Auto Accident Lawyers In Burlington County, NJ
Proving Fault And Building Your Case
If you’re involved in an auto accident in Burlington County or anywhere in the surrounding area, it’s crucial to understand how to prove the fault of the other party and build your case. With the help of an experienced auto accident lawyer, you can get the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to take the first offer from the other party’s insurance company right after an auto accident. Most people find that they receive much more when they enlist the help of a skilled auto accident lawyer.
Gather All Evidence As Soon As Possible
Once you’ve confirmed that everyone involved in the auto accident is safe, make sure you get detailed insurance information from every party involved and file a police report immediately. Take as many photographs as possible of your vehicle, other vehicles, the accident scene itself, and traffic signs. You should also document the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident, if this plays a role in your case.
If possible, gather video footage from nearby security cameras or witnesses to see if they happened to film the accident or the aftermath. Make sure you also get written statements from witnesses, as this often factors into your case, especially if someone witnessed the accident and saw exactly what happened and how it occurred. You should also gather the contact information of these witnesses in case your auto accident lawyer needs to contact them to appear and testify in court later.
Build Your Case
Building your case is crucial, and hiring a skilled auto accident lawyer in Burlington NJ is just one part of the equation. If possible, look into hiring a professional accident reconstruction expert who can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other factors to help you put together an accurate sequence of events. This is crucial if you’re the victim and need to prove negligence in your case here in Burlington County. Gather and maintain thorough medical records, which are also vital to help show the courtroom the extent and nature of your injuries.
If you missed work as a result of the auto accident, you’ll also want to include this information, too. Depending on the complexity of your case, your lawyer may also recommend using expert testimony who can provide more information about liability, such as medical experts or vehicle experts.
Understand The Law
Without the help of a lawyer, you may not fully understand how to navigate the legal process or gather evidence to build a strong case and get the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, our team of lawyers will help you with every step, including what to say and what information you’ll need to present in the courtroom. One key tip is to never admit any fault in the accident, even if you think you may have done something to contribute to it. Insurance companies and the lawyers for the other party will always try to find any hint of admitting fault on your side to help reduce their financial responsibility.
You’ll need to be able to prove that the other driver was negligent, which means they failed to exercise the care and attention that any reasonable person would have under the same or similar circumstances. Proving that the other party violated a traffic law is one example of strong evidence of negligence. You’ll also need to have your lawyer prove that the other driver’s actions (or lack thereof) is what directly caused your injuries and damages to win your case.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly to speak with an attorney.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Economic Damages You May Recover
Every state has different laws regarding auto accident compensation. In New Jersey, you may be able to recover compensation for things like lost wages, medical expenses, vehicle damages, and pain and suffering in certain cases. The New Jersey state law also allows for compensation for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, but the state is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance company will likely be the source to cover initial medical bills and lost wages. You could recover what’s called “economic damages.” This term refers to all costs associated with your medical treatment, including hospitalization, doctor visits, medication, rehab, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages And Property Damage
You can also be compensated for any income lost if you’re unable to work directly as a result of the auto accident. Property damage compensation is also available to pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property, when applicable.
Additional Reimbursement Options
Other potential compensation may include reimbursement for the cost of childcare, any home modifications you may need to make while healing from the accident, and other costs directly related to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
Pain and suffering, also called “non-economic damage,” may also be available if you deal with mental anguish, depression, or anxiety from the accident’s aftermath. Other examples of possible compensation include loss of quality of life, which is what occurs when you’ve lost the ability to enjoy activities and other experiences you previously enjoyed before the accident.
Important Legal Consideration
It’s very important to note that you may not be able to recover any compensation if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault. Whether you need a personal injury lawyer in Old City, Burlington County, or beyond, contact the team at Bochetto & Lentz, P.C.
How Is Fault Determined In An Auto Accident Case?
Police And Accident Reports
Law enforcement investigations and official reports often provide an initial assessment of fault based on evidence and witness statements.
Traffic Laws And Violations
Fault is determined by who violated traffic rules, like running a red light or failing to yield.
Witness Testimony And Evidence
Statements from witnesses, photos, videos, and skid marks help clarify what happened.
Insurance And Legal Review
Insurance adjusters and, if needed, courts analyze all evidence to assign fault or percentage of fault among parties involved.