What if I was injured as a passenger in the car accident?

As a passenger, you're generally not at fault for the accident, which means you may be able to pursue compensation from the driver of your vehicle, the other driver involved, or both depending on who caused the crash. You may also be covered under your own insurance policy's personal injury protection benefits regardless of fault. An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation for your injuries and ensure you receive maximum recovery.

How do insurance companies determine fault in a car accident?

Insurance companies investigate accidents by reviewing police reports, interviewing drivers and witnesses, examining vehicle damage patterns, and sometimes hiring accident reconstruction professionals. They look for evidence of traffic violations, negligent driving behaviors, and physical evidence from the scene to determine which driver bears responsibility. However, insurance company conclusions aren't always accurate, which is why having your own attorney conduct an independent investigation is often beneficial.

Can I still file a claim if the police report says I was at fault?

Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the police report indicates you were at fault, as these reports represent the officer's initial assessment based on limited information available at the scene. Police officers often don't have access to all relevant evidence or witness statements when writing their reports. An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation that may uncover evidence contradicting the police report and supporting your claim.

How much is my car accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on numerous factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, degree of fault, and impact on your quality of life. Minor injury cases might be worth thousands of dollars, while serious injury cases can be worth hundreds of thousands or more. The only way to get an accurate estimate is through a thorough case evaluation with an experienced attorney who can assess all aspects of your damages.

What happens if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance to cover my damages?

If the at-fault driver's insurance limits are insufficient to cover your damages, you may be able to recover additional compensation through your own policy's underinsured motorist coverage. You might also be able to pursue the driver's personal assets, though this can be challenging if they don't have significant wealth. An experienced attorney can explore all available options for recovery and help you understand the best strategy for your situation.

Somerville Car Accident Lawyers | Auto Accident Attorneys in Somerville, NJ

Somerville Car Accident Lawyers

Auto Accident Attorneys in Somerville, NJ Helping Clients Navigate Insurance Claims and Personal Injury Lawsuits in Somerset County and Throughout the Delaware Valley / Greater Philadelphia Region

A single moment of impact can transform your entire world, leaving you to navigate medical treatments, insurance complications, and financial uncertainty. Car accidents don't just affect the drivers involved—they ripple through families, disrupting work schedules and creating stress that extends far beyond the initial collision. At Cohen & Riechelson, our experienced Somerville car accident lawyers understand that recovering from a serious accident involves much more than healing physical injuries.

What seems like a minor collision can quickly escalate into a major life disruption. Hidden injuries often don't reveal themselves until days or weeks after the accident, while insurance companies work aggressively to minimize their financial responsibility from the moment they receive notice. Early legal intervention protects your rights before insurance companies can use delay strategies against you. Contact Cohen & Riechelson today for a free consultation with a compassionate car accident attorney who can help you move forward from the accident.

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Types of Car Accident Cases Cohen & Riechelson Handles in Somerville, NJ

Our decades of experience representing accident victims throughout Somerville have given us intimate knowledge of local traffic patterns and collision hotspots. From the busy downtown area to residential neighborhoods, we understand how different areas present unique risks for accident victims.

Our auto accident attorneys in Somerville, NJ, have successfully handled virtually every type of motor vehicle collision:

Somerville Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Crashes involving delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, and business fleet vehicles
Somerville Distracted Driving Accidents: Collisions caused by texting, phone use, or other driver distractions
Somerville Drowsy Driving Accidents: Crashes resulting from fatigued drivers falling asleep at the wheel
Somerville Drunk Driving Accidents: Collisions involving intoxicated or impaired motorists
Somerville Fatigued Driver Accidents: Accidents caused by exhausted drivers with reduced reaction times
Somerville Head-On Collision Accidents: High-impact crashes between vehicles traveling in opposite directions
Somerville Highway Accidents: High-speed collisions on major roadways, including Routes 22, 28, and 206
Somerville Hit and Run Accidents: Cases where the at-fault driver flees the scene
Somerville Intersection Accidents: Crashes at traffic lights, stop signs, and busy crossroads
Somerville Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Complex chain-reaction crashes involving multiple cars
Somerville Negligent Driver Accidents: Collisions caused by reckless or careless driving behavior
Somerville Rear End Accidents: Common crashes that can cause serious neck and back injuries
Somerville Road Hazard Accidents: Crashes caused by potholes, debris, or dangerous road conditions
Somerville Rollover Accidents: Serious crashes where vehicles flip or turn over
Somerville Roundabout Accidents: Collisions at circular intersections and traffic circles
Somerville Side-Impact Accidents: T-bone crashes that often result in severe injuries
Somerville Single Vehicle Accidents: Crashes involving only one vehicle due to various factors
Somerville T-Bone Accidents: Perpendicular collisions typically occurring at intersections
Somerville Texting While Driving Accidents: Crashes specifically caused by cell phone use behind the wheel
Somerville Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents: Cases involving drivers with inadequate coverage
Somerville Unsafe Roadway Accidents: Crashes caused by poor road design or maintenance
Somerville Vehicle Defect Accidents: Collisions resulting from faulty auto parts or manufacturing defects

This comprehensive experience allows our Somerville car accident lawyers to quickly assess the unique factors in your case and develop a tailored legal strategy. We understand that each category presents distinct challenges in proving liability and calculating damages.

How We Prove Fault in a Somerville Car Accident Claim

Proving fault in a car accident requires establishing that the other driver had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. Every driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws, creating a duty of care to other road users.

When this duty is breached through negligent actions like speeding, texting while driving, or running red lights, and those actions directly cause an accident, the foundation for liability is established. We use multiple types of evidence to prove fault, including:

Police reports that document officer observations and any citations issued
Witness statements from people who saw the accident occur
Photographs of vehicle damage and the accident scene
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras

Additional evidence can include cell phone records showing the at-fault driver was texting, accident reconstruction analysis that determines vehicle speeds and impact forces, and expert testimony explaining how the other driver's actions violated traffic safety standards. Building a strong fault case requires gathering this evidence quickly before it disappears or becomes unavailable.

Let Our Somerville Car Accident Attorneys Handle the Insurance Companies

Insurance companies employ sophisticated tactics designed to minimize payouts to accident victims, often taking advantage of people who are vulnerable and unfamiliar with the claims process. They may contact you shortly after the accident with settlement offers that seem generous but actually fall far short of covering your full damages.

Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions during recorded statements that can be used to suggest you contributed to the accident or that your injuries aren't as serious as claimed. They may also delay processing your claim, hoping financial pressure will force you to accept an inadequate settlement, or request unnecessary documentation to create obstacles in your recovery process.

Our Somerville car accident lawyers step in as your shield against these tactics, handling all communications with insurance companies and ensuring that every interaction advances your case rather than undermining it. We know how to counter their strategies and negotiate from a position of strength based on thorough case preparation and legal knowledge.

Compensation Available in Somerville Car Accident Cases

Car accident compensation falls into two main categories that address different types of losses you may have suffered. Understanding these categories helps you recognize what you may be entitled to recover through your claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages represent the quantifiable financial losses you've experienced due to the accident. These include current and future medical expenses for treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care related to your injuries. Lost wages from time missed at work and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to perform your job are also economic damages, along with property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses that don't have specific dollar amounts but significantly impact your life. These include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, and depression resulting from the accident. Loss of enjoyment of life, inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, and the impact on relationships with family and friends also fall into this category, along with permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects your appearance and self-confidence.

New Jersey Car Accident Laws Affecting Your Car Accident Case

New Jersey has specific laws that can significantly impact your car accident claim and the compensation you're entitled to receive. Understanding these laws helps protect your rights and ensures you don't miss important deadlines.

The statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation. This deadline is strictly enforced, and failing to file within this timeframe typically means losing your right to pursue compensation permanently. However, it's important to contact an attorney much sooner to ensure evidence is preserved and your case is properly developed.

New Jersey also follows comparative negligence laws, which allow you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. As long as you were less than 51% responsible, you can still pursue damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This system ensures that injured parties can obtain financial recovery even in cases involving shared responsibility.

How Our Somerville Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

When you're dealing with the physical pain and emotional trauma of a car accident, you need experienced auto accident attorneys in Somerville, NJ, who will handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

We Investigate to Strengthen Your Claim

Our team conducts an investigation that goes beyond basic police reports to build a comprehensive case supporting your claim. We work with accident reconstruction professionals to analyze crash scenes, obtain surveillance footage before it's deleted, and coordinate with medical professionals who can document your injuries and treatment needs. This thorough approach often uncovers evidence that strengthens your case and increases your potential recovery.

We Fight for Full Compensation

We carefully calculate both your economic and non-economic damages to ensure any settlement reflects the true impact of the accident on your life. This includes current medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. Our comprehensive approach ensures that you receive fair compensation for both immediate expenses and long-term consequences of your injuries.

About Auto Accident Claims in Somerville

Somerville's position as a regional hub creates unique traffic challenges that contribute to motor vehicle accidents throughout the year. The borough's compact downtown area creates narrow streets and limited visibility that can catch drivers off guard, particularly those unfamiliar with the area.

Route 22, which runs through Somerville, is notorious for high-speed rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes at busy intersections. Local roads like Main Street and Bridge Street present challenges with parallel parking, pedestrian traffic, and delivery vehicles. When you've been injured anywhere in Somerville, it's crucial to work with experienced auto accident attorneys in Somerville, NJ, who understand local traffic patterns and the medical facilities available for treatment and rehabilitation.

Contact the Experienced Somerville Car Accident Lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson for a Free Case Evaluation

The decisions you make in the hours and days following your car accident can have lasting implications for your ability to recover fair compensation. Insurance companies often approach accident victims with settlement offers before they fully understand the extent of their injuries or the true cost of their recovery.

At Cohen & Riechelson, our Somerville car accident lawyers are ready to provide immediate legal protection and begin the investigation process while evidence is still fresh and witness memories are clear. Contact us today through our online contact form or call 609-528-2596 to schedule your free consultation with our experienced Somerville personal injury lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Somerville, NJ

As a passenger, you're generally not at fault for the accident, which means you may be able to pursue compensation from the driver of your vehicle, the other driver involved, or both depending on who caused the crash. You may also be covered under your own insurance policy's personal injury protection benefits regardless of fault. An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation for your injuries and ensure you receive maximum recovery.
Insurance companies investigate accidents by reviewing police reports, interviewing drivers and witnesses, examining vehicle damage patterns, and sometimes hiring accident reconstruction professionals. They look for evidence of traffic violations, negligent driving behaviors, and physical evidence from the scene to determine which driver bears responsibility. However, insurance company conclusions aren't always accurate, which is why having your own attorney conduct an independent investigation is often beneficial.
Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the police report indicates you were at fault, as these reports represent the officer's initial assessment based on limited information available at the scene. Police officers often don't have access to all relevant evidence or witness statements when writing their reports. An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation that may uncover evidence contradicting the police report and supporting your claim.
The value of your case depends on numerous factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, degree of fault, and impact on your quality of life. Minor injury cases might be worth thousands of dollars, while serious injury cases can be worth hundreds of thousands or more. The only way to get an accurate estimate is through a thorough case evaluation with an experienced attorney who can assess all aspects of your damages.
If the at-fault driver's insurance limits are insufficient to cover your damages, you may be able to recover additional compensation through your own policy's underinsured motorist coverage. You might also be able to pursue the driver's personal assets, though this can be challenging if they don't have significant wealth. An experienced attorney can explore all available options for recovery and help you understand the best strategy for your situation.