Auto Accidents

If you are involved in an automobile accident, you have a right to bring a claim against the other motorist for damages. As a practical matter claim you bring your claim against the insurer of the other motorist. Damages include past and future income loss, all medical expenses, including potential future medical expenses, and “general” damages for pain, suffering, mental anxiety, emotional distress, and potential impairment of earning capacity. You are also entitled to prompt repair or replacement of your automobile, and the use of a rental car until your car is repaired or is paid for.

If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of your own automobile insurance policy, then your medical bills and wage loss will be paid, in part, by your own insurer. The amount of payment depends on the type of PIP policy you purchase. Some provide medical expense coverage of $25,000, and up to three years after the accident, and others only provide $10,000 for one-year; likewise some will pay wage loss of $200 per week for 50 weeks, and others will pay a percentage of your full income loss for a certain time.

If the other motorist either has no insurance or not enough, you are entitled to assert claim against your own insurance carrier pursuant to your Under Insured Motorist (UIM) coverage. When you purchase automobile insurance, your broker is required to offer you both PIP and UIM. The amount of UIM will match the liability coverage you purchase, although you can obtain a different amount.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to get information about the other driver, insurance, and the names of any witnesses. It is also important to consider retaining an attorney to represent you if your injuries are serious. Our firm represents many persons who have been injured in automobile accidents. We charge a contingent fee, and you can learn more about fees and costs here.

Persons injured in automobile accidents have claims for wage loss, medical bills incurred, pain, suffering, and disability. These claims are especially important for the injured person and his or her family if the result of the accident is lifelong disabling injuries which prevent the injured persons from returning to their former jobs and, in some instances, any employment at all. We assist such persons with their claims, as well as monitoring their claims for Social Security or workers compensation benefits that may also be available as result of the accident.