Bergen County Car Accident Lawyers

Tens of thousands of people are injured every year in New Jersey car accidents, and hundreds of lives are lost on the state’s roads annually. If you’ve been seriously hurt in one of these vehicle collisions or have lost a loved one in an auto accident, you might be unsure about what to do next. Often, obtaining the relief you’re entitled to requires a skillful attorney. At Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC in Glen Rock, our Bergen County car accident lawyers have secured substantial compensation for car accident victims for more than three decades. Contact our firm today so we can get started working on your case.

Car Accident Lawyers Serving Clients in Northern New Jersey

Here at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC, our Bergen County personal injury lawyers understand how unsettling it is to deal with the fine print in an insurance policy and the discomfort of lingering injuries. You need to focus your energy on healing and rehabilitation so your life can get back to normal. Whatever your particular claim entails, we are determined to pursue all avenues of legal recovery so that you don’t suffer lasting economic harm.

While this may all be foreign to you, it is second nature to us. Enforcing your rights is our business and our strength – whether that means holding an insurance company or another negligent driver accountable. Our job is to do everything within our power to make sure you receive full compensation and proper care. We can’t undo all the damage done by a sudden accident, but we will make sure you don’t face these difficulties alone and we will do our utmost to make sure that justice is done.

Major Causes of Car Accidents

Factors that commonly contribute to car, truck, and motorcycle accidents include:

• Drunk and drug-impaired driving: Most New Jersey drivers are considered legally intoxicated if their blood-alcohol concentration is .08 percent or higher. However, even if a motorist is not cited for DWI, their ability to drive safely might have been impaired by drinking or drugs.
• Failure to adjust to conditions: Winter weather, rain, sun glare, and poor road conditions make operating a vehicle more difficult. Someone who fails to modify their driving in light of these hazards could be held liable for a crash.
• Driver fatigue: Drowsiness affects the reaction time of someone behind the wheel in the same way that alcohol does. When investigating a crash, we examine the facts to determine if driver fatigue contributed to the collision.
• Traffic offenses: Many auto accidents are triggered by traffic offenses such as speeding, running a red light, and reckless driving. Cameras, in-car technology, and physical evidence can show if a motorist committed a violation regardless of if they were ticketed by police.
• Smartphones and other distractions: A driver who turns their attention away from the road because they’re looking at their smartphone, eating, or doing something else puts everyone at risk. Witness testimony and other evidence might be used to prove that the other driver was distracted right before impact.

Regardless of what led to your collision, you deserve an experienced injury attorney who understands how to maximize the financial recovery you receive in a lawsuit or insurance claim.

PIP Coverage in New Jersey

New Jersey is a “no-fault” auto insurance state, which means most drivers usually can only seek payment for collision-related damages from their own carrier. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills and lost wages stemming from the accident. However, in serious accidents, direct action can be taken against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. Under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8, the injury must fall into one of six categories: death, dismemberment, loss of a fetus, significant disfigurement or scarring, a displaced fracture, or a permanent injury proven by objective medical evidence. Our firm will review the provisions of your policy and explain what your best option is given the facts of the crash. We also assist with Uninsured Motorist claims if the liable driver lacks sufficient coverage.

Which Tort Option Did You Choose?

Your recovery may hinge on a box someone checked when the policy was written. Drivers who selected Limitation on Lawsuit, the cheaper option, must clear the six-category threshold above before recovering for pain and suffering. Drivers with No Limitation on Lawsuit face no such barrier. Your declarations page will say which you have, and the election binds household relatives who lack their own policy.

How Do I Prove a Permanent Injury?

Most disputes turn on the sixth category. A physician’s certification, supported by objective testing such as MRI or nerve conduction studies, must show the injury has not healed to normal function and will not with further treatment. Subjective complaints alone will not suffice.

What If PIP Runs Out or the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

Standard PIP is $15,000 per person, which serious injuries exhaust quickly, though higher limits and up to $250,000 for catastrophic injury may be available. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage on your own policy steps in.

Steps To Take After a Car Accident

In the moments following a car accident, the decisions you make can significantly impact your health, safety, and potential legal claim. If you’ve been involved in a collision, it’s important to follow these steps to protect your well-being and your rights:

1. Ensure Safety: Your first priority should be your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and, if available, use cones or flares to alert other drivers. Call 911 to report the accident, even if the damage appears minor.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, injuries such as whiplash or internal trauma can manifest later. It is important to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Medical documentation is also critical evidence in personal injury claims.
3. Document the Scene: If you are physically able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses, as their statements could help support your case.
4. Exchange Information: Get the name, contact details, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. However, avoid discussing fault or making statements about the cause of the accident, as these can be used against you later.
5. Report to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance carrier of the accident as soon as possible. Keep your statements factual, and avoid speculating on fault. It’s a good idea to consult with an attorney before giving any recorded statements or signing any insurance documents.
6. Consult with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer: Speaking with an attorney before negotiating with insurance companies or the other driver’s representatives can help ensure that you are fully protected. A skilled lawyer can review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Filing Your Claim On Time

In New Jersey, car accident victims must act promptly to preserve their legal rights. The state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you are injured in a car crash, you have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Failing to file within this time frame can result in the loss of your right to pursue legal action, no matter how strong your case may be. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the accident victim is a minor or if the injury is not immediately apparent, the filing deadline may be extended. It’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.

In addition to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, there are also notification deadlines for claims involving government entities, such as accidents caused by municipal vehicles or poor road maintenance. In such cases, you may be required to file a formal notice of your claim within 90 days of the accident.

The 90-Day Trap

The 90-day notice for public entities is easy to miss and fatal to a claim. A pothole, a missing sign, or a collision with a municipal vehicle all trigger it. If a crash proved fatal, our wrongful death lawyers preserve that deadline immediately while the investigation continues.

New Jersey Car Accident FAQ

Can I still sue if I have the verbal threshold?

Yes, in many cases. The threshold limits pain-and-suffering claims only. Economic losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage remain recoverable regardless. And if your injury meets one of the six statutory categories, the threshold is cleared and non-economic damages are back on the table.

The insurer offered me a settlement. Should I take it?

Not before an attorney reviews it. Early offers usually arrive before the full extent of an injury is known, and once you sign a release the claim is closed permanently.

Contact Our Glen Rock Car Accident Lawyers Today

Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC seeks compensation for car accident victims in litigation and auto insurance claims. For a consultation regarding your legal options, please don’t hesitate to contact our seasoned Bergen County car accident lawyers today.