If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. The time following an accident can be stressful and confusing. With the assistance of an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney, you can effectively assert your rights. Below are just a few things you can do to preserve your rights after a motor vehicle accident.
1) Contact an experienced Car Accident Injury Lawyer
An experienced attorney will be able to assess the facts of your case and advise as to any pressing legal issues. For example, in New Jersey the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for an automobile accident injury is typically 2 years from the date of the accident. If necessary, an attorney can quickly and effectively file your claim with the proper court to preserve your claim. In addition, there are special rules for obtaining medical coverage under your own automobile insurance policy that an attorney can assist with.
2) File a Claim For Personal Injury Protection Benefits
You will need to notify your own auto insurance company shortly after the accident as you may be entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. PIP is a no-fault form of insurance that provides benefits for medical treatment to injured motorists under their own primary insurance policy, without regard to who was at fault in the accident. Because many insurance companies have strict reporting guidelines in order to qualify for PIP coverage, it is generally advisable to contact your insurance company shortly after an accident to report it. An experienced attorney can assist and guide you in this process.
3) Gather all Applicable Documentation
You and your attorney will need to prove that you were injured due the negligent act or omission of another party or parties, and that you have suffered economic and/or noneconomic damages. It is thus important that you keep accurate records of all losses you sustain. This includes medical records, work records, bills and any other records that document how you have been damaged. Additionally, you will need to obtain a copy of your insurance policy, the at-fault driver’s contact and insurance information, and any documentation that may have been gathered or generated at the scene of the accident, such as a police report, pictures and witness information.
4) Determine if You Have a Valid Basis to Bring a Third-Party Lawsuit
Meet with the New Jersey personal injury attorney you have chosen to review the details of your case and the documentation you have gathered. The attorney will use this information to determine if you have a valid basis to pursue a claim against the negligent party or parties that caused your injuries. At The Reinartz Law Firm, we accept these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only receive a fee if we obtain a settlement or judgment in your favor. If we do not obtain a
