Experienced Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney
Car Crashes | Truck Wrecks | Motorcycle Accidents | Pedestrian Injuries | Rideshare Accidents
Why Hasner & Hasner
No one is ever ready for the financial and emotional impact motor vehicle accidents can cause. Suppose you’ve also sustained injuries in an accident. You may become overwhelmed when handling pain, insurance, medical costs, recovery, repairs, and work. Like most people, you need more knowledge of the laws and appropriate procedures after an accident. As such, hiring the best motor vehicle accidents attorney would be prudent to help you get the rightful compensation for your losses.
Our law office of Hasner and Hasner brings 50+ years of combined legal experience to all our cases. Our family-oriented attorneys are licensed to represent personal injury victims in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We’ve built much of our successful practice from referrals from previous or existing clients. A reliable motor vehicle accident attorney should take a detailed approach to identify all legal issues.
All our prospective clients get a free initial consultation. Call our office at 856-282-0777 or contact us online for an appointment. Whether it’s a small or big case, we’re always here to help.
Types of Accidents
We provide a comprehensive legal representation service to folks who have sustained losses in an accident. We handle claims involving automobile collisions, motorcycle wrecks, public transit accidents, and truck crashes. We can fight for your rights if you’ve suffered injuries, whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
Some of the common types of accidents we handle include the following:
Cars
The carelessness or recklessness of other drivers often causes car wrecks. In New Jersey, careless or reckless drivers who cause injuries and accidents should be held responsible for compensating the injured party for their losses, including injuries or property damage, long-term pain and suffering, as well as lost income. The responsible party’s insurance company is required to pay for all damages. Sometimes, the insurance company for the party that caused the accident or caused the injury does not pay. They might not have enough coverage or could simply refuse to pay. In those instances, you need a lawyer who will leave no stone unturned to get you the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has seasoned car accident lawyers that have the necessary expertise to help you get maximum compensation for your pain and suffering and injury-related expenses.
Truck/ Tractor Trailer
If you’ve suffered severe injuries in a truck accident in New Jersey, filing a claim by yourself might be challenging. An experienced truck accident attorney at Hasner & Hasner will guide you through the process. We have extensive experience dealing with different types of commercial truck accidents, from small box trucks to large 18-wheeler transport trucks.
Motorcycle
Motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are unique because motorcycles are not as common on the road as traditional cars. The injuries can be different than if the rider had been operating a traditional passenger car, and the physics and mechanics of motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are distinct. The attorneys at Hasner and Hasner, PA understand how motorcycle accidents differ from traditional car accidents. We know that there are times where the motorcycle rider operates their motorcycle with caution, care, and safety and, through no fault of their own, sustains serious injuries. Contact a professional motorcycle attorney to assist you with your bodily injury claim or lawsuit if you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Rideshare/ Public Transport
There has been an increased popularity of ridesharing programs, such as Uber and Lyft. Drivers and passengers acknowledge that, although ridesharing is convenient, accidents still happen. You could sustain injury while being the rideshare driver or passenger. A number of important issues could come up depending on whether you are the driver or passenger of the rideshare vehicle, such as who pays your medical bills and who you have a claim against for your injuries. Also, if you were the driver and the injuries prevented you from continuing to drive, you could lose your job or income. A motor vehicle accident attorney at Hasner and Hasner will protect you and negotiate with insurance companies for you. We use our extensive knowledge and expertise to negotiate a fair settlement, even if that case reaches court. If the insurance company is not willing to make a fair offer, then our attorneys are willing to present your case in court to compensate you for your damages. Contact a ridesharing accident attorney like Hasner and Hasner, PA for a free discussion of your issue.
Pedestrian
Urban areas like Philadelphia, Camden County and the surrounding cities often attract lots of pedestrian traffic. Many people in New Jersey prefer walking or using ridesharing/ public transportation over driving. As such, this increases the possibility of pedestrians sustaining severe injuries in vehicle collisions. Drivers who contribute to pedestrian accidents due to careless driving or disregarding traffic signals should be held responsible for all the injuries they inflict. If a motorist injured you in a pedestrian accident, call a professional pedestrian accident attorney like Hasner and Hasner in NJ or PA for assistance.
What Actions Should You Take Following a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Encountering a car crash may leave you confused. Not only are you dealing with shock, but you might also be in severe pain. Your actions following an accident can affect your ability to claim damages. Taking the following steps will help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Notify Authority
Whether an accident is a major collision or a minor fender-bender, calling the police is crucial. Dialing 911 and notifying the authorities of the car crash will ensure medical support is available if required. The law requires you to remain at the scene of the accident as you alert the police. Upon their arrival, recount your version of the incident so that they include it in the police report. Make sure that you tell the police officer if you are injured and where, so they may assist you and get medical support there for you if necessary. It is common for the adrenaline rush and shock of being in an accident to mask injuries, so pay close attention to any aches and pains in your body and tell the police officer about anything, no matter how minor. Going to the hospital or getting evaluated by an ambulance on the scene out of an abundance of caution is ok. Your health is most important. Also, if you can, make sure you get the police report number or the name, badge number and police department name of the responding police officer.
Document & Keep a Record of the Evidence
Physical evidence at a crash site might include skid marks from the tires, torn or bloodied clothing, and debris from motor vehicles. If you’re in a position to do so, take pictures and video footage of the accident scene showing the vehicles’ location and status. Gather as much information as possible from other parties involved, such as contact information, driver’s license, license plate number, and vehicle insurance details. Talk to anyone at the scene who might have witnessed the incident if you can. These individuals might disperse shortly after the crash, so you should speak to them immediately and obtain their contact info should you want to talk to them later. Remember, eyewitness accounts are precious as they help corroborate your statements from the beginning to the end of your case.
The vehicles involved are also vital pieces of physical evidence and should be preserved for examination. In such situations, a crash reconstruction specialist can collate evidence to present an account of how or why the crash happened. Hasner and Hasner has reliable car accident lawyers that can help preserve valuable proof by sending a spoliation letter to the appropriate parties. It also helps ensure that all evidence is kept from being destroyed, misplaced, or lost in the aftermath. Also, it is even more important to contact a firm like Hasner and Hasner so that firm can work for you to investigate whether there is any surveillance video or dash cam or body cam video that shows something important about the crash.
Notify Insurance
You should also contact your insurance firm and report the car accident immediately. And if you’re afraid that you can’t do it yourself, request a family member or friend as soon as possible to do it for you. The attorneys at Hasner and Hasner are willing and able to assist you as well. Ensure that you can readily access insurance contact information online (or on paper). Although this is usually part of police procedure, try and obtain the information of everyone affected by the incident. It may include the name, telephone number, and address of everyone on the scene.
Get Medical Treatment
Although it might seem at first that nobody has been hurt during the accident, some injuries that seem minor at first can develop over time into major problems. If you are unsure at all about whether you have sustained injury, you should have a medical professional examine you. In some cases, signs of an injury may go unnoticed for weeks or even months. Discuss honestly and openly with your doctor the cause of your injuries and how you’ve been feeling and try not to leave anything out. As indicated previously, your health is most important. Don’t downplay or minimize any injuries, and identify all areas where you feel pain, soreness, or discomfort.
It’s also essential to follow the guidance of medical experts after an accident and follow their recommendations regarding the type of treatment and the frequency of return visits to the doctor. Failure to do this might have an effect on the strength of your case. A neutral party that is being asked to evaluate your case, such as a mediator, arbitrator, defense adjuster or jury, might be led to believe that you were not injured if you do not comply with your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Hasner and Hasner strongly suggests keeping a file containing all your accident and medical-related documents. It will make it easier to access information whenever you need it.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
It’s crucial to report the car crash, but in some places, the police might not respond to a minor collision. If the police arrive, write down the officer’s name, department, badge number, and contact details. Sometimes they will give you an accident report number or a card with the police case number on it. Keep this card and give it to your attorney. The report is usually available at the department within a few days following the incident. If the police don’t show up, you can still file your own police report. It is recommended that you contact an attorney before you make any official statement, such as filing your own police report with your version of how the accident occurred. You should always tell the police officer everything you think is important about how the accident occurred, as well as what your injuries are and what the other driver said to you.
Call Hasner & Hasner
Retaining the services of an experienced accident injury attorney is crucial if you’ve suffered injuries. Many injured accident victims are advised by their doctors to stay away from their jobs until they recover. That means they lose their income for a prolonged period. Motor vehicle accidents are often physically distressing and financially and emotionally overwhelming for victims and their loved ones. To ensure that you obtain the benefits and recovery that you are entitled to, it is important for you to obtain an experienced motor vehicle law firm like Hasner and Hasner. We will help your claim progress through the rigorous process so you may get the fair compensation you deserve.
If you’ve endured injuries in a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey, call Hasner & Hasner right away. We’ll work hard to ensure you’re well taken care of.
Statute of Limitations
According to the law in New Jersey, personal injury claims injuries due to car crashes have a 2 year statute of limitations. This means that you have 2 years from the day of the accident to file a lawsuit to preserve your claim or you could lose your claim forever. The 2 year statute of limitations starts from the day of the accident because that is the day the injuries occurred. A different statute of limitations exists for minors. There is also a statute of limitations for getting your automobile insurance to pay for medical treatment related to a car accident you were involved in. Even if it has been more than two years since your accident, you should still consult with a knowledgeable lawyer. For questions about the statute of limitations, please do not hesitate to contact a lawyer at Hasner and Hasner, PA.
Types of Insurance
Your auto insurance policy consists of different coverages that will help decide on the type of claims you can make. Here are several types of coverages you can find in New Jersey automobile insurance policies:
Bodily Injury (Personal Injury)
This coverage pays for bodily injury or related damages that YOU cause to SOMEONE ELSE. Bodily injury compensates others for economic damages, pain, and suffering. Typically, this coverage is issued in separate dollar amounts. First, there is a maximum amount of coverage available to each individual person who is injured in a motor vehicle accident. Second, there is a maximum amount of coverage available IN TOTAL for ALL INDIVIDUALS who are injured in a motor vehicle accident. You can also purchase it as a combined single limit. It provides a maximum protection limit of property damage liability and bodily injury. Hasner and Hasner will provide a free consultation to help you select the appropriate amount of coverage you may need.
We recommend that you purchase a significant amount of bodily injury coverage so that you protect yourself in the event that you cause serious injuries to others in a motor vehicle accident. The exact amount of coverage that is right for you depends on your circumstances, and it is worth giving us a call to discuss what amount would be right for you.
The minimum amount of coverage in a standard policy in New Jersey was just raised in 2023 to a $25,000 coverage limit per individual, and $50,000 coverage limit per accident. A Standard Policy’s maximum coverage limits per person and per accident for bodily injury liability are $250,000 and $500,000, respectively.
Personal Injury Protection (abbreviated or often referred to as “PIP” coverage) benefits typically cover your own medical and treatment expenses for all reasonable, necessary, and related medical treatment you receive for injuries sustained in an accident. The insurance coverage only pays if you or other individuals covered under your particular policy suffer injuries in a motor vehicle collision. It’s also called “no-fault” coverage since it pays your medical costs regardless of who caused that accident. There are many options for PIP coverage in New Jersey, but the standard policy calls for $250,000.00 in maximum benefits/coverage. Since this is the pool of money that is available to you to pay for doctors and medical treatment for injuries you sustain in a motor vehicle accident, it is highly recommended that you get at least the standard $250,000.00 coverage in New Jersey. You can also save a little bit of money on your premiums by picking your health insurance as primary, but that choice can lead to serious payment problems if the doctors you see are not in network or if your health insurance plan does not allow for coverage for injuries in automobile accidents. You should consult with Hasner and Hasner, PA about what is best for you.
Property Damage (Collision)
Property damage insurance covers a claim you make for damage caused to your own motor vehicle in a motor vehicle accident involving that vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. You can also purchase it as a combined single limit, including bodily injury liability coverage. There is typically a $1500 deductible for this coverage but it is well worth it. This is important coverage to obtain as your own insurance company will reimburse you for your car damage regardless of who is at fault and regardless of whether the other vehicle has property damage coverage. So, if someone causes damage to your car and doesn’t have coverage, you are protected through your own insurance through this collision coverage.
Automobile insurance companies can also offer comprehensive coverage as an additional option under your insurance policy. It pays for a wide variety of other damages that do not include damage to your automobile that could occur when operating your motor vehicle. One example is if a stone falls off of a truck and breaks a headlight or your windshield. Comprehensive coverage would typically cover that type of damage.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
As the name suggests, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage will pay you for bodily injury or property damage if you’re in an accident caused by a motorist who does not have bodily injury coverage of their own.
On the other hand, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage will pay you for bodily injury or property damage if you’re in an accident caused by an insured driver whose coverage is less than your specific underinsured motorist coverage.
Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can’t exceed your liability coverage. You need to purchase at least $300,000 in liability coverage to insure yourself for that particular amount. You might have an umbrella (excess liability) policy or a good homeowner’s insurance policy. In that case, you can also have that extra underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. Other insurance companies offer excess UIM and UM coverage as part of their umbrella and homeowner’s coverage.
Dollar a day
There is also something called “Dollar-a-day” insurance coverage in New Jersey. This coverage is only available to certain low income individuals. It allows drivers to insure their vehicles at $1 a day (or $365 for the insurance premium for the entire year). This coverage ONLY pays the hospital bill of the person with this coverage if someone with this coverage is involved in a motor vehicle accident. It does not pay anything else to anyone else. There is no PIP coverage for this policy, or bodily injury coverage, or UM/UIM coverage. This type of policy doesn’t provide any comprehensive coverage to protect you if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Compensation to Expect
The amount of monetary compensation you can expect varies greatly based upon your specific circumstances. This is why it is extremely important to hire an experienced and excellent law firm like Hasner and Hasner to ensure the best possible result for you. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the factors that go into how much of a monetary recovery can be made for you for your losses in a motor vehicle accident, if a recovery can be made at all: your age, whether that you were previously involved in a motor vehicle accident, whether you have previously been injured to the same body areas that were injured in the current accident, how much insurance coverage the other driver has, which insurance company covers the other driver, which insurance company covers you, when did the you first seek medical treatment following the accident, what are the injuries, what was the treatment, how long was the treatment, what city or county did the accident occur in and what does the police report say about how the accident happened. Rather than guess, call Hasner and Hasner for a free consultation with regard to your case.
The average motor vehicle crash claim in New Jersey entails financial compensation of different types:
Economic:
Such damages include the financial methods by which a car crash affects a victim. Some common examples include lost wages, past and future medical treatment, vehicle damage, lost ability to work in the future, out-of-pocket costs, legal fees, and travel expenses. Proof of economic damages usually includes receipts, stubs, medical bills, and records.
The following are typical examples of economic losses:
- Medical costs – It comprises all the injured person’s current and future medical care costs. This may include professional fees, hospital expense, laboratory tests, diagnosis, physical therapy, medication, and mobility tools. In New Jersey, this is often paid by your PIP coverage and may not be actually recoverable against the party that caused you to incur medical costs.
- Vehicle damage – If your vehicle was damaged due to the accident, you could seek compensation benefits equal to the cost of repairs. You’ll need to take your vehicle to the nearest service spot to have a professional inspect the vehicle wreckage.
- Loss of income – If you were hospitalized from an accident, you might not be able to work. Also, your treating doctor may write you a note that says that you are medically not capable of working while you try to recover from your injuries. All present and future wages lost due to incapacitation should be claimed for compensation. If you need long-term medical attention or end up with a temporary disability, compensation could cover loss of income until those injuries have healed and you are cleared to return to work. You might have a permanent disability, and at some point the doctors conclude that they can’t do anything else for you. In such a case, permanent disability benefits might go on indefinitely.
- Wrongful death – If there has been a fatality in a car crash, the victim’s surviving loved ones can look to make a claim and recovery of pain and suffering and bereavement damages against the negligent driver.
- Funeral costs – Unfortunately in some cases, the victim suffers a wrongful death. This is usually either at the accident location or in the hospital while getting treatment. In such cases, the surviving family qualifies for funeral benefits. They can be compensated for out-of-pocket costs associated with the victim’s funeral.
Noneconomic:
These damages include all of the losses sustained by the victim that don’t involve finances. A motor vehicle accident can inflict a wide range of noneconomic damages, such as physical pain and suffering, psychological trauma, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. It can be complicated to prove noneconomic damages. The evidence might include an injury record and testimony from a health expert. The assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney like Hasner and Hasner is critical.
The following are examples of noneconomic damages:
- Pain and suffering – You can receive compensation from the court for the trauma and emotional distress you’ve undergone because of the accident. It entails all emotional trauma endured during and after the car crash and throughout recovery.
- Loss of enjoyment – A car accident can severely impact the life quality of the victims. They can suffer life-long trauma and endure long-term mental anguish. A car accident might lead to brain damage or paralysis, compromising the ability to appreciate life fully.
- Loss of consortium – This category of damages compensates car accident victims for all the adverse effects the incident has brought to their family lives. Also, spouses may seek compensation for loss of companionship when their partner sustains injuries following the incident.
Punitive:
- Punitive damages don’t make a victim whole again; they focus on penalizing a defendant for grossly careless deeds. Suppose a defendant was malicious, reckless, or intended to injure the victim. In that case, the courts might award punitive damages to punish the defendant and forewarn others against such wrongdoing. Unlike economic and noneconomic damages, punitive damages are less common in personal injury lawsuits.
- Punitive damages are not always available, and there may be a cap on these damages depending on the circumstances. It is best that you discuss these damages with Hasner and Hasner.
The Verbal Threshold
In automobile accident cases in New Jersey, the “Verbal Threshold” often applies to limit the recovery of individuals who are injured in these accidents. The “Verbal Threshold” is another name for the “Limitation on Lawsuit Option”. Automobile insurance companies are allowed to offer you an automobile insurance policy where you give up your right to sue for injuries you sustain in a motor vehicle accident unless the injury that you sustain is a permanent injury. Permanent Injury is very specifically defined by the law in this circumstance, but it must be shown through objective, medical evidence that the injured party sustained a permanent injury or that injured party will not be able to recover any compensation for their pain and suffering. Many people choose the “Limitation on Lawsuit Option” because the insurance policy premium is cheaper. If you want to know what thresholds you have on your policy, look at the declarations page of your policy and look for the “Verbal Threshold” language or if it says “Limitation on Lawsuit Option Applies” or language similar to this. If you see this language, you have likely chosen the verbal threshold. For more information on what the “Verbal Threshold” or “Limitation on Lawsuit Option” is, please contact the best accident attorney and the best accident law firm, Hasner and Hasner, PA, for a free consult.
Choosing a Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents usually lead to overwhelming emotional and financial stress for injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. At Hasner & Hasner, our experienced attorneys acknowledge that the discomfort of living with severe physical injuries can be traumatic to affected individuals and their loved ones. We’ll dedicate ourselves to getting the best outcome.
To discuss your options with the best motor vehicle accident attorney in New Jersey, call our office at 856-282-0777 or contact us online for a free consultation. Unlike bigger firms, you’ll talk directly with the lawyer handling your case. We can offer you the guidance and compassion you can depend on to help you through this challenging time.