New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer

Cars, 18-wheelers, trucks, and motorcycles are involved in accidents every day in New Jersey. Despite safe driving campaigns and the manufacturing of safer cars reducing the number of car accident victims, thousands still occur nationwide.

Of the more than 32,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States each year, over 500 happen in New Jersey. Non-fatal car accidents are even higher, with over 240,000 occurring annually in New Jersey. Consult a New Jersey car accident attorney at John Onal Personal Injury Lawyer for assistance. Having a car accident lawyer on your side could be beneficial to your case.

About John Onal Personal Injury Lawyer

John Onal Personal Injury Lawyer is an experienced New Jersey car accident law firm. We deal directly with the insurance companies and pursue compensation from all negligent parties who caused injuries. We handle injury evaluation, investigation, discovery, expert witness retention, litigation in court, and more.

Client care is our top priority. We recognize that this is your legal matter, and your injuries are at the heart of the case. We know that anyone dealing with the aftermath of a severe injury from a motor vehicle accident needs to have peace of mind about their legal case to focus on their own health and recovery.

We take the time to hear every detail of the accident and resulting injuries. We will investigate the accident to determine all causes and will bring legal claims against all responsible parties. This may include negligent motorists, passengers, product manufacturers, municipalities, insurance companies, and others.

We also deal directly with all insurance companies involved and assist clients with submitting necessary medical paperwork as needed. It is all part of our commitment to our clients. From start to finish, we will provide legal counsel with your best interests in mind, and we will always keep you updated on the steps we take on your behalf. If, at any time in the process, you have questions, we are always available to make things clear and understandable.

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In one recent year alone, there were over 276,000 car accidents in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Of those accidents, nearly 60,000 of them resulted in an injury. While the number of car accident-related injuries continues to decline, the number of accidents continues to rise due to car safety and other factors. Of the 60,000 injuries due to car accidents, 524 resulted in death.

Who Gets Into the Most Car Accidents?

The Garden State, New Jersey, witnesses a considerable number of car accidents each year. While the reasons can be myriad, certain causative factors prominently stand out.

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a significant issue, especially with the ubiquity of mobile phones. A driver's attention diverted for even a split second can result in disastrous consequences. According to recent statistics, New Jersey experienced over 1,000 car crashes in a single year due to handheld cell phone use while driving. Texting, scrolling through social media, or answering a call can divert one's focus, increasing the risk of an accident manifold.

• Drunk Driving: Drunk driving remains a pressing concern on New Jersey's roadways. Alcohol impairs judgment, hampers reflexes, and reduces the overall ability to react promptly to unforeseen circumstances. Nearly a third of all car accidents in the state are traced back to driving under the influence. This underscores the importance of stringent measures and public awareness campaigns to curb this behavior.

• Young Drivers: Young drivers, especially those who've recently acquired their licenses, often lack the experience to anticipate hazards and react appropriately. Their inexperience, combined with overconfidence or peer pressure, can be a recipe for disaster. Younger drivers are significantly more prone to being involved in car-related mishaps compared to their older counterparts.

Types of Car and Motor Vehicle Accidents

We handle cases including:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Passenger Accidents
• Hazardous Roadways
• Bus Accidents
• Uber & Lyft Accidents
• Rideshare Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents

What to Do Following a Car Accident?

Get medical help right away. Your well-being should be your primary concern, so seek immediate help if needed. Keep a copy of all your medical records.

Call the police and obtain a police report. This is the official public report of the incident and is extremely valuable in the event you need to file a claim later on. The police report contains key information regarding the details of your accident, including the identities of the parties involved, their insurance companies, and the police officer's impressions of the accident scene.

Contact a lawyer who focuses on car accident claims. It's always a good idea to consult a legal professional early in the process, so we can gather key evidence and properly prepare your claim. Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no fee unless you recover compensation.

Have your lawyer handle all insurance communications. This includes contacting your insurance company — even if you were not at fault — to notify them of the accident and ask about your coverage and what you deserve. They may cover medical treatments and other damages.

It's a good idea to avoid social media. Insurance companies can use your comments and photographs against you later on. Your lawyer can advise on specific questions you have about what not to do following your crash.

Insurance Requirements in New Jersey

In New Jersey, motorists must meet certain minimum insurance requirements to cover costs in the event of an auto accident. The minimum required coverage includes:

• Liability insurance: These policies cover damages if you are at fault in an accident. The minimum limits are:
• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for property damage per accident

• Personal injury protection (PIP): This covers your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault. The minimum limit is $15,000 per person, per accident, up to $250,000 for certain injuries, like permanent or significant brain injury, spinal cord injury, disfigurement, or other severe injuries.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: While not mandatory, it's highly recommended to purchase this coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage covers your expenses if you're in a car crash with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance.

Is New Jersey a No-Fault State for Accidents?

New Jersey is a "choice no-fault state," meaning drivers can choose between "no-fault" and "standard" policies. A no-fault policy, also known as a basic policy, has lower limits and doesn't include liability coverage for bodily injury. While the basic policy usually has cheaper premiums, it can expose drivers to potential risks. Without adequate coverage, a driver might have to pay out-of-pocket for significant expenses, especially if they're deemed at fault in an accident.

A standard policy includes higher limits and additional coverage options. Unlike the basic policy, the standard policy includes bodily injury coverage. This ensures that if you're at fault in an accident, your own insurance company can cover the other party's medical bills up to the policy limit.

In addition to helping you pursue an insurance claim to recover compensation, our experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys can help you understand your policy and coverage in the event of an accident.

What Should I Do if I'm in an Automobile Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Getting into a car accident is traumatic enough, but discovering that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. In New Jersey, as in many states, it's a legal requirement for drivers to have auto insurance. However, some drivers either don’t have insurance at all or carry only the minimum required, which may not be enough to cover the damages in the event of a significant accident. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this predicament:

Your Rights and Options

You should follow the same steps after an accident with an uninsured motorist as you would in any other car crash.

• Report the Accident: Always report the accident to the police, even if the other driver pleads with you not to. Having an official record of the accident can protect your rights.

• Gather Evidence: Document the scene of the accident. This includes taking photos of the damages, collecting witness statements, and noting the details of the accident.

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your primary concern, so seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.

• Contact an Attorney: An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with an uninsured motorist. They can help you explore other avenues for compensation, such as your own uninsured motorist coverage.

The Financial Burden Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can create a significant financial burden for victims and their families. Costs can include medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, there may be long-term financial impacts if the victim is left with a permanent disability or requires ongoing medical care.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

The value of a car accident claim can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case. Factors that can influence the value of your claim include:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of your medical treatment
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand the potential value of your claim and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Car Accident?

While it is possible to handle a car accident claim on your own, having an experienced lawyer on your side can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can also represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

How an Experienced New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Protects Your Rights

An experienced car accident attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case.



Contact a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don't hesitate to contact John Onal Personal Injury Lawyer. Our dedicated team of experienced car accident attorneys is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.