Friday, January 18, 2019

Personal Injury Lawyer Clifton NJ


PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY



Clifton, New Jersey is a popular town with a vibrant shopping district, expansive parks and recreations activities as well as top-rated restaurants.  Unfortunately, people still get hurt at times.  When they do, it is important that they seek the assistance of an experienced Clifton NJ Personal Injury Lawyer.  Super Lawyers is an organization that ranks the best lawyers in Clifton and throughout New Jersey.  Attorney Daniel Sloan has been named to its Rising Stars list since 2016.  He has recovered millions for his clients.



Clifton NJ Personal Injury – Call (908) 358-2938




Personal injury cases are complex and winning them requires an understanding of all aspects of the law in New Jersey.  Handling them on your own is not advisable.  Defense attorneys and insurance adjusters have a great deal of experience handling injury claims.  It is important to have experience on your side too.  On behalf of the client, the Sloan Law Firm will focus on:



§  Getting medical bills paid

§  Recovering compensation for pain and suffering

§  Recuperating lost wages



The Sloan Law Firm handles many different personal injury cases in Clifton, NJ, including:



·        Snow and Ice Accidents

·        Catastrophic Injury

·        Dog Bites

·        Auto Accidents

·        Construction Accidents

·        Slip and Falls

·        Medical Malpractice

·        Traumatic Brain Injuries

·        Wrongful Death

·        Product Liability

·        Bike Accidents

·        Slip and Falls

·        Spinal Cord Injuries

·        Burns

·        Premises Liability

·        Prescription Drug Errors



CLIFTON NJ AUTO ACCIDENTS



One of the first steps in examining an auto accident case in Clifton, New Jersey is to review the police crash investigation report.  Many times, auto accidents are the result of a rear-end impact, an improper left-hand turn or carelessly entering a traffic intersection.  As a general rule, drivers that cause a rear-end impact to the vehicle in front of them or drivers making a left-hand turn that results in an impact are negligent.  In addition, any driver that does not stop at an intersection with a stop sign or a red light is clearly negligent.  Occasionally, there are cases where a passenger is injured in a two-car accident and both drivers are negligent.  For these reasons, the police report is a very important document in any auto accident case to determine who was at fault.



Generally, the police report will also identify any aggravating circumstances involved in the auto accident.  For example, the police report may identify whether any driver involved in an accident was under the influence of alcohol or whether the accident was a Hit and Run.  



Types of Clifton NJ Auto Accidents:



·        Car Accidents

·        Truck Accidents

·        Tractor-Trailer Accidents

·        Bus Accidents

·        Motorcycle Accidents

·        Bicycle Accidents

·        Pedestrian Accidents

·        Taxi Accidents

·        Uber Accidents

·        Lyft Accidents

·        Crosswalk accidents

·        Parking Lot Accidents



CLIFTON NJ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS



Motorcycles have always been allowed on the New Jersey Turnpike.  However, this has not always been true for the Garden State Parkway. Motorcyclists were allowed on Garden State Parkway when it opened in 1951.  In 1961, things changed for motorcyclists in New Jersey.  Believe it or not, operating a motorcycle on the Garden State Parkway between 1961 and 1975 was illegal because of the personal injury and property damage due to motorcycle accidents.  In 1975, Governor Byrne signed a bill allowing motorcyclists to operate on the Garden State Parkway again under pressure from motorcycle groups, provided they abide by new safety rules, including the use of protective gear and minimum power.



New Jersey residents operating a motorcycle must have either: (1) a motorcycle endorsement on their existing driver license or (2) a separate motorcycle license. All motorcycles must be titled, registered and insured.  Under the New Jersey Helmet Law:



No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a securely fitted protective helmet of a size proper for that person and of a type approved by the federal DOT. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides.



New Jersey recommends the following safety tips for motorists traveling near or around motorcyclists: 



·        Be Alert for Motorcycles - Heavy traffic could hide a motorcycle. Be aware constantly.



·        Anticipate Hazards for Motorcycles - Be prepared to react to poor road conditions, such as debris or oil slicks, railroad tracks or raised manhole covers.



·        Do Not Tailgate Motorcycles - They require less stopping distance than other vehicles.



·        Share the Road - Sharing the road will save lives. Motorcyclists and motorists abide by the same traffic laws. To avoid crashes, obey speed laws, warning signs and traffic signals. Share the road. Remember that motorcycles are much smaller and maneuver faster than other vehicles, so always check your mirrors twice.



Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey



Despite the safety precautions, there are occasions when motorcyclists are involved in auto accidents. Between 2007 to 2016, motorcycle fatalities varied. In 2011, New Jersey recorded the highest number of fatalities (93).  In 2015, New Jersey recorded the lowest number (50).  New Jersey recorded over 12,000 motorcycle crashes between 2011 and 2015.



Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey



Operating a motorcycle on the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway or any other roadway in New Jersey can be dangerous.  The dangers associated with operating a motorcycle can increase when the following conditions are present:



·        Driver fatigue

·        Construction on the roadway

·        Inexperience

·        Road construction

·        Poor visibility

·        Slippery conditions involving oil, rain or ice

·        Road Bends, Curves and hills



Clifton NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Free Consultations Available



It is important for anyone injured in a New Jersey motorcycle accident through no fault of their own to consult with a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer because, many times, the injuries are severe.   The Sloan Law Firm handles accidents involving motorcycles, ATVs, Dirt Bikes and any other type of motorcycle in New Jersey. 



TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN CLIFTON, NJ



The trucking industry is a very important for the United States and the New Jersey Turnpike is one of the main thoroughfares.  Every day, thousands of semi-trailer and tractor-trailers traverse the New Jersey Turnpike as well as the U.S. Route 46, Route 3, Route 21 and Route 19.  Unfortunately, there are incidents of truck accidents on our roadways.  It is important for anyone injured due to a truck accident in New Jersey to consult with a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer.



Common Causes of Clifton, NJ Truck Accidents



·        Driver fatigue

·        Slippery roadways

·        Reckless driving

·        Blind spots

·        Mechanical problems

·        Road design

·        Traffic signal errors



New Jersey truck accident can be heartbreaking because they generally involve severe injuries and fatalities.  Because of the inherent dangers associated with truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are comprehensive.  A violation of any of these regulations by the truck driver or the trucking company may be used to establish negligence.  New Jersey has its own wide-ranging motor vehicle laws.  Any violation of New Jersey motor vehicle laws may also be used to establish negligence by the truck driver or trucking company in an injury case involving a semi or tractor-trailer.  For example, tractor-trailers are sometimes not permitted in the left lane on a highway.  There is a reason for this law.  Namely, the truck can cause an accident.  Driver visibility is not very good on the right side of any vehicle, particularly for trucks.  It is never a good idea to pass a truck on the right. 



If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Clifton, NJ accident and need to speak to an experienced Clifton NJ Personal Injury Attorney, you can reach the Sloan Law Firm at: (908) 358-2938.  Attorney Daniel Sloan handles car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and all other personal injury cases.  He has recovered millions on behalf of his clients.



THE SLOAN LAW FIRM WORKS ON A CONTINGENCY BASIS - NO RECOVERY, NO FEE



The Sloan Law Firm works on a contingency basis when handling personal injury cases, which means there is no upfront legal expenses and there is no attorney fee unless damages are recovered on behalf of the client.



RECENT CAR ACCIDENT RESULTS



·        $1,000,000 Recovery – Pedestrian hit by motor vehicle

·        $850,000 Recovery – Motorist struck by truck on highway

·        $250,000 Recovery – Husband and wife struck from behind on highway



CALL TODAY – (908) 358-2938 FOR A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE

Friday, May 18, 2018

Elements to a New Jersey Personal Injury Case


HURT IN A BERGEN COUNTY CAR ACCIDENT-WHAT NOW?


For those injured in a car accident in Bergen County, New Jersey, it is important to consult with a New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney as soon as possible.  Most NJ personal injury lawyers will provide a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis so there is really no downside to consulting with one.  It will give you an opportunity to, at least, review your rights and responsibilities.

THE ACCIDENT SCENE

As soon as an auto accident occurs, word of the accident spreads pretty quickly.  Generally, the police find out immediately as someone calls them from the scene.  Later, a police report is generated and made available to the public.  If there are injuries reported to the police at the scene, the police will call an ambulance to take those injured to the hospital unless they refuse treatment.  Those requiring an ambulance and a hospital visit often forget that auto insurance is the primary insurer in NJ for the medical bills incurred from the accident unless health insurance was previously chosen as primary on the insurance application.

INJURED IN A NJ ACCIDENT

For those that elect to obtain the services of a personal injury attorney in NJ, the lawyer and the client will enter into a retainer agreement.  The attorney will usually work on a contingency fee basis under the retainer agreement.  This means that the client pays nothing up front.  The lawyer will take his or her fee at the end of the case out of any recovery.

LIMITATION ON LAWSUIT THRESHOLD

Most New Jersey residents have a limitation on lawsuit threshold on their auto insurance policy.  A limitation on lawsuit threshold prevents those injured in a car accident from filing a lawsuit against the party that caused it unless they fall into one of six exceptions:

  • Death
  • Dismemberment
  • Significant Disfigurement or Scarring
  • Displaced fracture
  • Loss of a Fetus
  • Permanent Injury (an injury to a body part that has not and will not healed to function normally)

THE PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT


After signing up with a NJ Personal Injury Attorney, the lawyer will have to collect the client’s medical records and review the law to determine whether there is a case.  This is based upon the lawyer’s opinion and many times lawyers disagree.  Assuming there is a case, the lawyer will file a Complaint on behalf of the client.  It is then incumbent upon the defendant to file an Answer.  The discovery period begins as well.  Discovery is the period in which the plaintiff and the defendant exchange information.  In a car accident case, this generally involves exchanging medical records, answering written questions, answering oral questions at a deposition and undergoing medical examinations.  The discovery period can take over a year to complete.

ARBITRATION

Once discovery is over, the matter will go to arbitration.  Arbitration is like a mini-trial before an arbitrator.  An arbitrator is an experienced lawyer in the community with no connection to the case who is selected at random to review it.  Witnesses can testify before the arbitrator.  Medical records are reviewed by the arbitrator.  A decision will then be made by the arbitrator as to how much the case is worth.

THE TRIAL

Arbitration in non-binding and, therefore, either party can reject the arbitrator’s decision.  If either party rejects the arbitrator’s decision, the matter will be listed for trial.  Most trials for car accident cases are over within a week.  At trial, witnesses such as the plaintiff, the defendant, the medical doctors, witnesses of the accident, experts, etc…are called to testify.  The lawyers for the plaintiff and the defendant will give opening and closing statements as well.  Following the closing statements, the jury will then decide the issues.  In a car accident case, the issues generally pertain to who was at fault for the accident, whether the plaintiff’s injures met the limitation on lawsuit threshold and how much to award in compensation.

So, when does the car accident case settle?

A car accident case can settle at any moment during this entire process.  There are many, many factors that go into when and whether the case settles.  Unfortunately, it varies on a case-by-case basis.  Sometimes, it doesn’t settle and a trial is necessary.

Sloan Law can be reached at (908) 358-2938 to discuss any matter. 

Monday, May 14, 2018

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Points


NJSA point schedule


NJSA
Section
Offense

New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway
27:23-29
Moving against traffic
2
27:23-29
Improper passing
4
27:23-29
Unlawful use of median strip
2
All roads and highways
39:3-20
Operating constructor vehicle in excess of 45 mph
3
39:4-14.3
Operating motorized bicycle on a restricted highway
2
39:4-14.3d
More than one person on a motorized bicycle
2
39:4-35
Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk
2
39:4-36
Failure to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk; passing a vehicle yielding to pedestrian in crosswalk
2
39:4- 41
Driving through safety zone
2
39:4-52
Racing on highway
5
39:4-55
Improper action or omission on grades and curves
2
39:4-57
Failure to observe direction of officer
2
39:4-66
Failure to stop vehicle before crossing sidewalk
2
39:4-66.1
Failure to yield to pedestrians or vehicles while entering or leaving highway
2
39:4-66.2
Driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or signal
2
39:4-71
Operating a motor vehicle on a sidewalk
2
39:4-80
Failure to obey direction of officer
2
39:4-81
Failure to observe traffic signals* (Red Light Camera- 0 pts.)
2
*No points assessed for red light camera violation
0
39:4-82
Failure to keep right
2
39:4-82.1
Improper operating of vehicle on divided highway or divider
2
39:4-83
Failure to keep right at intersection
2
39:4-84
Failure to pass to right of vehicle proceeding in opposite direction
5
39:4-85
Improper passing on right or off roadway
4
39:4-85.1
Wrong way on a one-way street
2
39:4-86
Improper passing in no passing zone
4
39:4-87
Failure to yield to overtaking vehicle
2
39:4-88
Failure to observe traffic lanes
2
39:4-89
Tailgating
5
39:4-90
Failure to yield at intersection
2
39:4-90.1
Failure to use proper entrances to limited access highways
2
39:4-91
39:4-92
Failure to yield to emergency vehicles
2
39:4-96
Reckless driving
5
39:4-97
Careless driving
2
39:4-97a
Destruction of agricultural or recreational property
2
39:4-97.1
Slow speed blocking traffic
2
39:4-97.2
Driving in an unsafe manner (points only for third or subsequent offense within five years of most recent 39:4-97.2 conviction)
4
39:4-98
Exceeding maximum speed 1-14 mph over limit
2
Exceeding maximum speed 15-29 mph over limit
4
Exceeding maximum speed 30 mph or more over limit
5
39:4-105
Failure to stop for traffic light
2
39:4-115
Improper turn at traffic light
3
39:4-119
Failure to stop at flashing red signal
2
39:4-122
Failure to stop for police whistle
2
39:4-123
Improper right or left turn
3
39:4-124
Improper turn from approved turning course
3
39:4-125
Improper u-turn
3
39:4-126
Failure to give proper signal
2
39:4-127
Improper backing or turning in street
2
39:4-127.1
Improper crossing of railroad grade crossing
2
39:4-127.2
Improper crossing of bridge
2
39:4-128
Improper crossing of railroad grade crossing by certain vehicles
2
39:4-128.1
Improper passing of school bus
5
39:4-128.4
Improper passing of frozen dessert truck
4
39:4-129
Leaving the scene of an accident -
no personal injury
2
Personal injury
8
39:4-144
Failure to observe stop or yield signs
2
39:5C-1
Racing on highway
5
39:5D-4
Moving violation committed out-of-state
2


Personal Injury Lawyer Clifton NJ

PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY Clifton, New Jersey is a popular town with a vibrant shopping district, expansive parks...