Finding The Best Somerset County New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer

What separates a good car accident lawyer from a great one? Read to learn more.

Studies show that claimants represented by an attorney receive significantly higher settlement offers than unrepresented claimants. Hiring an attorney generally leads to quicker claim resolution, as well. Generally speaking, filing a claim with the help of an attorney will make your life easier after a car accident.

That said: not all lawyers can offer the same quality of service that you’ll find at Arlen Law Firm. 

Here are five ways that Arlen Law Firm is special:

1. Clear communication. If you’ve ever worked with an attorney before, you know that some only speak in confusing legal jargon, or “legalese.” Our team is different. We make an effort to keep our clients informed about their cases—and we do it in terms that are easy to understand.
2. Consistent contact. Arlen Law Firm offers compassionate, personalized care to every client. That means regular check-ins to ensure  you know what’s going on with your case. Additionally, we want every client to feel comfortable reaching out to us if they need clarity on an issue regarding their file. 
3. Meticulous case research. With every case, our team makes sure to collect any and all evidence that could be beneficial to your case. After filing a lawsuit, we track and manage all insurance paperwork, hospital billing, medical checkups and paperwork, and even property damage replacement costs so that your settlement includes every expense and insurance recovery option.
4. Peace of mind. At Arlen Law Firm, we know that car accidents are not just financially costly, but mentally and emotionally draining. We believe that our clients’ injury recovery should be their primary goal. We advocate passionately on your behalf—with insurance adjusters, defense attorneys and others—so your focus can remain where it matters: getting better.
5. Experience where it matters. Working with an experienced New Jersey motor vehicle accident attorney is critical to getting the outcome you deserve. At Arlen Law Firm, we make sure that all your bases are covered when taking any legal action on your behalf. We understand the legal system, the insurance-recovery process, and the long road to recovery after a car accident. You can trust Arlen Law Firm to guide you through the process, from beginning to end.

We Make Complicated Cases Simple

Many motor vehicle accidents involve several complicating factors: inclement weather, commercial vehicle involvement, municipal laws, non-motorized traffic, and so forth. Each element of your case must be considered very carefully when making a claim for financial damages. 

The knowledgeable New Jersey car accident lawyers at Arlen Law Firm understand that no case is truly “simple”—but that many cases can be simplified by considering the same confounding factors. When you work with Arlen, you work with 20+ years of combined experience. 

The New Jersey car accident lawyers at Arlen Law Firm employ both applicable case law and negotiating strategies to greatly improve the outcome of your case. Call our New Jersey car injury lawyers today at (908) 212 7660 for a free consultation.

Getting Nowhere with Your Insurance Company? We Can Help.

When you have a large claim against them, your insurance company can make the process extremely adversarial. You may notice that it takes longer for your company to call you back; that you’re often left in the dark about what’s going on with your case; and that your adjuster may continually ask for more information, months after the accident.

These are all well-documented delaying techniques that insurance companies use, on purpose, to back you into a corner and accept whatever settlement they offer you. Moreover, insurance companies often minimize your claims through sophisticated computer claims analysis software. 

When your insurance company is stonewalling you, or low-balling your claim, saying it’s “the best they can do” … it’s time to get Arlen Law Firm, New Jersey’s car accident experts, in your corner. We are not afraid to work with your car accident claims and face down any insurance company and pursue the settlement you deserve. When your insurance company turns against you, we’ll be by your side.

Catastrophic Injury? Work with a Legal Team that Gets Results

Did you know that car crashes are the leading cause of death in 16- to 24-year-olds in the United States? In the 6 million passenger car crashes that happen every year, nearly 50% result in bodily injury—and nearly 80% of all fatal car crashes involve a passenger vehicle. 

Just because car crashes are common does NOT mean they are acceptable. Arlen Law Firm stands for road safety, consumer protection, and getting people who have been seriously injured the compensation they deserve. 

A Somerset County New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Answers Frequently Asked Questions

Geoffrey Arlen, New Jersey Auto Accident Attorney, answers your most frequently asked questions. 

Got a question for Geoffrey? Let us know!

What are the most common causes of car accidents?

There are often several contributing factors in every car accident case. Some of the most common causes are as follows:

• Rideshare Accidents
• Distracted driving (reaching for something inside the vehicle, cell phone use)
• Driver fatigue (falling asleep at the wheel)
• Reckless driving (speeding, tailgating, ignoring traffic signs, failing to signal)
• Dangerous road conditions (ice, snow, narrow roads, poorly marked roads)
• Poor visibility (heavy rain, glare)
• Intoxication due to alcohol or drugs
• Medical emergencies
• Mechanical issues (brake failure, broken tail lights)

What should I do after a car accident?

After a car accident, contact emergency services and give a full police report. If you feel unwell, or have a physical injury, seek medical care immediately. Make sure to photograph any damage to your vehicle, report every injury you notice (physical and mental), and document the aftermath of the collision. Cooperate with all authorities and answer every question fully and truthfully. Notify your insurance company promptly, and do not admit fault.

DO NOT:

X Leave the accident scene until you are cleared to do so

X Admit liability, to the other driver, police personnel, or to emergency responders

X Delay getting medical care

Finally, you should have an experienced car accident attorney evaluate your case. This frequently expedites the process and increases your total compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.

Attorney Tip: Put our number, (908) 212 7660, in your phone as “CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY” This way you know who to call in the event of a car accident.

What kinds of injuries can happen in a car accident?

Every car accident is a little different, and injuries can vary widely. Factors influencing the damage to you and your vehicle include speed at impact; age and physical condition of the victim; road conditions; vehicle orientation, seat belt use and more.

Common injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (“TBIs”)
• Neck and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Whiplash, soreness, and soft tissue damage
• Broken bones
• Loss of limbs
• Facial disfigurement
• Ruptured organs and other internal injuries
• PTSD, phobias, and flashbacks
• Mental health disturbances
• Death

Your recovery plan will depend on the seriousness of your injuries as determined by a treating medical professional. Because every case is different, it is vital to be evaluated as soon as possible after the accident to establish a medical baseline. Your New Jersey car accident lawyer will help develop a customized plan to recover compensation based on your unique needs. 

If you have sustained injuries like those mentioned above, call Arlen Law firm immediately. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, physical therapy, loss of income, and more. 

Who is liable for my car accident?

New Jersey has what’s called “no-fault law”, which means that both drivers involved in a car accident, and all injured parties, can seek compensation from their own insurance providers, regardless of who is at fault. 

Additionally, New Jersey uses a unique “choice” no-fault addendum, which means that people can choose whether the required insurance coverage is covered under the tort liability system or under a no-fault compensation system (the latter of which restricts the ability to collect noneconomic damages).

If it sounds complicated that’s because in many cases, it is. Always talk to an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer to learn how liability is determined in your auto accident.

What is “comparative fault”?

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance defines comparative fault like this (emphasis added):

In automobile insurance, comparative negligence is a term used to indicate the degree of  fault each individual involved in an accident contributes to the cause of the accident. In New Jersey the insurance company investigates the accident and determines how much each individual or vehicle involved contributed to the accident occurring. If you are seeking reimbursement from your own insurance company under your collision coverage, comparative negligence does not apply. However, if you are pursuing a claim against the other driver, his or her insurance company will determine whether and to what extent that driver is at fault for the accident.

Comparative fault applies in situations where both parties involved in an accident are partially responsible. Comparative fault exists to make sure everyone is compensated fairly, but it can be stressful when the at-fault driver claims comparative fault when you request compensation for your injuries.

Can Arlen Law Firm help me with my car accident case?

If you have been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact Arlen Law Firm, your New Jersey car accident lawyers, for support. Call (908) 212 7660 for a free consultation, or to set up an in-person appointment to go over your case. Our office is located in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

You may be wondering if your car accident case really needs a personal injury lawyer. In the vast number of cases, the answer is: YES. Car accident victims often struggle to navigate the claims process alone, thinking that their case isn’t big enough to warrant a lawyer. The fact is: no matter how seemingly small, every case can feel overwhelming. The support you will receive from a car accident attorney will not only streamline the process, but have a major impact on your quality of life in the meantime.

How many auto accidents happen every year in New Jersey?

Car accidents are a sad reality here in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, there were a total of 42,791 injury crashes reported in New Jersey in 2020. The county with the highest number of injury accidents was Essex County, with 4,948 crashes. The New Jersey State Police website shows a near-daily uptick in the number of motor vehicle fatalities occurring on our New Jersey roads. The reasons for these accidents are predictable: driver inattention, reckless driving, speeding, unsafe turns, or driving under the influence. 

The team at Arlen Law Firm believes that car accidents are 100% preventable—and we’re here to help make things right after a car or motor vehicle accident. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, contact us at (908) 212 7660 for your free case evaluation.

Do I need a lawyer after my car accident?

Several factors will determine if you need to find an auto accident lawyer near you, including but not limited to your property damages; medical injuries; the general severity of the accident; and the legal implications of your potential case. You should immediately retain an auto accident lawyer if your case involves severe injury or disability, a dispute in liability, multiple lines of insurance and/or commercial vehicles, including rideshare vehicles (Uber, Lyft or similar)

While you are not required to hire a lawyer, we recommend that you at least consult with an attorney after a car accident, if only to determine your need for legal representation. Car accident cases can be complex, and lawyers will consider factors that could make your case much more valuable. Arlen Law Firm is here to help steer you in the right direction, regardless of whether you require our services. Our consultations are always free, and we never collect money from you until we recover money for you.

How much does a New Jersey car accident lawyer cost?

At Arlen Law Firm, we believe in the value of our services—and we understand how financially stressful a car accident can be. That’s why we only take a payment after we secure a settlement or court award for you. Our clients pay nothing upfront to cover any costs for their cases; this is known as a “contingency fee” arrangement. If we do not obtain a financial settlement or verdict for you, you do not owe us anything.

What is my car accident case worth?

Compensation for your car accident case will depend on several factors, namely the severity of your damages and the circumstances of the inciting incident. Compensation generally takes into account your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of consortium and so on. 

Many people underestimate the value of their car accident case, fail to hire an experienced car accident attorney, and settle or abandon their case while forfeiting their right to full compensation. Getting maximum compensation starts with a free consultation at Arlen Law Firm.

Will my case go to trial?

It’s difficult to determine if your case is bound for trial, even after a trial date is set. Trials frequently happen when there’s a disagreement around whose fault it was, or if the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement — but they can also happen when the insurance company thinks they can get away with paying less than they owe. 

Most car accident lawsuits do not go to trial. Complicated cases, like those involving multiple insurance lines, liable parties and interstate laws, may also settle out of court due to the expected legal fees and time spent in court.

While most car crash cases settle outside of court, you should always hire a Somerset County, New Jersey car accident attorney ready to push your case all the way to the courtroom. Lawyers with strong trial reputations often settle cases more quickly and for higher amounts than lawyers who do not take many cases to court; this is because insurance companies do not want to go to trial, and will pay more to avoid the hassle.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The time required to resolve your claim depends on the severity of your case, the degree of your injuries, any issues with liability, and how quickly the insurance company responds. If the case needs to go to trial sometime systemwide factors, like the municipal court’s case backlog, may also become a factor. 

Call Arlen Law Firm at (908) 212 7660 for a free consultation, and to learn how we may be able to expedite your settlement.