The injuries sustained by victims of motor vehicle accidents can be very serious, sometimes impeding their ability to work or provide for themselves or their families. Injuries from a car accident can result in high medical bills and other costs for rehabilitation, for example. If the injured party decided to engage in a lawsuit, the legal process that follows can be overwhelming. If you are injured in an automobile accident, you should consult with our car accident attorneys to help you understand your rights and proceed with appropriate legal claims. Friedman Schuman Layser has over 40 years of experience providing strong legal representation to clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who were injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence. Contact our firm to discuss your legal matter.
Driver negligence
Driver negligence can result in a serious car accident. While drivers have a responsibility and an obligation to remain alert while on the road, the unfortunate reality is that many people are distracted by devices, their surroundings, or other drivers on the road. Distracted driving can lead to a devastating accident, causing one or more people to suffer serious injury or death. However, distracted driving is not the only form of driver negligence that may cause an accident. Driving recklessly, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, bad weather, or sometimes bad luck, can result in a car accident crash. If you are injured in a car accident, you may be facing the overwhelming cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages because of your injuries.
Common car accident injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide array of potentially life-altering injuries. These can include traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, broken bones/fractures, sprains, emotional trauma, lacerations, disfigurement, and more. If you were injured in a car accident in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, you mustn’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give an experienced personal injury attorney a call. The car accident injury attorneys right here at Friedman Schuman Layser are dedicated to fighting for a swift recovery on your behalf.
After a car accident
When involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is imperative that the parties remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. If you are hurt, you should call 9-1-1 and request medical attention immediately. If you are able, you may also want to exchange information with the other individuals involved in the accident. Additionally, if possible, you should take pictures of the accident, obtain witness contact information, and keep a copy of all medical documentation pertaining to your injuries.
No-fault law in Pennsylvania
When an individual is injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, they are covered under the state’s no-fault laws. However, Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” or a “limited tort” state. This means that drivers have the option to decide whether their insurance is going to be a modified no-fault plan or a traditional no-fault plan.
No-fault law in New Jersey
New Jersey is a “no-fault” state and requires all motorists to purchase at least $15,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This means that when a driver is injured in an accident, his or her insurance should cover at least a portion of their medical bills.
Limited vs. Full Tort plans
Drivers in Pennsylvania have 45 days from the time they renew their car insurance to determine whether they want Limited or Full Tort insurance, also called a “tort plan.” Under a limited plan, drivers may seek damages for all economic expenses related to the accident. These may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other financial burdens caused by the accident. However, with this plan, injured drivers cannot seek damages for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, unless they meet the serious injury threshold. Under a Full Tort policy, injured drivers can seek financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages after an accident caused by another driver. Noneconomic damages can include loss of enjoyment of life and/or pain and suffering.
Comparative fault in New Jersey & Pennsylvania
New Jersey & Pennsylvania are known as “modified” comparative fault states. This means that when someone is injured in an accident, they may only seek compensation if they can prove that the other party was at least 50% at fault. That said, the percentage of fault you’re saddled with will impact the amount of compensation you receive. If you were 40% at fault for an accident, you will only receive 60% of the settlement you would’ve received, had the other driver been 100% at fault.
Statute of limitations in Pennsylvania & New Jersey
In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the statute of limitations for most auto accident claims is two years. This gives wrongfully-injured parties two years from the date their accident occurred to bring their personal injury claim. Waiting longer than two years ultimately results in injured parties losing their right to sue.
Contact our experienced car accident attorneys
If you were injured in an accident, it is important to have an experienced legal team on your side. The attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser have over 40 years of experience representing clients who have been injured in accidents. We are prepared to take on your case, look for evidence, speak with witnesses, and help you recover the compensation necessary to mitigate some of the costs related to your accident. We take pride in providing clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with the competent legal assistance they deserve through each phase of the process. If you require strong legal representation, contact Friedman Schuman Layser online or call us at our Pennsylvania office (215) 635-7212 or our New Jersey office (856) 452-3358 today for a free consultation.