Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Passaic

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Passaic, New Jersey?

  You can call 973-365-3900 or 973-365-3966 for non-emergency situations in Passaic, New Jersey.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Passaic, New Jersey?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report in Passaic, New Jersey through the Records Bureau on Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can also contact the Records Bureau via fax at 973-365-3915 or by phone at 973-365-3910.

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Passaic, New Jersey?

  Most personal injury cases in Passaic, New Jersey have a two-year statute of limitations. Minors who suffered personal injury have the right to sue within two years after reaching the age of 18. If the case involves a government entity, the victim has 90 days to make a personal injury claim and six months to get a response before filing a lawsuit against the government agency.

• What percentage do most attorneys take for personal injury claims in Passaic, New Jersey?

  Most personal injury attorneys in Passaic, New Jersey charge a contingency fee of around 33.33 percent of the total settlement amount. This is based on the legal norm in New Jersey. The percentage changes when the award exceeds $500,000 or when minors are involved. If you need to file a personal injury claim, it is best to hire an experienced Passaic personal injury lawyer who can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement and a favorable outcome.

• How long do most personal injury cases take in Passaic, New Jersey?

  In most cases, if you are able to make an instant settlement, your personal injury case in Passaic, New Jersey could be concluded in one to two months. If you negotiate a settlement at a later time, it could take from two months to more than a year, depending on when you can reach an agreement with the negligent party. However, if your case goes to trial, it could take around a year or more.

• What are the common personal injury claims in Passaic, New Jersey?

  Automobile accidents, product liability, work-related accidents, and wrongful death claims are the most common personal injury claims in Passaic, New Jersey. The various ways in which these accidents can occur is one of the reasons for the occurrence of injury claims after crashes involving vehicles. Distracted driving is common in New Jersey and it can occur as a result of a motorist texting, chatting on the phone, applying cosmetics, eating, grabbing something, or using GPS.

• Are personal injury settlements taxable in Passaic, New Jersey?

  Compensation from a personal injury case is generally not taxable in Passaic, New Jersey. It is taxable if it is a punitive damages claim or the basis of the case involves a breach of contract. State or federal taxes, as well as inheritance taxes, do not apply to wrongful death claims. However, if the survival claim exceeds $12,060,000, it is taxable. There will be a New Jersey inheritance tax if the estate's beneficiaries are not blood relatives of the decedent.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.