According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), last year there were an estimated 6.2 million car accidents in the U.S. resulting in more than 3.1 million injuries and more than 42, 000 deaths. While motor vehicle accidents can occur anytime and anywhere, certain factors, such as weather conditions, driver fatigue, cellular phone use and inattentive drivers account for a significant number of these accidents. Our attorneys understand the impact that an accident can have on individuals and families and works hard to ensure the best resolution for each and every client.

Experience Matters:
Our attorneys have years of litigation and trial experience in handling hundreds of cases involving personal injuries caused by car accidents. We understand that the immediate goals for someone injured in an accident are to obtain adequate medical treatment, get medical bills paid and ensure that there is a minimal financial loss through any time missed from work. We also understand people want to know their rights regarding seeking compensation for their injuries. We have extensive experience in handling cases involving compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills and out of pocket expenses for the following types of motor vehicle accidents:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Tractor Trailer and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Rear End Collisions
• Bus Accidents
• Accidents from Construction Sites or Defective Road Conditions
• Collisions with Municipal Vehicles
• Hit and Run Accidents

• Stop immediately. Never leave the scene of an auto accident no matter how slight the collision.
• Check to see if anyone is injured. Contact 911 or any other ambulance service in order to receive medical treatment.
• Call the police immediately. Make sure the police report is accurate and reflects your version of the auto accident. If it's not visit the police station immediately and demand to add your statement to the official police report.
• Obtain the other driver's name, address, phone number, license number, registration, and proof of insurance.
• Contact your insurance company immediately. Cooperate with your insurance company in providing information requested regarding property damage and any injuries sustained. Generally, your medical bills will be paid by either your car insurance company or the automobile insurance carrier of any immediate family member that lives with you.
• If you sustained injuries in the car accident, seek necessary medical care and preserve medical documentation of your injuries.
• Consult with an attorney who has litigation and trial experience in handling cases involving personal injuries caused by car accidents.
• Once you have hired your attorney, redirect anyone who contacts you for information about the accident to your attorney.

New Jersey’s No-Fault Automobile Law and the “Tort Threshold” Selection:
Automobile accidents in the State of New Jersey almost always involve the application of New Jersey’s “no fault” laws. Under these laws, certain benefits for medical treatment, lost wages and property damages are paid by an individual’s automobile insurance policy regardless of who is at fault in causing the accident. If an individual does not have insurance of his own, benefits may be available under a car insurance policy of an immediate family member with whom the person resides. Medical coverage is known as “personal injury protection” or “PIP,” which provides treatment to any injured motorist, passenger or pedestrian, even one responsible for an accident.

Cases seeking compensation for personal injuries and pain and suffering, however, may only be brought by an individual not primarily at fault in the accident. Under New Jersey’s no fault laws, a person’s “tort threshold” selection in their automobile insurance policy, may have a bearing on their ability to be successful in a claim for monetary damages due to pain and suffering or emotional distress. If a person selects the tort threshold (also know as the verbal threshold) in his or her insurance policy, this does not necessarily mean that the person cannot pursue a personal injury lawsuit. An individual subject to the tort threshold may pursue a monetary claim for compensation if he or she sustained one of the following injuries: (1) death; (2) loss of a fetus; (3) loss of a limb, fingers or toes; (4) significant scarring or disfigurement; (5) a displaced fracture; or (6) a “permanent injury.” A “permanent injury” has been defined as an injury of a body part or organ, that has not healed to function normally and will not heal to function normally with further medical treatment. Car accidents resulting in neck and back injuries usually fall within this last category.

If someone opted to select the “zero threshold” in their insurance policy, a personal injury lawsuit would not be limited to the six categories mentioned above. If a person does not have automobile insurance of their own, the applicability of the tort threshold would depend who resides with the individual. If someone was injured in a car or truck accident involving a commercial vehicle, the tort threshold would not apply regardless of the selection in the insurance policy.

Claims involving car accidents can often become complicated and stressful. It is critical that you have an attorney who is knowledgeable in all of the areas and insurance issues involved in personal injury cases resulting from automobile accidents. Our attorneys have years of experience in handling hundreds of automobile accident cases. RAM Law will ensure that your legal rights are protected, and that you receive the best possible representation.

For a free initial consultation, please call us today at 732-247-3600.