Secaucus, NJ Car Accident Lawyers
Navigating the Complexities of Car Accidents in Secaucus, NJ: How Our Firm Advocates for Maximum Client Recovery
Car accidents in New Jersey unfortunately occur frequently. New Jersey's roadways are among the most congested and busiest in the nation, with drivers wasting an average of 48 hours in traffic annually. Secaucus, in particular, experiences significant traffic challenges due to its strategic location near major highways and its being close to New York City. The convergence of routes like the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3, combined with the bustling commercial activities in the area, often leads to heavy traffic and, unfortunately, a higher incidence of car accidents. If you are injured in a car accident or crash, you want to make sure that you are maximizing your recovery to protect you and your family.
Our Lawyers are NJ Focused
All of our lawyers focus their practice in New Jersey. At our Secaucus office, we understand the unique challenges that local motorists face. Our law firm is experienced and has an attorney who is certified as a Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, reflecting our commitment to legal excellence and our dedication to advocating effectively for our clients. Less than 3% of attorneys in New Jersey are certified as Civil Trial Attorneys by the Supreme Court.
Judges at Our Firm Provide Invaluable Input
Furthermore, our team benefits from the invaluable insights of two former presiding judges who consult and advise on cases. Both Judges have presided over multiple jury trials and settlement conferences in their careers and currently mediate complex cases. Their extensive judicial experience provides a unique perspective that enhances our case strategies and strengthens our advocacy.
Mock Jury Focus Groups to Assist Us in Better Presentation of Your Case
To ensure we are fully prepared for trial, we conduct thorough analyses of our cases. In appropriate situations, we organize mock jury focus groups in our state-of-the-art mock courtroom. We videotape the mock jury focus groups so that we see what issues and facts they are focused on. These sessions allow us to gauge potential jury reactions and tailor our presentations, accordingly, ensuring that our arguments resonate effectively. The Judges at our firm then provide additional input and guidance in the way we present the case. By understanding how a jury might perceive a case, we can refine our approach to maximize the monetary recovery for our clients.
We use this collaborative approach to strategize while the case in pending in the courts and then when discussing settlement. This puts you in the best position to recover the maximum that you can. We also investigate all possible avenues of insurance coverage to try to make sure that you recover. This is a critical part of the process as many times there is not enough insurance to cover the damages or injuries that injured parties should recover.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Secaucus or the surrounding areas, trust in our firm's experience, dedication, and innovative approach to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation with one of our New Jersey attorneys.
Top 10 Concerns After a Car Accident in NJ
Getting into a car accident is stressful—even if it’s a minor fender bender. Whether you're shaken up, unsure about what to do next, or concerned about your rights, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you protect yourself after a car crash in New Jersey.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
First things first—check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If the cars can move and it's safe to do so, pull off to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic or causing another accident. If the police officer arriving at the scene asks you whether you need an ambulance you should request one to be checked out. Thus, if feeling any pain or discomfort at all seek medical attention. Many times, adrenaline can mask pain, and you should always err on seeking medical treatment.
2. Call the Police
In New Jersey, you must report an accident if there’s an injury, a fatality, or if there’s more than $500 in property damage. Having a police report can make a big difference when it comes to filing an insurance claim or protecting your legal rights. Without a police report it is much more difficult to document who is at fault. The other party involved in the accident can try to make up a story that will make it harder for you to recover.
3. Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s:
- Name
- Contact information
- License plate number
- Driver's license number
- Insurance details
4. Document the Scene
Take pictures of everything: the damage to each car, the road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries. If you can, jot down some notes about what happened. Details can be easy to forget later and may be critical later down the road in proving your case. If possible, contact an attorney so that the attorney can collect information and documents right away. In our office, many times we send out an investigator to take witness statements and look for potential video footage. Many locations have some type of video footage of the roadway either by businesses nearby or homes with such devices as ring video doorbells.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance will cover your medical bills through what's called PIP (Personal Injury Protection Insurance), no matter who caused the accident. When speaking to them do not say much other than brief details as to what occurred. Insurance companies usually do record your statement so you must be careful. If possible, it is better to speak to an attorney first and let the attorney be involved in the providing of a statement.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Do not assume you are okay just because you feel fine right after the crash. Some injuries—like whiplash or a concussion—can take hours or even days to show up. It’s always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. I have been involved with many cases where the injured victim does not seek medical assistance after the accident and then goes on to get serious surgery to their neck or back months later. Always err on the side of caution and have a medical professional check you out.
7. Understand Your Legal Rights
If you were injured and someone else caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and handle the insurance companies. It is best if everything is documented and set up properly from the start.
8. Keep Records
Hang onto all documents related to the accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Repair estimates
- Receipts
- Any correspondence with your insurance company
9. Be Careful What You Say
It’s natural to want to say, “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault,” but try to avoid admitting blame at the scene. Also, do not give a recorded statement or even speak to the other driver’s insurance company without first talking to a lawyer. They will call many times so it is best to tell them you are retaining an attorney, who will get back to them. In addition, be careful posting any information online about the accident or your injuries as the insurance companies perform social media scrapes to try to find damaging information that will hurt your case. Again, it is best to speak to a lawyer before posting any information online. It is not helpful to post things online about the accident.
10. Talk to a Lawyer
Some accidents are straightforward, but others get complicated fast—especially if there are serious injuries or questions about who is at fault. A knowledgeable attorney can help protect your rights and make sure you’re not taken advantage of by the insurance company. Unfortunately, many insurance companies try to get you to sign a release early to limit your recovery. We had one instance where a client signed a release for $2,000 and then later wound up having back fusion surgery. Fortunately, we were able to overturn the release and recover 6 figures for the client. At a minimum, speak to an attorney even if you decide not to retain one. Bottom line, you do not want to receive less than you are entitled to recover.
If you’ve been in a car accident and need guidance, our team at Scura Wigfield Heyer Stevens & Cammarota, LLP is here to help. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us Today for a Free Consultation
