Lakewood Car Accident Lawyers
Residents, commuters, and visitors travel through Lakewood’s busy streets every day, and car accidents occur when drivers least expect them. Afterwards, survivors may face serious injuries, transportation challenges, employment interruptions, and questions about their legal options. These concerns can feel immediate and stressful, especially when injuries interfere with daily activities.
Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. has represented injured individuals for decades. Our firm’s Lakewood car accident lawyers skillfully organize records, document injuries, and evaluate possible compensation under state guidelines. Our work focuses on presenting accurate information related to liability, insurance rules, and the damages that may be available after a collision in New Jersey.
What Types of Cases Do Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Handle?
Our Lakewood car accident lawyers manage cases involving negligence related to distracted driving, speeding, and impairment. These crashes might involve passenger or commercial vehicles, pedestrian incidents, and intersection crashes. Our analysis examines establishing liability, determining the available insurance coverage, and how the incident aligns with New Jersey requirements for fault and compensation.
How Does New Jersey’s No-Fault System Affect a Claim?
New Jersey’s “no-fault” framework requires most individuals to use their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for medical care; that applies regardless of who caused the collision. A claim for pain and suffering may proceed if injuries meet the state’s verbal threshold or if the person purchased a policy with an unrestricted right to pursue such damages.
What Evidence Strengthens a Claim After a Collision?
Police reports, photographs, diagnostic results, repair estimates, and witness accounts help establish how a crash occurred and the impact it created. Clear documentation of the claimant’s appointments, medications, and lost income further supports the link between injuries and the incident. That evidence influences insurance evaluations and potential settlement discussions.
Who Determines Liability in a Lakewood Car Accident?
Insurance adjusters first review the evidence and reach preliminary conclusions. If the claimant disagrees, they can challenge the decision. When settlements cannot be reached, a court may evaluate the circumstances using state statutes, roadway design, driver conduct, and available documentation. Our Lakewood car accident lawyers skillfully negotiate with insurers; we also represent our clients in court.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Compensation may involve medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, property damage, lost earnings, and diminished earning ability. Pain and suffering may also be available when allowed under the law. Each matter depends on the severity of injuries, policy limits, and documentation showing how the collision affected the person’s daily life.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect Recovery?
Under New Jersey’s “comparative negligence” rule, a person may pursue compensation if he or she holds less than 51% responsibility for the crash. Any award is reduced by the percentage of assigned blame. Our Lakewood car accident lawyers prioritize the importance of gathering and sourcing accurate evidence because shifts in negligence allocation may influence the final recovery.
How Do Insurance Companies Approach These Claims?
Insurance companies evaluate statements, medical records, and repair estimates to determine liability and the value of a claim, and the adjusters may request further documentation or attempt early resolution. Their goal focuses on limiting financial exposure for the insurer, which can influence their approach to negotiations.
What if Injuries Do Not Appear Immediately?
Some injuries develop gradually, so we recommend seeking a prompt medical evaluation if you are not taken to a hospital immediately after the crash. These records may later support a claim related to ongoing pain, restricted movement, or other injuries connected to the accident.
What if the Other Driver Lacked Insurance?
When a driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, claimants may seek compensation under their own Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist provisions. These benefits may provide payment for injuries and losses beyond what the at-fault driver can cover. The availability of these benefits depends on the policy purchased.
How Do Our Lakewood Car Accident Lawyers Approach Settlement Discussions?
Our legal team examines medical documentation, liability evidence, and financial losses to present accurate valuations supported by law. We use this analysis in discussions with insurers. If negotiations do not resolve the matter, we may prepare for litigation while continuing to evaluate settlement opportunities.
What Role Do Medical Experts Play in These Cases?
Expert witness physicians may provide evaluations regarding the severity of injuries, anticipated recovery time, and long-term needs. Their reports can establish the connection between the crash and the resulting medical conditions. These assessments may influence settlement discussions and trial presentations.
How Do Courts Handle Disputes Over Fault?
Courts look at testimony, technical findings, roadway conditions, and how each driver acted, paying close attention to credibility and any conflicting accounts. Judges or juries then apply New Jersey law to the facts, and their conclusions determine whether compensation is awarded.
Why Do Some Claims Take Longer Than Others?
Length often depends on injury severity, length of treatment, disputed liability, and the willingness of parties to work toward resolution. Matters involving extensive medical care or contested facts may require additional time. Our Lakewood car accident lawyers closely monitor legal deadlines, communicate consistently with all parties, and work to streamline the process when possible.
Can Family Members Bring Claims on Behalf of Injured Individuals?
Family members may bring claims when a loved one cannot act due to age or a medical condition. Courts may appoint representatives to pursue compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and related losses, depending on the circumstances.
Do Most Cases Settle Before Trial?
The majority of car accident cases resolve through settlement because both sides frequently prefer to avoid trial. When disagreements concerning liability or damages remain substantial, a trial may follow. Our Lakewood car accident lawyers prepare each claim with both possibilities in mind.
Does Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Offer Free Legal Consultations?
Yes, we provide free legal consultations so individuals can initially discuss their situations without financial pressure. This approach allows us to assess the facts, determine whether legal representation is appropriate, and provide preliminary guidance before any commitment is made.
Let Our Lakewood Car Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Pursue Justice for Your Injuries and Property Damage
Do not hesitate to contact our Lakewood car accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. if you were injured in a motor vehicle crash. For a free consultation, call us today at 732-906-1500 or complete our online form. With office locations in Brick, Freehold, Edison, and Toms River, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents In Lakewood
Yes, but only up to certain limits. Your medical/health insurance policy will usually be activated once your car insurance and PIP policies have been exhausted. An applicable uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may also apply if you were involved in an accident with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
That depends on the extent of the damages you suffered in the accident, as well as the limits of the insurance policies you carry. Contact the Lakewood car accident lawyers with Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. to learn more about how to file a claim, how to quantify a claim, and how to ensure your claim is accepted and not rejected by your insurer.