Cape May Car Accident Attorneys

FIGHTING FOR CAPE MAY COUNTY CAR ACCIDENT VICTIMS

In 2018, the state of New Jersey saw 563 people killed in fatal traffic accidents, placing it in the top ten most dangerous states for fatal crashes in the country. The most recent data shows that Cape May county has averaged over 2700 car accidents per year for the last 5 years, with 10 fatal crash deaths in 2018. 

If you were involved in a serious traffic accident in Cape May county because of a reckless or negligent driver, you can be left with major physical injuries and devastating property damage. You can trust the experienced team at Richard Hollawell to help you seek compensation for your injuries and provide you with the justice you deserve.

An experienced attorney can make sure that insurance companies fairly compensate you when your vehicle is damaged.

Contact our NJ auto accident lawyers today at 1-800-681-3550 or using the form below for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Cape May County

Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but the number one cause in Cape May and the United states as a whole is exactly what you might think it is:

• Distracted driving: WIth the proliferation of cell phones, more and more drivers are not paying attention to the road. Texting, using social media, or otherwise driving while distracted can cause a fatal accident in just a few seconds.
• Drunk driving: There are 26,500 people a year arrested in NJ for DUI or related offenses, and DUI’s make up ⅓ of all traffic related fatalities. Drunk driving is more common on the weekend, as individuals travel on the Garden State Parkway to and from the shore through Cape May.
• Reckless driving: Drivers who speed, change lanes quickly, or drive aggressively can cause serious accidents. NJ is the most densely populated state in the country, which can lead to high tensions on the road.

Most Dangerous Roads in Cape May County

There are several dangerous roads in Cape May, with differing statistics depending on whether the accident involves another vehicle, a cyclist, or a pedestrian. Cape May is relatively safe for drivers of cars compared to the rest of the state, but is considered the most dangerous Southern New Jersey county for bicyclists. 

• Garden State Parkway: The Garden State Parkway consistently ranks as the most dangerous highway in New Jersey year after year. 27 miles of Parkway pass through Cape May County, with more accidents over the summer as people travel to the shore.
• Route 47: Though the Parkway is the most dangerous highway in the state, Route 47, also known as Delsea Drive, claims the most deadly spot in Cape May County. Traffic jams and accidents are common occurrences, especially during the summer months. Route 47 also has the highest number of pedestrian deaths in Cape May, and the third highest number of bicycle crashes.
• Route 9: Route 9 also consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous highways in the state, with 14 fatal crashes in 2018. Its busiest stretch had an average traffic volume of 65,4222 vehicles last year.

A crash on the Garden State Parkway

Car Accident Laws in Cape May County NJ

New Jersey is a no-fault car insurance state. This means after an accident, you will typically need to file a claim under your own personal injury protection coverage if you want to receive compensation for property loss or medical expenses. Your insurance company will cover the damages for you, up to the limit of the policy.

While a no-fault claim can get you compensation for your injuries, it won’t provide compensation for your vehicle damage. You may be able to sue the at-fault driver, in cases where the accident led to:

• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent injuries from car accidents
• Loss of body parts
• Wrongful Death

What to Do After a Serious Car Accident in Cape May County

In the aftermath of a serious car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do first. While it can be hard to remember exactly what steps to take, it is critical that you first:

• Seek medical attention for you and your passengers
• Contact the police and obtain a police report
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver

After this, if you are able to, make sure and:

• Get contact information and statements from any eye witnesses
• Take pictures of the accident from every angle
• Make notes on the weather or road conditions at the time of the accident

Most Common Injuries Seen in Cape May Car Accidents

When two or more heavy vehicles collide at high speeds, the result is often disastrous. With road conditions, obstacles, and your car itself acting as variables, car crash injuries can come in many forms and leave an array of long lasting injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent to the victims.

Some of the most common injuries we see following a car accident in Cape May County include the following:  

• Tire Blowout Injuries. Tire blowouts can result in unpredictable injuries. These accidents can have complicated liability — from the vehicle owners to operators, mechanics to product manufacturers, distributors, and sellers.
• Brain and Head Injuries. Head injuries are one of the most common results of car accidents. These types of injuries can be short-term or chronic. This category includes concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries. Vital internal organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys may also be impacted in a car crash. Muscle strains, fractured bones, and bruised ribs occur even more frequently.
• Whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden snapping motion during a crash. The soft tissue in the neck tears and swells in the accident, though it may go undetected. This can lead to long-term issues like neck pain, shoulder pain, migraines, and dizziness.

What Medical Bills Will Insurance Cover After a Cape May County Car Accident?

Most people assume that their insurance company will cover their expenses after a serious car accident, but there are various ways you may get coverage, depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident.

Here’s how this might play out in Cape May County:

• You were driving your car at the time of the accident: Your medical bills will be paid through your own personal auto insurance. You should have PIP (personal injury protection), or no-fault medical benefits coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. 
• You were the passenger in another person’s vehicle when the accident occurred, and you have your own auto insurance: In this case, you will go through your own auto insurance, not the driver’s insurance.
• You were a passenger in another person’s vehicle when the accident occurred, and you do NOT have your own auto insurance: In this scenario, you will contact the auto insurance for the driver of the car you were a passenger in, and go through them for your medical coverage. 
• If you are a pedestrian and are struck by a vehicle: You will go through your own health insurance. 

• What if you don’t have health insurance?: If you do not have your own health insurance, then you can add unpaid medical bills to your damages when making an auto claim. Your Cape May County car accident attorney can help you with this process. 

 Cape May County Car Accident Lawyers Can Connect You to the Experts You Need 

Anytime you file a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove fault or negligence on the part of the other driver, and this can often be far more complicated than it initially appears. A Cape May County car accident lawyer can connect you to the experts you need to prove who was actually at fault for the accident, especially in cases where there are no witnesses to corroborate your side of the story. 

Cape May County car accident lawyers can connect you to various professionals, including:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Highway safety engineers
• Medical experts
• Vocational rehabilitation specialists

What steps should I take immediately after a car accident in Cape May County?

After a car accident in Cape May County, it’s crucial to act swiftly and responsibly. Firstly, seek medical attention for yourself and any passengers. Next, contact the police and ensure you obtain a police report.

Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved in the accident. If possible, collect contact information and statements from any eyewitnesses. Additionally, document the accident scene by taking photos from multiple angles and make notes about the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident.

What are the most common injuries resulting from car accidents in Cape May County?

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, but some of the most common seen in Cape May County include:

• Tire Blowout Injuries: These can have complex liability issues.
• Brain and Head Injuries: Such injuries can be short-term or chronic, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries: Vital internal organs may be impacted, along with muscle strains, fractured bones, and bruised ribs.
• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by sudden snapping motion during a crash, which can lead to long-term issues like neck pain, shoulder pain, migraines, and dizziness.

How can I get my medical bills covered after a car accident in Cape May County?

The process of getting your medical bills covered after a car accident depends on the circumstances:

• If you were driving your car at the time of the accident, your medical bills will be paid through your own personal auto insurance, typically PIP (personal injury protection) or no-fault medical benefits coverage.
• If you were a passenger in another person’s vehicle and have your auto insurance, you’ll go through your insurance, not the driver’s.
• If you were a passenger without your own auto insurance, you should contact the auto insurance of the driver of the vehicle you were in for your medical coverage.
• If you are a pedestrian struck by a vehicle and do not have health insurance, your own health insurance will come into play. If you don’t have health insurance, you can add unpaid medical bills to your damages when making an auto claim, and a Cape May County car accident attorney can assist in this process.

When should I consider hiring an experienced Cape May car accident attorney?

Hiring an experienced Cape May car accident attorney is advisable in situations where you need to prove fault or negligence on the part of the other driver, which can be challenging without witnesses. An attorney can connect you to experts like accident reconstruction specialists, highway safety engineers, and medical experts to support your case.

Furthermore, an attorney can help you negotiate a settlement and ensure insurance companies treat you fairly. If you’ve been in a car accident in Cape May County, it’s wise to seek legal counsel promptly to maximize your compensation and achieve justice. Contact our experienced team at Richard Hollawell for a free consultation at 1-800-681-3550 or use the contact form provided.

When to Hire An Experienced Cape May Car Accident Attorney

Having an experienced NJ personal injury lawyer on your side can help you maximize your compensation by helping you avoid crash liability, and making sure the insurance companies treat you fairly. A skilled attorney can also help you negotiate a settlement when appropriate. 

Richard Hollawell and his team have recovered over $50,000,000 for their clients, and have the tenacity, strength and will to achieve justice and maximum results. Your case will be handled ethically and honestly. Call us at 1-800-681-3550 or use the contact form to get your free consultation today!