Many unsuspecting motorists suffer car crashes because of other drivers’ careless or reckless behavior. There are numerous forms of negligence that can lead to car accidents. Furthermore, the aftermath of such accidents can be painful and distressing for victims.
Fortunately, you may recover financial compensation for damages related to your car accident. However, the road to recovery can differ depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash. A car accident lawyer can help determine the appropriate next steps after an accident.
If you were injured because of a car accident in Parlin, NJ, get help recovering the compensation available to you. Contact our experienced Parlin car accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Who Can File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Parlin, NJ?
New Jersey follows no-fault car insurance rules. This means that after many accidents, injured motorists must seek compensation from their own insurance company. These claimants will only be able to recover economic damages related to their accidents. Economic damages refer to verifiable financial losses like medical expenses.
However, under certain circumstances, car accident lawsuits may be filed against at-fault drivers. Plaintiffs in car accident cases will be able to recover both economic and noneconomic damages related to their accidents. Non-economic damages include compensation for non-monetary losses like physical pain and emotional anguish.
When purchasing a car insurance policy in New Jersey, vehicle owners must choose between a “limited right to sue” or an “unlimited right to sue.” The unlimited right to sue option is more expensive but allows policyholders to hold at-fault drivers responsible for any accident. Those who choose the limited right to sue will only be able to file car accident lawsuits after crashes that result in the following:
- Substantial disfigurement
- Substantial scarring
- Loss of a body part
- Loss of a fetus
- A displaced fracture
- A permanent injury
- Death
It can be difficult for victims to determine if they have a right to sue. Some people may be unaware of the type of insurance they chose. Furthermore, there are several types of injuries that may fall into one of the aforementioned categories. Accordingly, the assistance of our experienced Parlin car accident lawyers can be very helpful when assessing the legal options available to you.
Settling a Car Accident Lawsuit vs. Taking a Car Accident Lawsuit to Trial in Parlin, NJ
In most car accident lawsuits, plaintiffs must make the difficult decision of reaching a settlement agreement or taking their case to trial. A settlement agreement is a form of legal contract between the plaintiff and the defendant. After reaching a settlement agreement, the defendant will pay an agreed-upon amount to the plaintiff in exchange for their lawsuit being voluntarily dismissed. By settling early, you will have the opportunity to recover compensation more quickly. Furthermore, parties who settle early will save on the expensive costs that accompany taking a case to trial. Those who go to trial may incur travel costs, filing fees, expert witness fees, among other expenses.
By taking your case to trial, you will have the opportunity to recover further compensation. Not all settlement offers are adequate. Most defendants and their insurance companies wish to settle cases for as cheaply as possible. If plaintiffs are successful at trial, they may recover the full value of their claim. However, those who are unsuccessful at trial may receive nothing. Our experienced Parlin car accident lawyers can help assess the true value of your case, so you can decide if going to trial is the right decision for you.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Parlin, NJ
Drivers are expected to use reasonable care when travelling on public roads. When drivers act negligently, severe crashes can occur. The following are common forms of negligence that lead to car accidents in Parlin, NJ:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Motorists can be distracted by taking their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their attention off the task of driving. Some activities, like texting, involve multiple forms of distraction. The following are examples of activities that frequently distract drivers in Parlin:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Viewing social media on a mobile phone
- Entering information into a GPS
- Choosing music to play on a stereo
- Eating or drinking
- Talking with other passengers
There are many other activities that can potentially distract motorists. If you were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Parlin car accident lawyers can help pursue financial compensation.
Improper Lane Chances
Improper lane changes can occur when a motorist fails to use their turn signals before changing lanes or attempts to change lanes in an illegal zone. Such conduct is another common cause of car crashes in Parlin.
Accidents involving improper lane changes frequently occur on highways, where vehicles are travelling at high speeds. Accordingly, many of these crashes lead to serious injuries. Victims of accidents caused by improper lane changes may be entitled to several categories of monetary damages.
Speeding
Speeding is also a common cause of car accidents in Parlin. Drivers travelling at high speeds will be unable to properly react to vehicles and other hazards in their path. For example, a motorist travelling at excessive speeds on a highway may be unable to brake in time if the car in front of them slows down. Furthermore, accidents that occur at high speeds are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries.
Drunk Driving
Lastly, many accidents are caused by drunk drivers. Drunk motorists will exhibit impaired vision and slow reaction times. Additionally, drunk drivers are prone to making poor decisions behind the wheel. Our experienced Parlin car accident lawyers can help gather evidence to prove that a drunk driver was at fault for an accident.
If You Were Injured Because of a Car Accident in Parlin, NJ, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of a car accident, seek support from our experienced Parlin car accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.