Car Accident Lawyer Newark, NJ

Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident

In the event of an unexpected automotive collision, working with our Newark, NJ car accident lawyer is your best bet for receiving a fair monetary settlement. Newark’s diverse and broad population of over 300,000 is teeming with motorists of all skill levels. Due to the frequency of vehicle crashes in such a densely inhabited city, insurance claims are extremely common. The Law Offices of David A. Brigida is here to go to bat with the insurance company, advocating on your behalf. We intercede for our clients to negotiate a fair, affordable settlement and help to make sure that medical bills and automobile repairs do not destroy your quality of life. Attorney David A. Brigida will personally handle your case.

Nobody takes their first few breaths of air in the morning, starts a pot of coffee, and plans to spend the day on the phone with a lawyer. Even a small fender bender can ruin your week, but the unfortunate truth is that many accidents result in serious bodily injury or death. That unintended collision can be extremely costly. The price of car repair is often beyond reach and medical bills can be stratospheric. Fortunately, the law allows for several options that can help.

In 2020, 6.7 million automobile accidents were reported in the United States. This massive number includes all types of collisions: aggressive or drunk driving, negligence behind the wheel, vehicle failure, and more. Of that number, 2.3 million resulted in injury and 38,000 were fatal.

In the event of an automobile crash, personal safety remains paramount. Take a moment to breathe. You might be in shock and badly wounded. Immediately get police, and if needed, medical services involved at the scene. The following are typical first steps to take after the event.

• Dial 9-1-1. Bringing the accident to the attention of authorities will allow a structured approach to moving damaged vehicles, blockading dangerous parts of the road, and conducting traffic to prevent further vehicles from joining the crash. Additionally, they will file a report for you, documenting important information that will valuable if the case is taken to court.

• If injured, be seen by EMS at the scene. If not obviously injured, you should still seek medical attention promptly, to verify no hidden trauma.

• Exchange information. After a non-injury crash, meet speak with the other driver to exchange all information. Names, numbers, insurance policy. Take pictures of license plates, VINs, and all damage to both vehicles.

• Call the Law Offices of David A. DiBrigida to mediate your car accident claim and ease you through the process

• Call insurance. Call insurance and explain the situation, they will make an appointment for an estimator to verify damages in person.

Reaching out to our auto accident lawyer is one of the first steps to take to piece together everything that just occurred. Dealing with the process from roadside conversations to settlements or trial can be intimidating and tricky, and the insurance company may attempt to convince you to agree to a much lower settlement than you are entitled to.

Insurance companies are in business to help with vehicle repairs or pay out the value of totaled vehicles. In many cases, the insurance estimate is not high enough to cover the cost of the repair.  Insurance appraisers may inspect your vehicle after a collision and offer a payout that is simply not enough to cover the damages. Any remaining balance must come out of your pocket, and this may be extremely costly. This is where our car accident attorney shines. We negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to recover all your losses.

Compensation To Seek In A Car Accident Case

Car crashes can be traumatizing, life-altering events, leaving victims not only with physical injuries but also with emotional and financial burdens. When someone else’s negligence or recklessness causes a collision, seeking maximum compensation becomes an influential step toward rebuilding one’s life. Car accident lawyers play a vital role in helping victims understand their rights and pursue damages. We outline the most common forms of compensation that individuals can seek with the assistance of our skilled injury attorney.

Medical Expenses

One of the primary concerns after a car accident is dealing with medical expenses. Serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Compensation for medical expenses aims to cover all these costs, so that victims receive the necessary care without suffering financially.

Lost Wages And Loss Of Earning Capacity

Car wrecks can lead to temporary or even permanent disabilities that prevent victims from working. Lost wages compensation aims to cover the income lost due to missed workdays during recovery. Additionally, if the injuries result in a diminished ability to earn income in the future, our skilled accident lawyer can help victims seek compensation for loss of earning capacity.

Property Damage

Vehicle collisions often result in damage to vehicles and other property. Compensation for property damage includes repair or replacement costs for vehicles, as well as compensation for personal items damaged in the accident, such as electronics, clothing, or other possessions.

Pain And Suffering

Beyond economic damages, car accident victims may experience physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering takes into account these intangible losses, seeking to provide a measure of justice for the mental and emotional toll the accident has taken on the victim.

Emotional Distress

Car accidents can lead to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional distress aims to alleviate the mental anguish experienced by the victim, acknowledging the emotional toll of the accident and its aftermath.

Loss Of Consortium

Loss of consortium compensation is sought by family members of the injured party. It acknowledges the impact that the victim’s injuries have on their relationships with spouses, partners, and children, recognizing the strain the crash places on their ability to provide companionship, affection, and support.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages serve as a deterrent and punishment, aiming to discourage similar reckless behavior in the future.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, some car accidents result in fatalities. In such cases, surviving family members can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. This compensation helps cover funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering experienced by the family.

6 Critical Steps To Take After A Newark Car Accident

Although car accidents can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming experiences, thankfully our car accident lawyer in Newark can help. When traffic can be heavy and road conditions challenging, it’s essential to know what to do if you find yourself in a wreck. Your safety and the well-being of others involved should be your top priority. To help you overcome this challenging situation, here are six critical steps to take after a car accident.

• Safety First

The very first thing to do after a car accident is to check for injuries. Assess your own condition and that of your passengers. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. In Newark, NJ, emergency services are responsive and will arrive quickly to provide medical assistance. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

• Exchange Information

After verifying everyone’s safety, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information. Be polite and cooperative but avoid discussing fault at this stage. Such discussions are better left for the authorities and insurance companies to determine. A common mistake in car accident claims is admitting blame or making statements that could cause insurance to assign fault inaccurately.

• Notify the Police

In Newark, NJ, it’s generally a good idea to call the police, even if the accident appears to be minor. A police report can be helpful when filing an insurance claim. Cooperate fully with the responding officers and provide an accurate account of what happened. Stick to the facts of what caused the accident. Request a copy of the police report for your records.

• Document the Scene

Use your smartphone or a camera to document the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, the location, and any relevant road signs or traffic signals. These visual records can be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims and legal matters. However, don’t post photos on social media as the insurance company may use it against you later.

• Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Provide them with the necessary information and details about the crash. Follow their instructions for filing a claim promptly. In Newark, NJ, insurance companies are accustomed to handling car accident claims, so they will guide you through the process.

• Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, it’s necessary to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms right away. A medical evaluation can make sure that any hidden injuries are detected and treated promptly. Additionally, medical records can be essential when making an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.

Car wrecks can be stressful and chaotic, but knowing what steps to take can make the situation more manageable. Always prioritize safety first, exchange information with the other parties involved, and notify the police to create an official record of the accident. Document the scene, contact your insurance company, and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine initially.

Newark Car Accident Infographic

Newark Car Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury in the United States. Each year, there are over 6 million car accidents in the United States, resulting in over 3 million injuries and 40,000 fatalities. If you have been injured in a crash, call our office to speak to our dedicated car accident lawyer to find out your legal options.

Car Accident FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident?

After a car accident, your immediate actions are important. Firstly, confirm the safety of all involved parties by moving to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention if anyone is injured. Gathering evidence such as photographs, contact information of witnesses, and exchanging insurance details with the other driver is also essential. Remember, your well-being and safety come first.

How Can I Determine Who Is At Fault In A Car Accident?

Determining fault in a car accident can be complicated and often requires an in-depth investigation. The process typically involves gathering evidence, reviewing the police report, speaking with witnesses, and consulting our personal injury attorney.  Insurance companies, legal authorities, and sometimes even the courts will assess the evidence to determine liability. It’s important to consult with our experienced lawyer who can help you manage this process and protect your rights.

What Should I Do If The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, it’s essential to exercise caution. Remember that their primary goal is to minimize their financial liability. Avoid providing a recorded statement or signing any documents without consulting our Newark car accident lawyer. Politely inform them that you are seeking legal counsel and refer them to our personal injury lawyer. This will help make sure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the claims process.

When Should I Consult A Car Accident Lawyer?

It’s advisable to consult our injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, even if you’re uncertain about the extent of your injuries or the liability involved. Our skilled attorney can provide guidance on the steps to take, including preserving evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and assessing the potential legal avenues available to you. Early consultation can significantly benefit your case and protect your rights.

How Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge For Their Services?

Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay legal fees if they successfully recover compensation for your case. Typically, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award you receive. This arrangement allows you to employ legal assistance without upfront costs or financial risk. It also aligns our lawyer’s interests with yours, motivating us to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Car Accident Glossary

We are dedicated to helping those affected by car accidents understand their rights and options. The legal process can seem daunting, which is why we’ve compiled this glossary to clarify some of the key terms you might encounter when working with our Newark, NJ car accident lawyer. Our goal is to make it easier for you to grasp the legal aspects of your case and feel more confident as we move forward together.

Contingency Fee Basis

When working with us on a car accident case, we often operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to worry about paying any legal fees upfront. Instead, our payment is contingent upon successfully securing compensation for you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us. This structure allows everyone, regardless of financial status, to seek the justice they deserve without bearing the financial burden of legal fees from the outset. Generally, our fee is a percentage of the settlement or court-awarded amount, aligning our goals with yours — the higher the compensation we secure, the better for both of us.

Loss of Earning Capacity

One of the significant consequences of a car accident can be the lasting impact on your ability to earn a living. This is where the concept of “loss of earning capacity” comes into play. If your injuries prevent you from working at the same level as before the crash, you may be entitled to compensation. This isn’t just about lost wages during recovery; it’s about the reduced ability to earn income in the long term. For example, if your injuries prevent you from performing physically demanding tasks that were part of your job, this reduced earning potential could be factored into the settlement. We work to prove how your injuries have affected your career prospects, so that you receive fair compensation for future losses.

Pain and Suffering

After a collision, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, which includes both the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident. Unlike more straightforward costs like medical bills or lost income, these damages are subjective and require careful evaluation. Pain and suffering cover the emotional toll, such as anxiety, depression, or a diminished quality of life, in addition to physical discomfort. Calculating these damages can be complicated, but we utilize our experience to present a compelling case on your behalf, so that your pain is recognized and compensated appropriately.

Punitive Damages

In certain situations, a car accident may involve conduct that goes beyond mere negligence — such as reckless and distracted driving or deliberate disregard for safety. In these cases, courts may award punitive damages. Unlike other forms of compensation, punitive damages are not intended to cover your losses directly. Instead, they serve as a penalty to the responsible party, sending a strong message that such behavior won’t be tolerated. While not common in every case, we will pursue punitive damages if there is evidence that the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or malicious intent.

Wrongful Death Claim

If a loved one has tragically lost their life in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This legal action seeks compensation for losses like funeral costs, medical expenses incurred prior to death, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, these claims can help ease the financial strain and provide a sense of justice. We handle these cases with the sensitivity and attention they require, supporting families during such difficult times.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, contact the Law Offices of David A. DiBrigida for a consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Law Offices of David A. DiBrigida, Newark Car Accident Lawyer

101 Eisenhower Pkwy, Roseland, NJ 07068

Contact Our Newark Car Accident Lawyer Today

Following an auto accident, it’s vital to remember that you don’t have to handle the complicated legal process alone. Our experienced Newark car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David A. DiBrigida is here to guide you, protect your rights, and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in your time of need. Your well-being and legal rights are our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. We offer 24/7 calling to ease your mind throughout your case. Contact us today to take the first step toward getting the help you need.