Nobody wants to handle the aftermath of a car accident by themselves. And they shouldn’t have to. At Shebell & Shebell, we want you to know you’re not alone. Our team of compassionate New Jersey car accident lawyers is here to support you during this time.

While you focus on healing, we’ll handle your car accident case. Our goal is to safeguard your rights and get you the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

 

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Why Should You Hire a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer?

Just the thought of trying to juggle physical injuries, medical bills, and lost wages after a serious car accident can cause an immense amount of stress.

This is where hiring a skilled New Jersey car accident lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your case and your overall recovery journey.

When you work with a lawyer at Shebell & Shebell, you gain access to:

1. Experience with New Jersey laws:

New Jersey’s car accident and insurance laws are intricate and constantly evolving. Our attorneys live and breathe them every day.

2. Proper valuation of your claim:

Understanding the true value of your claim goes far beyond tallying up current medical bills. We take a comprehensive approach, considering:

• Long-term medical needs and rehabilitation costs
• Future lost earnings and impact on your career trajectory
• Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life
• Potential for punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Our experience allows us to accurately project these costs, so we pursue full and fair compensation that accounts for your current and future needs.

3. Negotiation skills:

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. Our lawyers level the playing field. They have a deep understanding of insurance company tactics and how to counter them.

Our goal is to secure a settlement that truly reflects the impact of the accident on your life, not just what the insurance company initially offers.

4. Court representation:

While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. If a fair agreement can’t be reached from the other side, we’re prepared to take your case before a judge and jury.

5. Peace of mind:

Hiring us allows you to focus on your recovery. We take on the burden of:

• Handling all communication with insurance companies and other parties
• Managing deadlines and filing necessary paperwork
• Gathering and preserving evidence
• Coordinating with medical providers and other experts
• Keeping you informed about your case’s progress without overwhelming you with legal jargon.

Remember, the decisions you make in the days and weeks following your accident can have lasting impacts. By choosing Shebell & Shebell, you gain a committed advocate and support system to guide you through this time.

What are the Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Understanding the cause of your accident can help your lawyer establish liability, guide the investigation process, and impact the compensation you may receive.

1. Distracted Driving: Some examples include:
   • Texting or using a smartphone
   • Eating or drinking
   • Applying makeup or grooming
   • Adjusting the radio or GPS
   • Talking to passengers
2. Drunk Driving: Despite strict laws, drunk driving remains a serious problem. It impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases reckless behavior.
3. Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a hazard.
4. Reckless Driving: This includes behaviors like:
   • Tailgating
   • Weaving through traffic
   • Running red lights or stop signs
   • Making improper turns
5. Poor Weather Conditions: While drivers can’t control the weather, they are expected to adjust their driving accordingly.
6. Vehicle Defects: Sometimes, the fault lies not with a driver but with a vehicle manufacturer.
7. Road Hazards: Poorly maintained roads can cause accidents. Examples include:
   • Potholes
   • Lack of proper signage
   • Malfunctioning traffic lights
   • Construction zone hazards
8. Aggressive Driving: This goes beyond mere recklessness and involves a combination of moving traffic offenses that endanger other persons or property.
9. Inexperienced Drivers: New drivers, especially teenagers, are more likely to make mistakes or misjudge situations on the road. Special laws often apply to cases involving young drivers.

Understanding the cause of your accident is just the first step. Our team at Shebell & Shebell will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene
• Gather and analyze police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage
• Work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Collect evidence to support your claim and counter any attempts by the other party to shift blame

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma

No matter the severity of your injuries, our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive proper compensation for your medical treatment and ongoing care.

Compensation After a Car Accident in New Jersey

You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The specific amount and type of compensation will depend on the circumstances of your case.

Types of Compensation

1. Medical Expenses: This includes costs for:
   • Emergency medical treatment
   • Hospital stays
   • Doctor’s visits
   • Medications
   • Physical therapy
   • Surgery
   • Ongoing medical care
2. Lost Wages: If you missed work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
3. Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries have permanently affected your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
4. Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses.
5. Property Damage: If your car or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
6. Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages are awarded as a punishment.

What Type of New Jersey Car Accident Insurance Policy Do You Have?

New Jersey offers two types of auto insurance policies:

1. Standard Policy: Provides more coverage options and the right to sue for pain and suffering for any injury.
2. Basic Policy: Offers limited coverage at a lower cost, with restrictions on the right to sue.

Our attorneys can review your policy and explain how it affects your claim.

Is New Jersey a No-Fault State?

Yes, New Jersey is a no-fault state. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, your insurance company will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits.

However, you may still have the right to sue the at-fault driver in certain circumstances, such as:

• You’ve suffered a permanent injury
• You’ve incurred significant medical expenses
• You’ve experienced substantial scarring or disfigurement

What is Comparative Negligence?

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

However, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from

recovering any compensation.

Statute of Limitation For Car Accident Victims in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the accident date. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as:

• Cases involving minors
• Claims against government entities (which have shorter deadlines)
• Cases where injuries weren’t immediately apparent

Consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident so you don’t miss any critical deadlines. At Shebell & Shebell, we’ll make sure your claim is filed promptly and properly.

Get in Touch with a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact New Jersey personal injury attorney at Shebell & Shebell today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience, skills, and dedication to work for you.

Remember, time is of the essence in car accident cases. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your case and protecting your rights.

 

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Shebell & Shebell, LLC – Shrewsbury Office

Address: 600 Broad St Suite 100
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

Phone: 732-663-1122