Linwood Car Accident Lawyers
A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds, leaving you with painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and questions about your future. Whether you were hurt in a minor fender bender on Shore Road or a serious crash on the Garden State Parkway, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
At D’Amato Law Firm, our Linwood car accident lawyers help injured victims throughout Atlantic County recover the compensation they need to get back on their feet. With decades of experience handling auto accident claims, we know how to deal with insurance companies, document injuries, and build strong cases for full compensation. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Linwood?
Car crashes in and around Linwood can happen for many reasons, but the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents today, distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting controls, or interacting with passengers while behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions or exceeding posted speed limits increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of resulting injuries.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving remains one of the most preventable causes of fatal accidents.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, snow, fog, or even sun glare can make driving hazardous, especially if drivers fail to adjust their speed or remain cautious.
- Vehicle Defects or Mechanical Failure: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights can contribute to unexpected accidents, even when the driver is otherwise acting responsibly.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents?
Every crash is different, but several injuries appear again and again—many of which can worsen without proper treatment.
- Whiplash and neck strain from rear-end collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries or concussions
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal bleeding or organ trauma
- Soft tissue damage, sprains, and strains
- Chest or rib injuries from seatbelts and airbags
Even if symptoms appear minor at first, many injuries worsen over time, making it essential to seek medical attention right away.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Linwood?
If you’re involved in a crash in Linwood or anywhere in Atlantic County, take the following steps to protect your health and strengthen your injury claim:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical help.
- Move to a safe location if possible and wait for emergency responders.
- Exchange information with all involved drivers—this includes names, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information.
- Document the scene by taking pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, visible injuries, and anything else that could help your claim.
- Look for witnesses and gather their contact information.
- Identify cameras on nearby businesses or intersections that might have captured the crash.
- File a police report—either at the scene or shortly after—and notify your insurance company.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media—insurers may use your posts against you.
Do not speak to insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted a lawyer. Insurers are trained to minimize payouts and may try to get you to say things that hurt your case.
New Jersey generally gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, although exceptions apply for minors and government vehicles. Acting quickly can preserve critical evidence, witness statements, and your right to full recovery.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning you may first turn to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for immediate medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, PIP benefits are limited. If your injuries are serious or your losses exceed your policy limits, you may be entitled to file a third-party claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover:
- Emergency room and hospital treatment
- Surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Medication and long-term medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Scarring, disability, or loss of mobility
If a loved one was killed in a crash, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and more.
Do I Need to File a Lawsuit?
Not every car accident case goes to court, but having an experienced lawyer by your side ensures you’re protected. A lawsuit may be necessary if:
- The at-fault party’s insurance denies liability.
- The insurer offers an unreasonably low settlement.
- Your injuries are permanent or complex.
- Evidence needs to be preserved or subpoenaed through legal action.
Often, simply showing the insurance company you are prepared to go to court increases your chance of reaching a fair settlement.
Get Legal Guidance From the Linwood Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm
After a car crash, you may feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to handle it all on your own. At D’Amato Law Firm, the dedicated Linwood car accident lawyers are here to answer your questions, review your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 609-926-3300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and South Jersey.