Passaic County Auto Accident Lawyer

Motor vehicle collisions are devastating, and often, those injured need months or years to recover. In the worst cases, some crash victims never fully recover. Unfortunately, serious motor vehicle crashes occur virtually every single day here in New Jersey. If you’re among the injured because of someone else’s carelessness, you may feel unsure of where to turn. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. A skilled Passaic County personal injury lawyer is here to help with your auto accident case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you through each phase of the personal injury claims process ahead.

Auto Accident Cases We Handle

The Law Offices of August R. Soltis proudly handles a wide array of injury claims stemming from motor vehicle crashes on behalf of our clients. Just some of the collision cases we take are as follows:

• Car Crashes: Car crashes happen every single day here in the state of New Jersey. The Law Offices of August R. Soltis has years of experience representing victims of car crashes, and we’re prepared to put that experience to work for you as well.
• Motorcycle Crashes: Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than others on the road, and when they’re involved in crashes, they’re often severely injured as a result. If you were hurt as a biker in New Jersey, you can call on us to give you the legal representation you deserve.
• Pedestrian Injuries: Pedestrians harmed at the hands of negligent motorists often suffer debilitating injuries that they cannot recover from without the assistance of a seasoned personal injury legal team. The Law Offices of August R. Soltis is here.
• Truck Collisions: Truck drivers are in charge of operating large, high-powered machines that, when involved in collisions, can lead to very serious injuries. 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles are notorious for causing devastating property damages and injuries, and if you were hurt in a crash involving one, you can turn to the Law Offices of August R. Soltis for the legal representation you deserve and need.
• Bicycle Accidents: Unfortunately, bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are often among the most deadly, as cyclists have far less protection from outside factors than those operating motor vehicles. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you can depend on our legal team to effectively fight for your rights and future.
• Uber and Lyft Crashes: Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular and reliable means of transportation here in New Jersey, however, rideshare crashes are not unheard of. In fact, they happen more often than you may even think. If you were involved in such a crash and injured, you’ll need a lawyer familiar with Uber and Lyft’s liability systems and who has years of experience representing clients in the state of New Jersey. Look no further, because you’re in the right place.

Proving Fault After an Auto Accident

To recover compensation after an auto accident, you must prove that another party was at fault for the crash. In legal terms, this means establishing negligence. To do so, your attorney will need to demonstrate the following four elements:

• Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. All drivers on the road owe this duty to others.
• Breach of Duty: The at-fault party violated their duty of care by acting negligently. This could involve speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, failing to yield, or other reckless behaviors.
• Causation: The at-fault party’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. This requires evidence linking their negligence to the harm you suffered.
• Damages: You sustained actual damages from the crash, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Proving fault requires strong supporting evidence, which may include police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and expert testimony. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame or minimize their client’s liability, making it crucial to have an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side to build a compelling case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Recoverable Compensation

If you were injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages under New Jersey law. Compensation in an auto accident claim typically falls into two categories:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, physical therapy)
• Future medical costs related to long-term injuries
• Lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working
• Loss of earning capacity if you are permanently unable to return to your previous job
• Property damage, such as repairs to your vehicle

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, or depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed
• Loss of consortium, which applies if the accident affects your relationship with a spouse

New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will typically cover initial medical expenses. However, if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold—such as permanent disfigurement, loss of a body part, or significant disability—you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation. Our firm can assess the full extent of your damages and aggressively advocate for maximum recovery on your behalf.

File Your Claim On Time

New Jersey law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims after an auto accident. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

However, certain exceptions may alter this deadline. For example:

• If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until they turn 18.
• If the claim involves a government entity (such as a crash involving a municipal vehicle), you may be required to file a formal notice of claim within 90 days of the accident.

Additionally, while two years may seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence can fade, witnesses’ memories may weaken, and insurance companies may use delays against you. That’s why it’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Contact a New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer

Don’t face a serious auto accident on your own. The dedicated legal team here at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis stands ready to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. If you believe you have a valid personal injury claim, simply contact a Passaic County auto accident lawyer from our firm for a free initial consultation today.