New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accident Timeline and Settlement Process
Victims who sustain injuries following a motor vehicle accident must know when the settlement is due. Most personal injury cases due to motor vehicle accidents vary depending on whether they go to court. Working with a reliable New Jersey personal injury attorney helps you understand the type of timeline you may face.
Factors That Delay Your Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
There is no single timeline that every settlement claim follows. Each case has a unique set of factors affecting its settlement duration. Below is a list of common factors that may delay your motor vehicle accident settlement:
- The number of defendants
- Your financial losses and the severity of the injuries
- Whether the case goes to trial or not
- The experience and skill level of your lawyer
- The county’s backlog cases
- Each party’s insurance coverage and providers
The New Jersey statute of limitations regarding personal injury suits provides injured adults with a duration of two years to file a lawsuit on the date of a crash. The primary bargaining chip during negotiations for settlement lies solely in the ability of victims to threaten a lawsuit. Working with experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys helps victims demand the compensation they deserve aside from keeping their cases on track.
Do You Need To Report a Motor Vehicle Accident in New Jersey?
The accident reporting requirements in New Jersey depend on the severity of injuries sustained by the victims. If the accident results in injuries to an individual, the at-fault driver should visit the local police station to file an oral report. The same approach applies if the accident causes property damages of $500 or more. Regardless of the reporting requirements, motor vehicle accident victims should exchange their contact and insurance information with the at-fault party. It would be best to consider filing a report with the New Jersey Vehicle Commission within ten days to improve your chances of securing compensation.
How Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Work in New Jersey
Most cases in New Jersey don’t go to trial. The parties involved mediate without necessarily going to trial to save on attorneys’ stress and fees, which are abundant in courtroom settings. The settlement process lets the parties control the outcome aside from dropping pending lawsuits after agreeing on a mutual remedy. New Jersey doesn’t require mandatory settlement conferences, but judges can order one conference before trial to allow the warring parties to settle during the day of trial. Even without the assistance of a judge, your lawyer will discuss multiple settlement options with the other party to secure the compensation you need.
The Average Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement in New Jersey
Crafting an average motor vehicle accident settlement is difficult due to the varying nature of cases. Hitting a parked car causes less pain, property damage, and mental anguish than a street racer colliding with spectators. The most important aspect is the number of injuries sustained in your case. Your attorney considers the following to determine the settlement amount:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Car repairs
- Insurance coverage
- Pain and suffering
How Long Should I Wait Before Filing a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a statute of limitations for victims who wish to file a legal case following a car accident. Victims have up to six years from the crash date to report property damage and two years for personal injury claims. The time limit is crucial, and victims shouldn’t ignore it if their claims with insurance companies are pending. Contact a seasoned attorney early to ensure you still have adequate time to file a lawsuit when required.
Victims should only sign a settlement agreement with the help of a motor vehicle accident lawyer. A seasoned attorney ensures you receive the amount you deserve under the law. If you sustain injuries following a motor vehicle accident, you should hire a skilled car accident lawyer in New Jersey to assist you in filing a claim.
