Bergen County Car Accident Lawyers

Dedicated legal representation in New Jersey

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman attorneys understand the life-altering ramifications that follow a serious motor vehicle accident. If you or a loved one were injured because of the negligent actions of another motorist, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. Whether hurt in a rear-end collision, commercial vehicle crash, or hit-and-run accident, mounting medical bills and lost earnings can put a severe strain on your family and negatively impact the quality of your life.

Amid the physical pain, stress, and confusion, dealing with a personal injury claim can be a lot to handle on your own. That is where an experienced Bergen County car accident lawyer can help. Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman seek justice and rightful compensation for car accident victims in New Jersey. Since 1975, our attorneys have helped accident victims throughout Bergen County achieve maximum damages for their losses. We have a proven track record of results, procuring millions of dollars in car accident compensation on behalf of our clients. Legal consultations are free of charge and without obligation. Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we do not get paid unless we negotiate a monetary settlement or win your case.

If your motor vehicle accident injuries were serious, or the other motorist was uninsured or underinsured, you need skilled legal counsel. Align yourself with a Bergen County car accident lawyer who will protect your best interests. Call today to schedule a free case review with Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman.

If you or a loved one were injured because of the negligent actions of another motorist call us today for a free consultation.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

In the immediate aftermath of an auto accident, it’s imperative to seek medical attention and contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance agent without first discussing the case with your own attorney. Our skilled injury lawyers represent clients who have sustained life-changing personal injuries or lost a loved one in all types of vehicle accidents, including:

Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Bicycle accident
Distracted Drivers
Side impact collisions
DWI
Pedestrian knock downs
SUV rollovers
Collisions involving public transportation
DWI Accidents
Uninsured or underinsured motorist accidents
Work-Related Car Accidents
Defective tires
Commercial vehicle accidents
Accidents caused by defective motor vehicle parts

Our seasoned attorneys have the resources and experience to establish liability in complex accident cases and craft the strongest possible legal arguments on your behalf. Our attorneys and in-house investigators review injury and police reports, speak with eyewitnesses, compile evidence, and secure vital testimony from medical experts that lend credibility to your claim. Without a knowledgeable lawyer in your corner, insurance companies will likely offer much less than your case is worth. We have an outstanding record of dealing with insurance companies in New Jersey, but if negotiations fail, be assured your case will be prepared for trial and presented with expertise honed in decades of courtroom experience.

Watch Video: When Can I Sue for Injuries in a Car Accident in New Jersey?

New Jersey traffic fatalities rise

Recent traffic accident data paints a grim picture for New Jersey drivers. Fatal accidents are on the rise, and nearly 10 percent of all traffic deaths involved distractions behind the wheel, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

New Jersey state police report that traffic accident deaths increased 8 percent in 2016, claiming more than 600 lives. Of the 607 victims, 89 were passengers, 167 were pedestrians, and 18 were cyclists. As in previous years, law enforcement officials say that excessive speed, driver fatigue, lack of seat belt use, and texting while driving contributed to many of these deaths. Cathleen Lewis of the AAA New Jersey Automobile Club reports that driver distraction is the largest change in behavior over the last decade.

Motorists who cause an accident while drowsy, impaired, or otherwise distracted may be held liable for the losses incurred. A successful claim can recover reimbursement for a variety of damages including:

Lost income
Current and future medical bills
Reduced earning capacity
Disability or disfigurement
Pain and emotional suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

With our talented car accident lawyers representing your case, you will never settle for less than you deserve.

Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.

Auto Accident Statistics in U.S.

According to traffic fatality statistics, nearly 32,675 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2014.
In 2013, nearly 32,719 fatalities occurred.
According to NHTSA, in 2013, there was an average auto liability claim of $3,231 for property damage and $15,443 for bodily injuries.
According to NHTSA, the average collision claim in 2013 was $3,144.
According to NHTSA, 10,076 people were killed in alcohol related crashes in 2013.
According to NHTSA, in 2013, 9,613 people lost their lives due to speeding related accidents.
In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in distracted driving crashes, and 424,000 people were injured.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents

The common causes of auto accidents include:

Distracted driving: Common types of distractions that result in car accidents include eating, reaching for objects in the vehicle, and use of cell phone.
Speeding: Speeding increases the risk of an accident and makes the crash impact more severe.
Drunk driving: Drunk driving has been a leading cause of auto accidents. Driving under the influence can increase the risk of a crash.
Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving also leads to vehicle accidents.
Night Driving: Night driving leads to poor visibility, which is a risk factor for car crashes.
Weather conditions: Auto accidents also occur due to bad weather conditions.

Common car accident injuries

In the wake of a motor vehicle crash, your health should be your primary concern. With a qualified lawyer on your side, you won’t have to worry about no-fault insurance laws or whether Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will cover your expenses. Our legal team understands the intricacies of auto insurance laws in New Jersey, and will fight to obtain maximum compensation.

By developing a robust legal strategy, we can help procure money damages for hospital bills, surgeries, medication, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses arising from serious car accident injuries, including:

Spinal cord injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Whiplash injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Jaw or dental damage
Joint injuries
Paralysis
Burns
Soft tissue damage
Injuries to internal organs
Catastrophic injury leading to amputation

If you have suffered spinal cord injury, or are exhibiting signs of a concussion or brain trauma, you can put your trust in our award-winning legal team to advocate on your behalf. We are dedicated to providing personal attention to each client through every step of the process. We listen to your story, answer your questions with clear, straightforward language, deal with insurance adjustors and offer tenacious representation that gets results.

WATCH: What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Case?

Car Accident FAQs

When you’re involved in a car accident, the physical aftermath might just be the tip of the iceberg, and in some cases, it may be necessary to seek damages. The subsequent legal action taken can prove to be a daunting challenge, especially if you are not well-versed with the do’s and don’ts. It’s easy to make errors in this high-stress situation, which can cost you in terms of compensation, legal rights, and more. Because of this, we can assist in guiding their clients through the several complexities that can arise, along with answering the many questions they will have. The following addresses five questions regarding what not to do following a car accident.

Should I Seek Medical Attention Immediately?

One of the most common oversights after an accident is neglecting immediate medical attention. The adrenaline rush might mask your pain, making you underestimate your injuries. Ignoring medical attention risks your health and can weaken your claim. Your medical report acts as vital evidence linking your injuries to the accident and thus is indispensable for your legal case.

What Happens If I Fail To Gather Evidence?

Accidents are traumatic, and in the heat of the moment, gathering evidence might be the last thing on your mind. However, photos of the accident scene, testimonies of eyewitnesses, and immediate police reports serve as pivotal evidence. Failing to collect these can reduce your chances of accurately representing your case, ultimately impacting the outcome of your legal action.

What Does It Mean To Admit Fault?

Our car accident lawyer is well aware that it’s natural to express regret or admit fault in the chaos and confusion following a collision. However, this can prove to be a costly mistake. Even if you believe you may be partially at fault, admitting so prematurely can negatively impact your legal standing. Liability determination is complex, involving many factors. Leave it to the legal and insurance experts to analyze the circumstances.

Why Shouldn’t I Delay Legal Action?

Time is of the essence when it comes to taking legal action. In many jurisdictions, there are statutory deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim. Delaying legal action can risk your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Also, as time passes, evidence may deteriorate or be lost, and the witnesses’ memories can fade, weakening your case.

Why Is It Important To Have An Attorney?

Navigating the intricacies of legal proceedings can be tricky without professional help. While it may be tempting to save on legal fees, it often proves costly in the long run. Professional legal representatives have the experience and knowledge to advocate for your rights effectively. They can negotiate with insurance companies, help you understand your rights, and guide you toward fair compensation.

Bergen County Car Accident Infographic

Car Accident Glossary

Recovering from a car accident involves more than just medical treatment—it often requires dealing with insurance claims, legal procedures, and financial concerns. Our Bergen County car accident lawyer can provide guidance on key legal concepts that affect your ability to recover compensation and protect your rights.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a required component of auto insurance in New Jersey that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services after an accident, regardless of fault. PIP benefits can help cover hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and even in-home assistance if injuries prevent normal daily activities. However, it does not compensate for pain and suffering. If injuries are severe enough to meet the state’s legal threshold, an accident victim may pursue additional damages by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Modified Comparative Negligence

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule when determining compensation in car accident cases. This means that if an injured party is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of responsibility. For example, if a driver is found 30% at fault for a collision, their total compensation will be reduced by 30%. If the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are legally barred from recovering any damages. This rule makes it crucial to establish fault accurately when filing a claim.

Serious Injury Threshold

New Jersey law restricts the right to sue for pain and suffering in car accident cases unless the injuries meet the serious injury threshold. This includes permanent injuries, significant scarring, disfigurement, fractures, loss of a body part, or other substantial harm. This legal standard is meant to limit minor claims and focus litigation on cases involving lasting physical damage. If an injury qualifies under this threshold, a victim may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional compensation beyond what PIP provides.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is an optional but highly beneficial part of an auto insurance policy. It provides financial protection if an accident is caused by a driver who has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for damages. This coverage can also apply in hit-and-run accidents where the responsible driver cannot be identified. UM/UIM benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other financial losses when the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate or nonexistent.

Bad Faith Insurance

Insurance companies have a legal duty to handle claims in good faith, meaning they must process and pay valid claims fairly and without unnecessary delay. Bad faith insurance practices occur when an insurer unreasonably denies, undervalues, or delays a legitimate claim. This can include refusing to investigate an accident properly, misrepresenting policy terms, or offering a settlement far below the actual value of the claim. Policyholders who experience bad faith tactics may have grounds to sue their insurance company for additional damages.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., Bergen County Car Accident Lawyer

135 Chestnut Ridge Rd Suite 200, Montvale, NJ 07645

Car accident lawyers Bergen County trusts

Navigating the complexities of car accident claims in New Jersey can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident. To protect your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation, seeking legal representation from an experienced car accident attorney is crucial.

At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., our team of Bergen County car accident attorneys are committed to advocating for the rights of accident victims. We’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We are here to provide you with the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

If you or a loved one were injured because of the negligent actions of another motorist call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.

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