Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Trenton

FAQs

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

  609-989-4000 is the Trenton Police Department's non-emergency number.

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

  Police Reports are available in-person at 225 N Clinton Avenue. Requests are possible by mail.

• Are dog owners in Trenton off the hook for personal injury suits if their pets bit a victim for the first time?

  No, dog owners in Trenton are not off the hook for personal injury liability if it's the pet's first bite. The New Jersey law used in the metro imposes strict liability on animal owners whose canines attack others. There is no exception for the first bite, and the permissible defenses are limited to instances where the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing.

• What should victims of drunk driving do after a crash in Trenton to protect their interests in case of a personal injury suit?

  Victims of drunk driving in Trenton must be honest and straightforward when questioned by police and stress important details like the scent of alcohol on the other driver's breath. Photos of the scene must be taken, but if medical care is critical that latter takes precedence. It is also advisable to refrain from negotiating with insurers until accompanied by a lawyer.

• If a resident of Trenton was working on a government renovation project and had a bad fall, is it safe to wait four months to file a formal personal injury claim?

  No, it is inadvisable to wait for four months to file a personal injury claim when a laborer in Trenton is hurt during a government project. When seeking damages from a public entity, the state law applied in the metro requires that notice be given to the agency at fault within 90 days of the incident, roughly three months. If the claimant waits another month, the cause of action will lapse.

• What are the damages recoverable in personal injury suits filed inside of Trenton?

  The damages recoverable in personal injury suits based in Trenton cover the quantifiable economic costs associated with medical treatments, hospital time, and lost wages. These are proven using receipts from healthcare service providers and salary documents from employers. Intangible losses and harm like emotional distress and prolonged suffering are also recoverable.

• If a parking lot owner in Trenton fails to maintain adequate lighting and a patron is mugged at night, is a personal liability suit possible?

  Yes, a personal injury suit against a parking lot owner in Trenton is possible over security-related failures like muggings. The owner of real estate open to the public has a duty under the law to keep the location safe from ill-willed members of society. The installation of proper lighting is a basic safety measure that must be implemented to deter robbers and negligent security lawsuits.

• 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.