Standing Up For South Jersey Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A. We are an established firm with a reputation for integrity, professionalism and trusted service.
We handle car accident claims and other personal injury litigation for clients in Vineland and throughout South Jersey.
Protect Your Rights
If you have been injured in an auto accident, you will likely have to go through an insurance company to obtain the compensation you are entitled to receive. Insurance companies focus their efforts on denying claims or settling for as little compensation as possible. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights.
Our attorneys have represented thousands of injury victims and have a proven record of results. We have extensive experience in claims involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
Where Are Car Wrecks Happening In New Jersey?
At Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A., our lawyers see how families from across New Jersey are affected by injuries resulting from car wrecks. Some of the most hazardous areas for drivers include major highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and I-295. Busy intersections, such as Route 1 and Route 18 in New Brunswick, also see a large number of accidents due to high traffic levels and complex road layouts.
However, accidents do not only happen on highways and roads with fast-moving traffic. Places that might seem safe, such as parking lots and sidewalks, are also common scenes for accidents, especially those involving pedestrians. These incidents often occur due to brief lapses in attention but can have lasting consequences.
The 10 Most Dangerous Things You Can Do While Driving
There are certain behaviors that significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. These behaviors include:
- Distracted driving: Engaging in any activity that diverts attention from driving, including eating, adjusting the radio or using other devices
- Texting while driving: Reading, writing or sending text messages or emails, which significantly distracts a driver from the road
- Driving while drunk or impaired: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which slows response times and impairs cognitive and motor functions
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, which can reduce a driver’s ability to avoid objects in the roadway or maintain control when steering around curves
- Aggressive driving: Performing actions such as tailgating, changing lanes erratically or exhibiting road rage
- Ignoring traffic signals: Failing to observe stop signs and traffic lights, which can lead to collisions at intersections
- Driving without a seat belt: Neglecting to wear a seat belt, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death in an accident
- Driving in bad weather: Operating a vehicle in conditions like rain, snow or fog without adjusting driving habits for safety
- Failing to yield the right of way: Not allowing other drivers or pedestrians to proceed when they have the legal right, leading to crashes
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Neglecting car maintenance, such as brakes and tires, which can cause malfunctions and accidents
Our lawyers are committed to helping victims of car accidents that have been caused by these dangerous behaviors. They strive to ensure that accident victims receive the appropriate compensation. Remember, making responsible choices on the road protects not only your life but also those of others around you.
Seeking Maximum Compensation For Auto Accident Victims
We understand that you may be dealing with significant medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other challenges. You can rely on us to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the full and fair compensation you are entitled to receive.
We Want You To Have The Answers That You Need
One of our primary duties as attorneys is to help you understand the issues ahead of you. In short, we’re here to answer your questions. Some of your questions will naturally depend on your exact situation, but others are much more general, such as:
What happens after a car accident?
There are several things that happen after a car accident, especially one that causes a person to get serious injuries. Though there is some variation in the order, you will:
- See a doctor.
- Make a police report.
- Speak with an attorney.
- File an insurance claim.
Often, it’s a wise idea to gather evidence, and this is only in the immediate aftermath of the accident. The long-term outlook, from a legal perspective, is a considerable back and forth with the insurance company to get you the treatment you deserve.
Do I have to file a car wreck accident claim right away?
New Jersey law states that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. To file a property damage claim only, the statute of limitations is six years. Insurance policies vary widely in the amount of time they give you to file an insurance claim, so it is best to contact your insurance provider if you want to file an insurance claim.
What happens if I contributed to my accident?
In New Jersey, if you are injured in a car accident and are found to be partially at fault, it does not necessarily prevent you from suing for damages, but it can affect the amount of compensation you can receive. New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Under this rule, as long as your level of responsibility is not more than 50%, you are still eligible to recover damages. However, if the court determines you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault and the damages amount to $100,000, you would only receive $90,000 (which is 90% of the total damages).
How do I find the right car accident attorney in New Jersey?
There really is no one “right” car accident attorney for everyone. There is a right car accident attorney for you, though. From any attorney, you’ll want them to:
- Have plenty of experience
- Understand the court system in Cumberland County
- Have the knowledge to fight for your best results possible
- Be licensed to practice in New Jersey
But outside of those basic points, what you want from an attorney is really about the group you want to work with.
Our team at Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A., has over 150 combined years of experience in courts across Cumberland County and New Jersey. Attorney Frank J. Testa served as a prosecutor, judge and mayor of Vineland. Joseph Testa was a Cumberland County Superior Court judge. They bring their unique perspective on the law. More than that, they will treat you with respect and vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve.
What should I say to the insurance company?
While there is no way to file an insurance claim and say absolutely nothing to the insurance company, if there was, that would be the wisest choice. Saying as little as possible to the insurance company is the most effective method for protecting your future case. You will have to say something, but you must try to be as factual and brief as possible. Avoid admitting fault or even speculating on fault. You should let your attorney do the talking when it becomes necessary.
Contact Our Attorneys For Legal Help After A Car Crash In The Vineland Area
From our office in Vineland, we serve clients throughout South Jersey. We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you will pay nothing for our advocacy unless we recover compensation for you. To schedule a free consultation with a Vineland car accident attorney at our firm, call 856-899-5327. You may also contact us by email.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.