If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Union City, NJ, the aftermath can be both stressful and confusing. Dealing with insurance companies and understanding your legal rights can feel overwhelming. That’s where Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. steps in.
As experienced Union City car accident lawyers, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve. In this blog, we’ll discuss the critical role of a Union City car accident lawyer and how our firm can assist you with your car accident claim.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Understanding the causes of car accidents is essential when pursuing a car accident claim. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road by texting, eating, adjusting controls, or interacting with passengers. It significantly increases the risk of accidents by reducing the driver’s ability to react quickly to hazards.
- Speeding. Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle.
- Impaired driving. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, all of which increase the risk of accidents.
- Reckless driving. Tailgating, excessive speeding, and aggressive lane changes contribute to many accidents.
- Weather conditions. Rain, ice, and fog can make roads more dangerous and lead to accidents if drivers don’t adjust their speed and behavior.
- Running red lights or stop signs. Failing to obey traffic signals is a significant cause of intersection accidents.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we handle all types of accidents. By working with a knowledgeable Union City car accident lawyer, we can thoroughly investigate the root cause of your accident, helping to strengthen your claim.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening trauma. Understanding the nature of these injuries is crucial when filing a car accident claim, as the severity of the injuries directly impacts the compensation you may be entitled to. Typical car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash. One of the most frequent injuries in rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the neck suddenly jolts back and forth.
- Broken bones. The force of a collision can cause broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can range from minor herniated discs to severe paralysis, depending on the location and extent of the damage.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even a minor blow to the head can lead to a concussion or more severe brain damage.
- Internal injuries. Damage to internal organs may not be immediately apparent, so medical attention is critical after any accident.
- Lacerations and burns. Broken glass, airbags, and hot surfaces can cause deep cuts and burns.
- Wrongful death. In the most tragic cases, car accidents can result in fatalities. When a loved one dies due to another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
The Union City auto accident lawyers at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. understand the full spectrum of car accident injuries and work with medical experts to document your injuries comprehensively.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?
One critical aspect of filing a car accident claim in New Jersey is adhering to the statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Under New Jersey law, you typically have two years from the car accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Because missing the statute of limitations can be devastating to your case, it’s crucial to consult with a Union City car wreck lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we ensure that your claim is filed on time, protecting your legal rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Damages Are Recoverable in a Car Accident Case?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Union City, pursuing compensation means understanding the damages you may be entitled to. Damages in a car accident claim serve to compensate you for the accident’s financial and emotional impact on your life.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills often represent the most significant part of a car accident claim. These damages include costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. If your injuries require long-term care, such as ongoing rehabilitation or home modifications, a Union City car wreck lawyer will ensure that these future medical expenses are accounted for in your claim.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This damage covers the time you missed from work while recovering. In more serious cases where injuries cause long-term or permanent disability, you may receive future lost earnings as well. This amount is based on how your injury impacts your ability to work or forces you into a lower-paying job.
Property Damage
Your car and any other property damaged in the accident can be included in your claim. This expense covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and damage to personal belongings, such as phones or laptops, inside the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Noneconomic damages like pain and suffering are more challenging to quantify. This compensation covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. A severe injury can lead to prolonged pain, discomfort, or emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A skilled Union City auto accident lawyer will work to demonstrate how the accident has negatively impacted your quality of life to maximize this portion of your claim.
Loss of Consortium
When an accident impacts personal relationships, particularly between spouses, you may be able to seek loss of consortium damages. This damage refers to the loss of companionship, emotional support, and intimacy resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
In some cases, injuries may prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies that were once a significant part of your life. Whether it’s playing sports, engaging in social activities, or simply being able to care for your family, the inability to enjoy these things can be devastating. Damages for loss of enjoyment of life compensate you for the reduced ability to engage in these activities.
Contact a Union City Car Accident Attorney
You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. With decades of combined legal experience at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we are here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to pursue a successful car accident claim. Our dedicated Union City car accident lawyers are committed to securing the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Let us put our experience and expertise to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and healing.