Car accidents are unfortunate but common in a busy, fast-moving city like Newark. Although a collision can happen in an instant, the damage can have a devastating and long-term impact on victims. Serious and even debilitating injuries, mounting medical bills for ongoing treatment, and emotional trauma can weigh on the lives of victims and the families who depend on them.
If you or a loved one is grappling with the aftermath of a crash, the support of a Newark car accident lawyer is critical for securing the financial relief needed for long-term recovery.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., our attorneys are dedicated representatives of accident victims injured due to the mistakes of negligent drivers. With decades of experience in personal injury law, we’re prepared to fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Drivers and passengers can suffer many injuries in a car accident. Some injuries we commonly see include:
- Whiplash,
- Bone and skull fractures,
- Muscle tears,
- Back and neck injuries,
- Broken ribs,
- Facial cuts and bruises,
- Burns,
- Organ damage,
- Concussions, and
- Other traumatic brain injuries.
Car accident injuries can be hard to predict in terms of severity. In many cases, seemingly minor accidents can lead to serious physical complications that aren’t immediately recognizable. That’s why it’s essential to always see a medical professional as soon as possible after a collision.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Newark
Collisions on the road can happen for a variety of reasons. In a large, dense city like Newark, the accident cases our attorneys frequently see include:
- Distracted driving—drivers texting, eating, putting on makeup, or otherwise taking attention off the street;
- Speeding—going faster than is safe for the area or the weather conditions;
- Reckless driving—dangerous behaviors like tailgating, running red lights, illegal passing; and
- Driving under the influence—drivers getting behind the wheel after using drugs or alcohol.
It’s impossible to avoid or escape risks on the road completely. However, understanding the common causes of crashes can help drivers take precautions to protect themselves.
Types of Damages for Car Accidents in New Jersey
Car accident victims in New Jersey may recover financial compensation or “damages” for the physical, financial, and emotional losses they suffer. Two main types of damages are available for car accident victims: economic and noneconomic.
The purpose of economic damages is to reimburse you for the financial losses involved in a
the crash, and can include:
- Medical bills—emergency treatment, surgeries, wound care, prescription medication;
- Future treatment expenses—follow-up visits, physical therapy, prosthetics, home care;
- Property damage—repairing or replacing your vehicle or other possessions;
- Lost wages—income and employment benefits you lost out on while recovering from injuries; and
- Reduced earning capacity—future income lost due to permanent or debilitating injuries that limit work opportunities.
Economic damages can include compensation for past and future financial losses linked to the crash. For example, imagine an accident victim who suffers a severe spinal injury in a car accident. Even after extended treatment and physical therapy, they still have chronic back pain and weakness. Before the accident, they worked in a well-paying and physically demanding role in construction. However, the long-term consequences of their injury demand they find lower-paying, more sedentary work. Because the victim’s injuries permanently reduced their earning capacity, they could recover damages to compensate for the difference between their past and present salaries.
Noneconomic damages work differently. They offer compensation for the losses from the accident that are harder to calculate, such as:
- Emotional distress,
- Pain and suffering,
- Disfigurement, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
These are real losses that weigh on accident victims. However, their financial value is subjective. Whether they’re available depends on the details of your case and the negotiation skills of your Newark car wreck lawyer.
Understanding New Jersey No-Fault Laws
Navigating New Jersey’s no-fault car insurance system can be challenging for accident victims.
The no-fault system aims to give accident victims financial support for important costs, such as medical expenses and lost wages, after an accident. Under this system, you file a claim with your personal injury protection insurance (PIP) for certain expenses, regardless of who was to blame for a crash.
If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may still be able to recover some damages from them. However, this depends on certain case-specific factors, such as your insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, and the degree of the other driver’s negligence.
An experienced auto accident lawyer in Newark can evaluate your situation in detail and help you understand your rights and options.
Why You Need an Auto Accident Attorney
Many car accidents are much more complicated than they seem. Even a relatively straightforward crash can leave victims with injuries that add to the already stressful claims process.
The support of a lawyer can help bring valuable legal insights and much-needed relief to your accident recovery. A Newark car accident attorney can help:
- Navigate the insurance claims process,
- Compile evidence from the crash to support your compensation claim,
- Handle communications with insurers and other drivers,
- Identify potentially liable parties,
- Evaluate insurer settlement offers,
- Calculate the short- and long-term value of your damages,
- Negotiate for you to receive the maximum compensation possible.
Don’t wait too long to speak to an attorney. New Jersey law only gives you two years from the date of your crash to take legal action. If you miss that deadline, you could lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.
Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C.: Your Newark Car Accident Lawyer
The path to recovery after the devastation of a crash is rarely straight. However, you don’t have to travel it alone. The attorneys at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., have over 30 combined years of experience fighting for injured victims in New Jersey. Our representatives are seasoned legal advocates passionate about helping people exercise their rights and recover compensation to rebuild their lives. We’ve helped our clients recover millions in damages and are prepared to help you. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today.
