life.
- Increased Burden of Proof: If you are eligible to sue under Limited Tort, you will need to prove that your injuries meet one of the legal thresholds, which can be complex and require medical documentation.
Which Option is Right for You?
The decision between Full Tort and Limited Tort is a personal one and depends on your individual priorities and risk tolerance.
- Full Tort is often recommended for drivers who want maximum protection and the ability to seek full compensation in the event of an accident.
- Limited Tort may be suitable for those who prioritize lower insurance premiums and are willing to accept the risk of limited recovery for pain and suffering.
It’s crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option and discuss your specific needs with your insurance agent or an attorney.
How Brett M. Rosen, Esq. Can Help
Whether you have Full Tort or Limited Tort coverage, our experienced car accident attorneys at Brett M. Rosen, Esq. can help you understand your rights, assess your case, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. We will fight tirelessly to protect your interests and guide you through the legal process with expertise and compassion.
Common Car Accident Defenses
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may employ various tactics to minimize or deny your claim. Some common defenses they may raise include:
- Comparative Negligence: Arguing that you share some fault for the accident, which can reduce your compensation.
- Preexisting Conditions: Claiming that your injuries were pre-existing or not caused by the accident.
- Lack of Medical Evidence: Arguing that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that there is insufficient medical evidence to support your claim.
Our firm is well-versed in these tactics and will aggressively counter any arguments that attempt to undermine your right to fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a car accident lawyer cost? We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay us if we win your case. We will discuss our fee structure during your free consultation.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New Jersey? The statute of limitations for most car accident cases in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply. Our attorneys can help you navigate this situation and explore all available options.
Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer? It’s generally advisable to consult with an attorney before speaking to the insurance company. They may try to get you to make statements that could harm your case.
Don’t Delay – Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Union County, NJ, don’t wait. Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and explain how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 908-312-0368 to schedule your confidential and free consultation.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.