Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Serving Burlington And South Jersey
Smith Magram Michaud Colonna, P.C., has served South Jersey since 1965. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined experience to every motor vehicle accident case. A crash can leave you hurt, overwhelmed and unsure who to trust. When you call us, you speak directly with a partner, not a junior associate managing someone else’s caseload. You get real answers from someone with the experience and authority to fight for you.
Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle In South Jersey
Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) come in many forms. Our firm handles crash cases across Burlington, Camden, Ocean and Atlantic counties, including:
- Car accidents: A car accident occurs when two or more vehicles collide on a road or highway, resulting in injuries, property damage or both.
- Truck accidents: A truck accident involves a commercial vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or delivery truck and typically causes severe injuries because of the vehicle’s size and weight.
- Pedestrian accidents: A pedestrian accident happens when a vehicle strikes a person on foot, most often at intersections, crosswalks or along roads without sidewalks.
- Motorcycle accidents: A motorcycle accident occurs when a motorcycle collides with another vehicle or a road hazard. Riders face a serious injury risk because the motorcycle itself provides little physical protection.
- Bicycle accidents: A bicycle accident occurs when a motor vehicle hits a cyclist, most often at intersections or along roadways shared with traffic.
Each accident is different. We take the time to understand yours.
Dangerous Roads And Accident Hotspots In Burlington County
Route 130 and the New Jersey Turnpike rank among New Jersey’s most dangerous roads. Our attorneys have handled cases along these high-risk areas for decades, including:
- Route 130 from Burlington City to Bordentown
- NJ Turnpike near Exit 7 and Exit 7A
- Route 38 between Lumberton and Cherry Hill
- US Route 206 near Mount Holly
- Route 541 through Burlington County
We are not a distant firm taking South Jersey cases from across the state; we are your neighbors. Our attorneys live and work in this community and have built a practice around the people who travel these roads every day.
How Your New Jersey Auto Insurance Policy Affects Your Accident Claim
New Jersey auto insurance comes in two forms, and your policy type affects your claim.
A verbal threshold policy limits your right to sue for pain and suffering. You must prove a permanent injury, significant disfigurement, displaced fracture or an injury preventing your usual activities for 90 of the first 180 days after the accident. Our attorneys help you build that medical record. A no threshold policy removes that barrier. You can pursue damages for any injury. If you are not sure which policy you have, contact us for a free review.
Common Staged Accident Tactics On South Jersey Roads
Staged car accidents are deliberate crashes used to generate false insurance claims. They occur more often than most drivers expect, especially on busy South Jersey roads. Watch for these warning signs:
- The swoop and squat: A driver cuts in front of you and brakes hard, forcing a rear-end collision.
- The drive down: A driver waves you to merge, then hits your car on purpose.
- The side swipe: A driver makes intentional contact with your vehicle while merging.
- The panic stop: A driver brakes suddenly with no apparent reason.
If your crash felt suspicious, call police, document everything, notify your insurer as required by your policy and contact us before giving recorded statements.
Getting Medical Care After A Car Accident In South Jersey
After a crash, getting medical care fast matters for your health and your claim. Many of our clients do not have a primary care physician, but our firm connects them with qualified doctors who treat and document accident injuries.
Delays in care give insurance companies a reason to minimize your claim. We get you in front of the right provider quickly and coordinate with your doctors to build a strong medical record.
Put Decades Of South Jersey Experience On Your Side
When your health, your income and your future are all affected at once, you need a team that takes your case seriously. Smith Magram Michaud Colonna is home to Certified Civil Trial Attorneys with more than a century of combined experience serving South Jersey accident victims. Call our office at 609-589-0649 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents
What is the difference between a “verbal threshold” and “no threshold” policy in New Jersey?
A verbal threshold or a limitation on lawsuit policy may restrict your ability to seek noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless your injury meets certain medical criteria.
In contrast, a no-threshold policy, also called a zero-threshold or unlimited-right-to-sue policy, may allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering without meeting those same requirements.
What happens if the driver who hit me only has basic or minimal auto insurance?
If the driver who hit you carries basic or minimal insurance, that coverage may not fully pay for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, or other losses. Your own personal injury protection (PIP) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may help cover the remaining costs. Your available coverage may depend on your policy’s terms.
What should I do if I think I was involved in a staged car accident on Route 130 or the New Jersey Turnpike?
If you suspect a staged crash on the New Jersey Turnpike or Route 130, you need to move to a safe location, contact emergency services or the New Jersey State Police at #95 and document what happened.
You may also want to avoid admitting fault or accepting unverified towing or medical referrals. Photos, video and witness information could help preserve evidence about the crash.
What if I don’t have a primary care doctor or health insurance to get treated after a crash?
You may still have options for getting medical care after a crash without health insurance or a primary care doctor. If you have serious injuries, an emergency room may provide emergency treatment regardless of your ability to pay.
You may also have options such as PIP or MedPay through your auto insurance, the other driver’s insurance or a medical lien that allows a provider to seek payment from a future settlement.
How long do I have to file a motor vehicle accident claim in New Jersey?
You must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident, while you typically have six years to file a vehicle property damage claim.For a wrongful death claim, you generally must file within two years after the person’s death due to the accident. You may also need to notify your auto insurer soon after the accident, as your policy may impose separate reporting deadlines.
That said, there are unique rules that may apply in some cases. For example, claims against a state, county or municipal entity generally require a Notice of Tort Claim within 90 days. For minors, the deadline may extend until they reach adulthood.