Camden County Car Accident Lawyers

The aftermath of a serious car accident might include ambulance transport to an ER, surgical procedures, recovery, lost time from work, and long-term physical and emotional consequences. Unfortunately, many car accident survivors also face complicated paths toward pursuing fair compensation for their damages. Questions about liability, insurance coverage, and compensation are common, and finding reliable answers is important for moving forward.

At Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York, our Camden County car accident lawyers work with individuals and families affected by vehicle crashes. From identifying fault to pursuing insurance claims to representing clients in court, our legal team focuses on protecting their interests through each step of the claims process. With a clear understanding of New Jersey motor vehicle laws, we assist those involved in straightforward and more disputed accident cases.

What Are the Most Common Kinds of Car Accidents?

Car accidents occur in many different ways, and each type can carry distinct consequences. Some of the most frequently reported types include:

Rear-end collisions, which happen when one driver fails to stop in time and hits the vehicle ahead. These crashes often occur at traffic signals or in stop-and-go traffic and may result in whiplash or back injuries.
Head-on collisions tend to be more serious due to the impact force involved. These may happen on two-lane roads when a driver crosses the centerline or travels the wrong way.
Side-impact crashes, often called T-bone accidents, are common at intersections when one driver fails to yield or ignores a traffic signal. Sideswipe accidents are also frequent on highways, especially when a driver merges without checking blind spots.
Multi-vehicle accidents can involve several cars and raise questions about shared fault and insurance liability.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

Our Camden County car accident lawyers determine fault by reviewing the facts of the incident and the evidence. Our team also applies legal standards to assess which driver(s) may have acted negligently.

Police reports often provide an initial overview of what happened and may include statements from drivers and witnesses, along with any citations issued. However, these reports are not final determinations of legal liability. Additional evidence, such as surveillance footage, dashcam video, photographs of the crash scene, and vehicle damage, can support fault analysis.

In some cases, accident reconstruction professionals provide a technical review of how the collision occurred. Traffic laws play an important role as well; violations like speeding, following too closely, or failing to yield may indicate that one party did not meet their legal duty to drive with reasonable care.

What if More Than One Driver Is at Fault?

New Jersey follows a legal principle known as “modified comparative fault“. This means that more than one party can share responsibility for a crash. If a driver is found to be partially at fault, they may still pursue compensation, as long as their share of responsibility does not exceed 50%.

When multiple parties are at fault, the compensation awarded may be reduced based on the degree of responsibility assigned. For example, if a driver is found to be 30% at fault, any damages awarded would be reduced by that same percentage. This rule can significantly affect the outcome of a car accident claim, particularly in cases involving unclear liability or shared mistakes.

What Role Does New Jersey Insurance Play in a Car Accident Claim?

New Jersey follows a “no-fault” insurance model, which means that drivers typically turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. This system is designed to provide prompt coverage for immediate needs, such as medical treatment or lost income. However, the ability to file a claim against the other driver depends on the type of insurance policy the injured person holds.

Those with a “limited right to sue” policy may only pursue a claim for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, if the injury meets specific legal thresholds. These may include significant disfigurement, loss of a body part, or permanent injury. Drivers with an “unlimited right to sue” policy may bring a claim for non-economic damages without meeting these thresholds. The insurance policy chosen at the time of purchase directly affects legal options after a collision.

How Is the Value of My Car Accident Claim Calculated?

Our Camden County car accident lawyers consider several factors that influence the value of a car accident claim.

Medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and other financial losses are commonly included. These are referred to as ‘economic damages’ and are generally supported by documentation like receipts, medical bills, or employment records.

‘Non-economic damages’ may also be part of a claim if the injuries are serious enough under New Jersey law. These can include compensation for pain, emotional distress, and the impact of injuries on daily activities or quality of life. Calculating these losses is more subjective and depends on the nature of the injury, the length of recovery, and the extent of physical or emotional suffering.

Are Car Accident Claims Handled Differently if a Commercial Vehicle Was Involved?

Accidents involving commercial vehicles can raise different legal issues than those involving only personal vehicles. Commercial drivers are held to federal and state safety regulations, which may include restrictions on driving hours, maintenance requirements, and training standards. If a company fails to comply with these regulations, it may be held accountable for resulting accidents.

In these cases, both the driver and the company may be liable, depending on the circumstances. Evidence like vehicle inspection reports, driver logs, and employment records is important for building these cases. Claims involving commercial vehicles may also involve more substantial insurance policies, but the process for filing a claim may be more formal and contested. Our Camden County car accident lawyers examine these variables closely to help clients prepare thorough and well-supported claims.