Personal Injury Lawyer in Jersey City
An accident can leave you with physical or emotional injuries and leave you uncertain about your future. An expensive treatment plan and lost productivity can disrupt your finances.
Under New Jersey law, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims, which can frustrate your recovery efforts from the injury.
Our experienced Jersey City personal injury lawyers at Reinartz Law Firm understand the hurdles of pursuing compensation and are committed to protecting your rights. We investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case against the negligent party.
Whether injured in a car accident, slip and fall, workplace incident, or dog attack, we work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Table of Contents
- Jersey City Personal Injury: Key Takeaways
- Why Choose Our Jersey City Personal Injury Attorneys?
- How Much Is a Personal Injury Claim Worth?
- Where Do Personal Accidents Occur in Jersey City
- Jersey City Personal Injury Attorney
- Fighting the Insurance Company
- What to Do after a Personal Accident
- Let Us Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
- Frequently Asked Questions
Jersey City Personal Injury: Key Takeaways
- New Jersey law allows you to seek compensation for injuries caused by another's negligence, covering medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- The state's modified comparative fault rule may reduce your compensation if you share some blame, but you can still recover damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault.
- You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey, so act promptly.
- Insurance companies often use tactics to limit payouts; a lawyer handles all communication and negotiations to protect your claim's value.
- Our firm provides a free consultation to evaluate your case and operates on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- Our lead attorney was named one of New Jersey's 'Top 100 Trial Lawyers' for proven results and skilled client service.
- Our litigation experience motivates insurers to offer fair settlements to avoid costly trials.
Why Choose Our Jersey City Personal Injury Attorneys?
Working with our personal injury lawyers enhances your ability to secure the financial resources you need for your recovery. We build a comprehensive claim that accounts for all of your current and future damages.
Our lead attorney’s inclusion in the ‘Top 100 Trial Lawyers’ in New Jersey by the National Trial Lawyers reflects a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
How Much Is a Personal Injury Claim Worth?
There is no average value for a personal injury claim. The outcome depends on the facts and circumstances of the incident. Some of the factors that influence the value of a personal injury include:
Severity of the Injury
The extent and nature of your injuries can determine whether you’ll receive a higher or lower settlement value. Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe burns result in higher settlements due to their life-altering impact.
Victims of severe injuries receive a higher settlement value to cater for extensive medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and permanent disability. Minor injuries like sprains or bruises generally yield lower settlement amounts.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
New Jersey applies the shared liability rule, so if you bear partial responsibility for the accident, the court will reduce your compensation accordingly. If you hold 50 percent or less of the fault, you can still recover damages, but your share of fault will reduce the amount you receive.
For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 20 percent responsible, you'll receive $80,000. However, you cannot recover compensation if you're more than 50 percent at fault. Our personal injury lawyers can use evidence to prevent you from being falsely accused of the crash.
Availability of Evidence
Strong evidence strengthens your case and increases potential compensation. Clear documentation, including police reports, witness statements, accident scene photographs, medical records, and professional testimony, can validate your compensation claim.
Video footage can also show the events leading to the accident, identify liable parties, and prove the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies may dispute liability or the extent of your injuries without sufficient evidence, potentially reducing your settlement.
Insurance Coverage of the Negligent Party
The at-fault party's insurance policy limits directly impact your potential recovery. Even with a strong case, you cannot recover more than the available insurance coverage without pursuing the defendant's assets.
If the negligent party carries minimum coverage but your damages exceed those limits, recovery options become limited.
Conversely, defendants with substantial insurance policies or personal wealth have better prospects for full compensation. The negligent party's insurance coverage influences settlement negotiations and litigation strategies.
Duration of Recovery Period
An extended period during recovery increases claim values due to accumulated medical expenses, prolonged lost earnings, and sustained pain and suffering. Injuries requiring months or years of treatment justify higher compensation.
Permanent disabilities or conditions requiring lifetime medical care command the highest settlements. Conversely, injuries with quick recovery periods typically result in lower awards since the economic and personal impact remains limited.
Where Do Personal Accidents Occur in Jersey City
Vehicle accidents contribute to a significant share of personal accidents in Jersey City. Although they can occur in any part of the city, road users are vulnerable in specific zones. Here are particular roads where vehicle accidents occur:
- Kennedy Boulevard: Kennedy Boulevard is a major thoroughfare known for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents, especially during rush hours. The numerous intersections along Kennedy Boulevard can be hazardous, making it a hotspot for vehicle crashes.
- Route 440: A busy highway that runs through Jersey City, Route 440 is a common site for accidents, particularly due to its high speeds and congestion. Accidents on Route 440 can lead to severe or fatal injuries.
- Tonnelle Avenue: Tonnelle Avenue sees its fair share of accidents, often involving multiple vehicles and resulting in serious injuries. The intersection points along Tonnelle Avenue expose distracted drivers to the risk of collisions.
- West Side Avenue: This bustling avenue is prone to accidents, especially at its various intersections and junctions. Negligent driving behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving can escalate the risk of accidents on West Side Avenue, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness.
- Newark Avenue: As a central thoroughfare in Jersey City, Newark Avenue experiences dense traffic, which increases the likelihood of accidents. Collisions on Newark Avenue can occur due to congestion, driver impatience, and failure to yield.
Jersey City Personal Injury Attorney
When you've suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence in Jersey City, securing experienced legal representation can protect your legal right to compensation. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys at Reinartz Law Firm, understand New Jersey law and have helped countless injured victims.
We can represent you if injured in the following accidents:
- Car Accidents: Whether you were a driver, passenger, or pedestrian involved in a car accident, our personal injury attorneys can initiate your insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
- Dog Bites: If you've suffered injuries from a dog bite or attack, our personal injury attorney can initiate legal action against the negligent pet owner.
- Construction Accidents: Construction sites have numerous hazards, including falls, electrocution, and struck-by incidents. Our personal injury attorneys can advocate for your rights if you've injured while working on or visiting a construction site.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving commercial trucks can result in severe injuries. Our personal injury lawyers know how to handle truck accident cases and can fight for your rights against trucking companies and their insurers.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road. If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our personal injury lawyers can pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians risk serious injuries when involved in vehicle accidents. Our personal injury attorneys can provide the legal support you need to recover from injury-related losses.
- Workers' Compensation: Our personal injury attorneys can guide you through the workers' compensation process to ensure you receive maximum benefits for your losses.
- Rideshare Accidents: Our personal injury lawyers handle the complexities of rideshare accident claims and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Reinartz Law Firm can also represent you if you sustain various types of injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Chest Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Internal Organ Damage
- Nerve Damage
- Amputation
Fighting the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses that employ numerous tactics to minimize payouts on legitimate claims. Our experienced Jersey City personal injury attorneys understand these strategies and fight aggressively to protect your interests throughout the claims process.
Handling Communications
Insurance adjusters actively gather information, including details that can damage your claim. They may ask leading questions to elicit statements likely to shift blame to you or harm your claim.
Our personal injury attorneys can handle all communications with insurance companies, preventing you from inadvertently damaging your case.
Negotiating With Insurers
Effective negotiation requires comprehensive knowledge of personal injury law, case valuation, and insurance company tactics. Our personal injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations and gather compelling evidence, which allows us to build strong cases.
When insurers offer inadequate settlements, we counter with evidence-based arguments that highlight the actual value of your claim, often leading to higher settlement offers.
Representation in Court
We're prepared to take your case to trial if negotiations with insurers are not fruitful. Our personal injury lawyers have courtroom experience and litigation skills, which allow us to represent you in court.
We can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make compelling arguments before a judge or jury. Our litigation experience often motivates insurers to offer fair settlements to avoid the risk and uncertainty of a trial.
What to Do after a Personal Accident
After a personal accident, your actions can enhance your wellness and protect your legal rights. For example, you should seek immediate medical attention to create a link between the accident and your losses.
You should also speak with our personal injury lawyers after an injury due to someone else’s negligence. They will advise you after the incident so you can make decisions that protect your legal right to compensation.
New Jersey’s personal injury statute of limitations, found in N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, generally requires you to file a lawsuit within two years of the date of your injury. Failing to act within this deadline typically means you lose your right to seek compensation forever.
Our personal injury attorneys understand the timelines that apply to your case and will initiate your claim in time to protect your legal right to compensation.
Let Us Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
An injury impacts more than just the victim; it also affects the quality of life for their loved ones. They may have to take time off work to provide care, cover household responsibilities, or meet unexpected expenses like home modifications.
These sacrifices can lead to lost income, financial strain, and emotional stress. Our Jersey City personal injury lawyers work to prove these ripple effects by gathering pay stubs, medical records, and testimony from family members. We handle the legal process and pursue maximum compensation.
Our Jersey City personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. You can count on us to handle the legal aspects of your claim as you focus on recovery.
At Reinartz Law Firm, we present compelling evidence to insurers or in court in pursuit of a fair and just settlement for your losses. Contact us online or at (201) 289-8614 to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if My Injury Happened at Work?
If your injury occurred at work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits covering medical expenses and lost income. However, if a third party caused your accident, you might also have a personal injury claim.
Our Jersey City personal injury lawyers can evaluate your case, identify all available compensation options, and initiate a workers' comp or third-party claim.
What Damages Can I Recover in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, personal injury victims can recover economic damages like medical expenses, lost earnings, and out-of-pocket expenses. You can also recover non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A judge or jury may award you punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the applicable damages in your claim and can support your compensation claim.
How do I pay my medical bills while my personal injury case is ongoing?
Your health insurance should be your first source for paying medical bills. If you do not have health insurance, or if your coverage is insufficient, we can help you explore other options. In some cases, medical providers will agree to treat you under a medical lien, which means they agree to wait for payment until your case settles.
What should I avoid doing after an accident?
- After an accident, you should avoid several actions to protect your health and your legal claim.
- Do not post details about the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the at-fault party's insurance adjuster without first speaking to an attorney.
- Finally, do not accept a quick settlement offer, as it will likely not cover the full extent of your damages.
Do I have to go to court to get compensation?
Most personal injury cases resolve through a negotiated settlement without ever going to court. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which puts us in a strong negotiating position.
This thorough preparation often convinces the insurance company to offer a fair settlement to avoid trial. If a fair agreement is not possible, we are fully prepared to represent your interests in court.
What is the difference between a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit?
A workers' compensation claim is an administrative process for employees injured on the job. It provides no-fault benefits for medical treatment and lost wages, meaning you do not have to prove your employer was negligent.
A personal injury lawsuit is a civil action filed against a negligent third party (someone other than your employer or a coworker) who caused your injury.
For example, if a delivery driver from another company hits you at your workplace, you may have both a workers' comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit against that driver.
