Mt. Laurel Car Accident Attorneys

Serving Injured Victims of Car Crashes in Burlington County, NJ

Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and wrongful death in the United States. While they can happen in the blink of an eye, the effects of car accidents can last a lifetime. From costly medical bills and lost income to pain, suffering, and emotional trauma, victims and their loved ones must deal with many challenging issues in the aftermath of preventable collisions.

At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., our Mt. Laurel car accident lawyers help victims and families navigate the legal journey ahead. We work to recover the compensation they need for their damages, and our team has successfully recovered billions of dollars in compensation for clients throughout New Jersey.

Call (856) 263-4800 or contact us online to request a free consultation.

What Causes Car Accidents in Mt. Laurel, NJ?

Car accidents can be caused by a range of factors. While some collisions occur as a result of the victim’s negligence or an unavoidable situation, many others are caused by the careless, reckless, or negligent actions of others. When this is the case, victims and their families have the right to take legal action against the at-fault parties.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in New Jersey. It can involve any activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, talking to passengers, or using the car’s sound system.
• Drunk Driving: Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they can be held liable for the harm they cause others.
• Speeding: Speeding is another leading cause of car accidents in the United States. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to changes in traffic and are more likely to lose control of their vehicles.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving involves any action that puts others on the road at risk. This can include speeding, tailgating, running red lights, failing to yield, and other dangerous driving behaviors.
• Defective Auto Parts: In some cases, car accidents are caused by defective auto parts. This can include defective tires, brakes, steering systems, and more. When this is the case, the auto manufacturer or another party in the supply chain can be held strictly liable for the victim’s damages.
• Unsafe Roadways: Poorly designed or maintained roadways can also contribute to car accidents. When this is the case, the government entity responsible for roadway maintenance can be held liable for the victim’s damages.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it is always in your best interest to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you do not believe you were injured. A doctor can help identify any injuries you may have sustained and recommend appropriate treatment.

Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly thrust backward and then forward. It is a common car accident injury, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash can cause neck pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the body’s soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Strains, sprains, and contusions are all examples of soft tissue injuries that can occur in car accidents.
• Broken Bones: Broken bones can cause severe pain and limited mobility. Compound fractures, in which the bone protrudes through the skin, are common in high-impact car accidents.
• Head Injuries: Car accident victims can sustain head injuries when their head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or another object in the vehicle. Head injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, which can cause permanent cognitive deficits.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and other life-altering complications. They are most commonly caused by high-impact car accidents.
• Burns: Car accidents involving fires or explosions can cause severe burns, which can be painful and require extensive medical treatment.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and other debris in the vehicle can cause lacerations and other cuts that may require stitches.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries are injuries to the body’s internal organs. They can be life-threatening, and it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have suffered an internal injury in a car accident.

To recover compensation for your damages in a car accident claim, you will need to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you do not believe you were injured. A doctor can help identify any injuries you may have sustained and recommend appropriate treatment.

New Jersey Car Accident Laws

New Jersey is considered a no-fault car accident state. This means that in the event of a collision, rather than file a claim against the at-fault driver, parties must rely on their own insurance coverage to cover their losses.

In New Jersey, you are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which provides compensation for your medical bills and lost income, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, you can only file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the state’s “verbal threshold” or “limitation on lawsuit” threshold. This means that your injuries must meet certain criteria in order to file a claim for pain and suffering.

The verbal threshold only applies to pain and suffering. You can still file a claim for your economic damages, such as your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of the severity of your injuries.

If you have sustained a “serious injury” in a car accident in New Jersey, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for pain and suffering.

New Jersey law defines a “serious injury” as:

• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of a limb
• Loss of a fetus
• Permanent injury
• Permanent loss of a bodily function

It is important to note that New Jersey operates under a “comparative negligence” standard, which means that you can still recover compensation for your damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 10% at fault for the accident and your total damages were $100,000, you would only be able to recover $90,000.

Every state has a “statute of limitations” that determines how long you have to file a personal injury claim. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your car accident lawsuit within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation for your damages.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a car accident, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. While not every car accident claim requires the help of an attorney, it is always in your best interest to consult with an experienced lawyer about your case. They can help you understand your rights and legal options and guide you through the claims process.

A car accident lawyer can help you by:

• Investigating the Accident: An attorney can help investigate the accident and collect evidence that supports your claim. This can include pictures of the scene, videos, witness statements, and more.
• Calculating the Value of Your Claim: A car accident lawyer can calculate the value of your claim by taking into account all of your past and future damages, including your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
• Negotiating with the Insurance Company: An attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company and help negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
• Handling All Deadlines: There are strict deadlines for filing a car accident claim. An experienced lawyer can ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame and handle all other deadlines related to your case.

Our firm offers free initial consultations. Call us at (856) 263-4800 or contact us online to request yours today.