Frequently Asked Questions About Car Crash Injuries
When you get behind the wheel of a car, you are trusting your life to others on the road. You drive respectfully and responsibly, you have a right to expect the same of others. Getting injured in an accident is the last thing you expect to happen, but every year, many thousands of drivers and passengers become the innocent victims of other drivers' negligence.
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If you have been injured in car, truck or motorcycle accident in New Jersey, you have the right to seek full and fair money damages for your medical bills, lost earnings and pain. The Seigel Capozzi Law Firm LLC, has been helping people fight for their rights after a motor vehicle accident for more than 35 years. We are recognized as throughout northern New Jersey for our successful representation that is always on focused on maximum compensation.
We invite you to read some of the typical questions our clients ask about premises liability accidents and injury claims. If you think you have a legitimate claim for money damages, contact us to arrange a free consultation.
How much money can I expect from a settlement or jury award?
As attorneys, we will never predict results. In fact, if you talk to a law firm that makes promises about a dollar figure, realize that this is improper and highly unethical. Each settlement or jury verdict is based on the circumstances of your medical injuries.
The accident wasn't my fault. Won't the insurance company handle everything?
Insurance companies keep their shareholders happy by paying attention to their bottom line. They have teams of defense lawyers whose job is to fight paying full and fair settlements. Most people who talk to us about their accident claim tell us they never thought they would have to sue to get a fair settlement. Standing up and fighting against a large corporation is difficult. Putting an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is your best option for recovering the money damages you are entitled to.
What if I was partially at fault?
New Jersey is a comparable damages state. That means the courts will rule on who was at fault and how much insurance liability should be assigned to each driver. If you are found 20 percent at fault, the other driver will still be responsible for 80 percent of your damages.
I was the passenger, but my driver was 100 percent at fault. Can I seek damages?
Passengers are nearly ALWAYS entitled to seek compensation, even if their driver was completely at fault. The only exception might be if you willingly rode with a driver whom you knew to be legally drunk at the time of the accident.
The other driver didn't have insurance? Now what?
It depends upon your own level of coverage for underinsured or uninsured motorists. New Jersey law makes auto insurance mandatory, with minimum levels required for personal injury liability. Unfortunately, the law is often ignored. When an accident happens with an uninsured driver, the victim will have to seek damages from his or her own policy. But guess what. Suddenly, your own insurance company treats you like a hostile claimant. Even after paying premiums for years and keeping your driving record clean, you will have to fight aggressively to get the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.
How do I know what my car crash injuries are worth?
You probably don't know. In fact, you won't know the full amount of your medical care and lost earnings until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). That's why our firm will never rush you into accepting a quick settlement. The insurance company would like nothing more than to dangle a dollar figure in front of you and hope you go away. Our firm only represents clients with cases involving serious and permanent injury. You may need a lifetime of medical care and financial support. We help you get it.
How much will it cost to file a lawsuit?
We offer a free consultation to discuss your claim. If we represent you, we will not charge attorneys' fees unless you win money in a settlement or jury award. Our fees will be based on a percentage of your settlement or verdict. There are typically some court expenses that you will be responsible for. There is never monies due to our firm unless there is a recovery.
What should I expect to happen during my lawsuit?
There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter personal injury or wrongful death case. Every case is different, and it is not easy to determine whether a case is likely to result in compensation under New Jersey law. It is important to discuss your accident with an experienced lawyer.
What kind of experience does Seigel Capozzi Law Firm LLC have in the area of motor vehicle accident claims?
We were founded in 1976. We have been successfully handling car crash and other motor vehicle accident claims from the very beginning, including:
- Car crashes
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- ATV, boating and recreational vehicle accidents
We have access to the top medical professionals and experts to help prepare a strong, clear case for damages.
Seigel Capozzi Law Firm LLC attorneys focus on one thing — your rights. Contact our offices to arrange a free consultation to discuss your car crash or motor vehicle accident claim with one of our trial lawyers today. From our offices in Ridgewood, we represent clients in the Newark area, the Passaic, Bergen and Hudson County regions, and throughout northern New Jersey.
