Many people who contact us are not sure if they need a lawyer for their claim. The answer is: It depends. You will need to be able to show that someone else’s negligent actions or inactions caused your injury. You will also need to be able to demonstrate the damages you suffered. At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, we can review the details of your accident for free and advise you on whether you have a case. Contact us today to get started.

The value of your personal injury case will depend on several factors. First, you need to have a clear understanding of the extent of your injuries. You want to know your future treatment needs, any long-term care requirements, and how your injuries will affect your life. The last thing you want to do is rush into a settlement that only covers your immediate expenses and losses, only to realize a year or two later that the damages are much more extensive than you thought.   

Another factor that will affect your case value is the insurance coverages available to you. For example, if your damages exceed the policy limits of the at-fault driver in a car accident case, you may need to explore additional options for compensation, such as your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Your role in the accident will also affect the value of your case. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced under New Jersey’s modified comparative fault rule.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania both have statutes of limitations on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In both states, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you wait too long to take legal action, you lose your right to compensation.

Two years may seem like a long time, especially when you are so busy just trying to get the treatment you need. Still, you should get legal representation as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and that you do not miss any important deadlines. Small mistakes early on can end up costing you down the line.

At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, we do not charge you any fees upfront to start work on your personal injury case. We will review your case for free, with no obligation to you. If we believe you have a claim for compensation, we will do all the legal legwork with no out-of-pocket cost to you. When we recover compensation for you, our fee then comes as a percentage of that. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us. It’s that simple.

Insurance adjusters have ways of getting accident victims to make statements that can later be used against them. The best thing to do if an insurance adjuster contacts you is to take down their name and contact information and say you will get back to them. Do not discuss your accident or answer any questions about how you are feeling. Instead, leave all communication to your attorney.

It is common for two parties to share some responsibility for an accident. Most of the time, though, one party is more at fault than the other. In New Jersey, we follow what’s known as a modified comparative fault rule in personal injury claims. This means that as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, you can still recover compensation from the other at-fault party. However, your payment would be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, say you suffered $100,000 in damages in a car accident but were found to be 10 percent at fault. Your compensation would be reduced by 10 percent, or $10,000.

Insurance companies will use this rule to try to reduce their payouts by pushing blame onto you. It is crucial to have a seasoned personal injury attorney on your side who can build a strong case demonstrating who bears the brunt of the responsibility.

You may feel like life is spinning out of control after an accident leaves you with a serious injury. However, there are some steps you can take to help yourself and your claim for compensation.

• Save the names and contact information for everyone involved, as well as any witnesses.
• If an official report was filed, such as a police accident report or an incident report on private property, ask for a copy.
• Save any photos or videos you took at the scene of your injury. Take photos of your injuries if they are visible.
• See a doctor immediately, and follow your treatment plan.
• Save all paperwork, receipts, invoices, and other documentation related to the accident and your injuries.
• Stay off social media. Even seemingly unrelated posts and photos can hurt your case.
• Do not give a written or recorded statement to the insurance company.
• Talk to a trusted personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Most personal injury claims can be settled without going to trial. However, it is important to have an attorney who will be prepared to take your case to court if necessary. The cost and risk of litigation is a big factor for insurance companies as they weigh settlement. If an insurance company thinks your attorney is not willing to go to trial, you are at a disadvantage.

At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, we have extensive experience both in personal injury settlement negotiations and at trial. We have the network of experts and the resources to invest in the type of high-tech trial presentations that move juries to find in our favor. Our attorneys will be prepared to fight for the best possible outcome in your case, no matter what.

If your loved one was killed in an accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Although no amount of money can make up for what you’ve lost, a wrongful death claim can help your family recover financially and demand accountability. To learn more about your right to pursue a wrongful death claim, contact our firm today.