Hamilton Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, even with advanced safety technology, car accidents occur every day. In fact, New Jersey averages well over 200,000 car crashes per year, with Mercer County averaging around 11,000. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a car crash, you might benefit from speaking to an experienced car accident lawyer in Hamilton, New Jersey. The consequences of a motor vehicle accident can be drastic, devastating, and life-changing. Contact us today and let us help you. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hamilton

Hamilton is the largest suburb outside Trenton, New Jersey’s capital. With several highways and a suburban community, the roads can be busy, often leading to increased car crashes. Car accidents happen for countless reasons, from the simple to the complex. Some common causes of car accidents in this area include:

• Driver negligence, including driving while intoxicated, disobeying traffic signals, and texting while driving;
• Poor road conditions (e.g., uneven pavement, potholes, narrow design);
• Inclement weather;
• Tailgating;
• Road rage;
• Mechanical failures, including brake failures and engine combustion; and
• Manufacturing defects.

The cause of the accident is not always readily apparent, especially when the at-fault driver refuses to accept responsibility. If another driver or third party’s negligent actions caused the accident and you were injured, you might have a potential claim for damages. 

No matter how murky the cause, don’t be deterred from seeking advice from an attorney. A Hamilton car accident attorney can help you identify who is to blame for the crash so that you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

While nearly any type of injury might result from a car crash, a handful of injuries routinely appear. It is possible to walk away from a crash unscathed. But it is more likely that you will suffer minor, moderate, or severe injuries. The following are injuries we often see due to a motor vehicle crash:

• Whiplash,
• Lacerations (i.e., cuts),
• Bumps and bruises,
• Broken bones,
• Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries,
• Back and neck injuries,
• Burns,
• Soft tissue injuries,
• Spinal cord injuries, and 
• Paralysis.

It is also possible to simultaneously suffer multiple injuries. Alternatively, you may not even realize you have been injured. It is common to be in a state of shock immediately after an accident, which can mask pain. And some injuries manifest over time and are not instantly recognizable. Given that injuries are not always apparent, you should always seek medical attention after an accident.

Damages Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit

If you have been in a car accident and are considering filing a lawsuit, understanding what compensation you can recover can be helpful. Generally, three types of damages are available to a plaintiff: economic, non-economic, and punitive: 

• Economic damages are the easiest to quantify and usually the least contested. These damages represent your actual loss, including medical expenses, property damages, and lost wages. 
• Non-economic damages are subject to more dispute because they tend to be subjective and cannot be quantified using receipts. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. 
• Punitive damages are the last type available to a plaintiff, but they are rarely awarded by a jury or judge. Punitive damages are meant to punish a defendant for particularly egregious actions.

Your attorney can provide you with a better understanding of what damages might be available to you. Our Hamilton car accident lawyer can discuss your specific situation and the circumstances of your case to determine how much compensation you might be eligible to receive.

How to Prove Damages

While it is possible to recover damages from the negligent party, they are not automatically awarded. As a plaintiff, you have the burden of proving your case and that you are entitled to receive compensation.

To do this, you will need evidence. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be and the more likely you are to recover a significant settlement or award. Examples of evidence typically used in car accident lawsuits are as follows:

• Hospital and doctor bills,
• Medical records,
• Police report,
• Witness statements,
• Photos of the scene and damages,
• Video surveillance, 
• Accident recreation, and
• Expert testimony.

Remember, this list is not exhaustive. You may still have a strong case, even with only a small amount of evidence. The best way to understand the strength and weaknesses of your potential case is to seek legal advice. 

Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a claim for civil damages. When recovering from injuries, juggling doctor’s appointments, work, and daily commitments, two years can fly by, so we always recommend that you meet with an attorney as soon as possible following the accident. 

Car Accident Attorney in Hamilton

At Petro Cohen, our award-winning attorneys have decades of experience representing car accident victims throughout the state. We understand how challenging life can be after a car crash. Your focus should be on your recovery and your family. Let us handle the rest. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.