Hackensack Car Accident Lawyers: Your Local Advocates for Justice and Recovery
Whether your accident was minor or catastrophic, you deserve experienced legal representatives who understand the complexities of New Jersey law and the unique challenges of Hackensack’s roads. This comprehensive guide will help you walk through what to do after a crash, common injuries, your legal options, and how our firm can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Hackensack
Ensure Safety and Call for Medical Help
Your health and safety are what matter most. If you or anyone else is injured, dial 911 right away. Keep in mind that symptoms like pain or dizziness may be delayed due to rush of adrenaline, so it is best to seek medical attention even if you feel fine initially.
Move to a Safe Location and Notify Authorities
If your vehicle can be safely driven, move it out of traffic to prevent further accidents. New Jersey law N.J.S.A.39: 4-130 requires you to report any crash involving injuries or property damage exceeding $500. If your car is not drivable, step away from the vehicle and remain in a safe area, away from traffic.
Exchange Information
Collect names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance information from all drivers involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact details as well.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles, accident location, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down what happened while it is fresh in your mind.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor ensures your injuries are documented, which is vital for your claim. Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your legal case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
In New Jersey you are required to report the accident to the insurer. Report the accident to your insurer promptly but consider speaking with an attorney first, especially before giving a recorded statement. Even your own insurance company might use your words to limit your claim.
Most New Jersey auto policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses and some lost wages regardless of fault. However, insurers often challenge the extent of injuries or treatment. Having an attorney early on helps protect your rights and ensures you get the full benefits to which you are entitled.
Contact a Scura Car Accident Lawyer
The sooner you consult with a lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-changing trauma. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often causing neck and back pain. Symptoms may appear hours or days after the accident.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma can cause cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. TBIs require immediate medical attention and long-term care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Accidents often result in fractures that may require surgery and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically affecting quality of life.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Accidents can cause PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which are compensable injuries.
Understanding New Jersey's No-Fault Insurance Laws
New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, which means your own insurance (Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) covers your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. However, you may still be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if you suffer serious injuries.
- Comparative Negligence: New Jersey applies a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. You can recover damages only if you are 50% or less responsible for the accident. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible you cannot recover.
- Verbal or Lawsuit Threshold: In New Jersey, if you have chosen the lawsuit or verbal threshold under your own insurance policy, you can only sue for pain and suffering if your injuries meet certain criteria, such as permanent injury, significant disfigurement, or loss of a body part. If you have the unlimited or zero tort option, you can sue for any type of injury. There are certain exceptions to the verbal threshold rule, such as if you are hit by a commercial vehicle, the verbal or lawsuit threshold will not apply, and you can sue for any type of injury.
- Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Past, current, and future medical bills.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and belongings.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss Of Consortium: For spouses or family members affected by the injury.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one dies due to an accident.
Thorough documentation is essential. Be sure to keep records of the following:
- All medical records, treatment notes, and prescriptions
- Receipts and expenses related to your injuries, including any services you have had to hire to support you during recovery
- Any communications with your employer regarding missed work
- Vehicle repair invoices or replacement cost estimates
Why Trust Scura Law with Your Hackensack Car Accident Case?
We Are Problem Solvers
At Scura Law, we pride ourselves on being more than just attorneys—we are professional problem solvers. Our team leverages decades of combined experience to navigate complex personal injury cases with creativity and determination. We do not just handle cases; we solve problems, helping clients move forward with confidence.
Local Knowledge and Experience
Hackensack’s proximity to major highways like I-80, Route 4, and the Garden State Parkway means heavy traffic and a higher risk of accidents. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases in Bergen County courts and are familiar with local insurance companies’ tactics. This local insight gives our clients a significant advantage.
Experience You Can Trust
Our attorneys have handled thousands of accident cases across New Jersey, including Hackensack and Bergen County. We know the local courts, the insurance companies, and the unique challenges Hackensack drivers face.
Personalized, Compassionate Service
We understand that every accident and every client is unique. From your first call to the final resolution, you will receive personalized, compassionate attention. We take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and stand by your side throughout the legal process.
Mock Trials and Judicial Insight That Strengthen Your Case
Our firm goes beyond traditional preparation by conducting mock jury focus groups in our fully equipped in-house courtroom. These sessions are recorded and analyzed to understand how jurors may respond to your case, allowing us to refine key arguments and highlight the facts that resonate most. We also have the unique advantage of consulting with two retired presiding judges who are part of our team. Their firsthand judicial insight helps shape our litigation strategies, from settlement negotiations to trial presentation, giving your case the strategic depth it deserves.
Proven Results
Our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars for accident victims throughout New Jersey. We fight aggressively for fair settlements and are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
How Our Hackensack Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Taking legal action after a car accident in Hackensack is not just about filling out forms—it is about building a solid, well-prepared case. At Scura Law, while one attorney may be your main point of contact, your case benefits from the full strength of our team. We collaborate closely, sharing insights and strategies to ensure that no detail is missed and you receive the strongest support possible.
- Investigate Your Accident: We take your case seriously from day one. Our team works with skilled accident reconstruction experts and professional investigators to gather critical evidence—such as photos, witness statements, surveillance footage, and crash data. This detailed analysis helps us understand exactly what happened and builds a solid foundation for your claim.
- Deal with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from an injury. We step in and take over all communication with the insurers, both yours and the other parties, so you are not pressured into accepting a lowball offer. Our goal is to protect your interests and make sure you are treated fairly throughout the process.
- Client Support: Your recovery is not just physical, it’s emotional and financial too. We connect you with medical providers, physical therapists, mental health professionals, and transportation services throughout Hackensack and Bergen County. Whether you need treatment, follow-up care, or guidance navigating resources, we are here to help every step of the way.
- Maximize Your Compensation: We do not settle for less than you deserve. Our team aggressively pursues maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term impact on your life. We carefully assess both current and future costs to ensure your financial recovery reflects the full scope of your losses.
- Go to Trial if Needed: While many cases are resolved through negotiation, we never shy away from the courtroom. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to take your case to trial. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who prepare every case as if it’s going before a jury—because that’s what it takes to get results.
Take the First Step: Contact Your Hackensack Car Accident Lawyers Today
Every moment counts after a car accident. Contact Scura Law today for a free consultation—and let our team begin the work of securing the compensation and justice you deserve.
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