The accident reporting mandates set for the state of New Jersey depend on the severity of the accident. For example, if a crash resulted in an injury to a person, the responsible party must file an oral report with the police immediately after the incident occurred.
The same holds true for any property damage that amounted to at least $500. Regardless of the reporting requirements, each party in an accident should exchange contact details and insurance information. A written report is also required, one that must be filed within a 10-day timeframe with the Vehicle Commission in New Jersey.
Deciding on a Settlement Amount
While these are established requirements, coming up with a settlement amount for automobile accidents in Phillipsburg, NJ can be difficult. That is because each crash is different. To determine a fair and equitable settlement, the litigants and their attorneys must consider the following criteria:
* The insurance coverage (an insurance company will not go over the set limits of a policy)
* The repair costs for the vehicles
* The past and future medical costs
* Pain and suffering
* Lost earnings from having to take time off work
Pay Special Attention to the Filing Date
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for automobile accidents is two years from the date of the mishap for personal injury, and six years from the same date for property damage. This time limit is strictly enforced. Do not ignore the deadline, especially if your insurance claim is pending. An insurance claim will not extend the time to file a personal injury claim.
Again, to calculate a projected settlement for automobile accidents, victims need to discuss their cases with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can assist you by providing a free review of your claim and helping you meet your filing deadline. Never sign any type of settlement contract without seeing an attorney first.
Who to Contact About a Personal Injury Claim
To make sure you are well-represented in a personal injury case, visit a firm such as The Law Office of Pfeiffer Bruno. Make sure you seek the services of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
