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Auto Accidents
  • What to expect from a car accident settlement in New Jersey?
    • video
      Firm Name: Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq.
      Duration: 01:26
      Date: 2022-02-04
      If you were involved in a car accident that is likely due to someone else’s fault, you may be able to collect a settlement or court award for certain damages.

      What compensatory damages are considered?

      The majority of car accident awards are classified as compensatory, which are intended to compensate the injured person for losses stemming from the crash. Some of these compensatory damages are classified as special damages which refer to your financial losses.  This may include:
      • Medical expenses
      • Lost income
      • Property damage
      These special damages are typically easy to calculate, however there may be other losses you may suffer in the future that are more complicated to monetize at the current time. For example, future medical expenses or lost income. These must be considered. 

      What general damages are considered?

      You can also recover general damages, that compensate for intangible losses, such as: 
      • Pain and suffering, for physical and emotional harm
      • Loss of quality of life, for general limitations on what you can do and experience
      • Loss of enjoyment of life, for a talent or pastime you can no longer pursue

      What is the process for a car accident settlement in New Jersey?

      1. Collect evidence -  this may include interviewing witnesses, gathering police reports, reviewing electronic records, collecting photos of the crash scene and vehicles.
      2. Identifying the value of your claim - as noted above, there are many factors that weigh into the amount of settlement you may be entitled to. Each component must be thoroughly examined and vetted to compute the maximum value.
      3. Negotiating with insurance companies - understanding that insurance companies may want to delay or offer a minimal settlement to keep their losses low is part of the process. 
      4. Filling a formal lawsuit is sometimes required - when an insurance company does not want to settle for a fair amount, sometimes it takes elevating the matter to the next level before settlement can happen.
      5. Most cases are settled out of court which is a good thing for all parties as it reduces the amount of time and costs to conclude the matter. A settlement guarantees compensation. 

      How long does it take to settle a car accident lawsuit in NJ?

      Often a car accident claim can be settled within a few months and as long as two years. There are many factors that can affect the length of time including the extent of your injuries and how long they take to heal, an insurance company’s cooperation with the settlement, complexity of evidence and the need to file a lawsuit. It is important to note that the state does have a two year statute of limitations for filing claims.

      Contacting a Morris County car accident attorney

      When you have been injured in a car accident in New Jersey that was the fault of someone else, You will be best served contacting an experienced attorney for help collecting the full compensation you deserve. Our Morris County car accident attorney services help guide you through the process, complete settlement negotiations and defend your rights in the courtroom if needed.
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