When you have been injured in an accident, seeking the right legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, we have been serving clients throughout the New Jersey metro area with 40 years of combined experience. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
Choosing an attorney who is recognized by prestigious organizations is another reason to choose Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC.
These accolades demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ability to achieve exceptional results for our clients.
It’s always important to recognize the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer. Dealing with the aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming, but having our skilled attorneys by your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Here are a few key reasons:
Don’t hesitate to seek legal representation from Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, if you’ve been injured.
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Motor vehicle crashes are still one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in New Jersey and across America. As per the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), there were more than 275,000 traffic collisions in our state in 2019 alone. Many of these accidents resulted in severe, catastrophic, or even fatal injuries and required the services of reputable New Jersey car accident attorneys.
New Jersey has a lot of different roads and highways, and a car collision can happen anywhere. Some crashes are more common than others, such as:
A collision can occur anywhere in New Jersey or New York and you should always take caution for reckless drivers around you. Even so, you cannot avoid collisions when a driver is determined to put others in danger.
Car accidents are catastrophic, and even a minor collision can lead to significant consequences. Finding who is legally responsible for the crash is vital because they must pay for their actions. There are also criminal components to car accidents that can affect who is negligent and legally responsible for paying you for your losses. Some behaviors are extraordinarily reckless and indicative of driver fault, such as:
These are a few examples, but authorities and your lawyer from NJ or NY (Brooklyn) will look for legal duty, breach, causation, and damages during an investigation. These four elements must be present to prove fault.
“New Jersey holds a special place in our hearts, particularly its people. We have dedicated ourselves to establishing a firm known for being staunch advocates for the residents of New Jersey, providing top-tier legal representation in their pursuit of justice.”
The simplest element to prove is a legal duty because all drivers on the road owe each other a duty to operate their vehicles reasonably and safely. They are responsible for avoiding accidents and using discernment before they get behind the wheel.
Since all drivers have a legal duty to each other, pedestrians, and others, the next element is proving there was a breach of this duty. Establishing a breach of duty requires that the average person would have known that a person would be injured if they partook in these negligent actions. The average person would, with this knowledge, act differently. A prime example is a drunk driver; the average person would assume that an injury can occur from drunk driving. The average person would not drive drunk to cause injuries. When a person drives drunk, they assume these risks and therefore are in breach of their legal duty,
The elements prove the breach of duty was a direct cause of your injuries and ailments. If you were in good health and did not have any injuries before the accident and now have a slew of injuries, causation is easier to prove. However, some cases involve the injured party exasperating an existing injury. The insurance company will use this to its advantage and say that the injury was pre-existing and the plaintiff is only trying to get medical treatment for an injury unrelated to the collision. One way to circumvent these accusations is getting medical treatment at the scene and attending all follow-up care.
Lastly, you will need to show losses or damages from the collision. There is a more extensive outline of damages on this page, but generally, these damages are medical expenses, and lost wages, among others. You will also need to account for future losses resulting from the collisions. Experienced personal injury attorneys can calculate and correlate past and future damages to the accident.
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Our clients are treated like family, not just another case.
With over $50M in recoveries for our clients, Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. has a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients in a wide range of legal matters.
We take all personal injury cases on a contingency basis meaning you never pay us a dime unless you recover money as a result of your case.
When you hire Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., you are getting a team of highly skilled and experienced lawyers and legal professionals to fight for your rights. We use our expertise to provide our clients with the highest quality of legal representation.
Personalized attention, a customized legal strategy, and an empathetic attitude toward your problems are what you can expect until your case is resolved.
After an accident, you believe you know who is responsible and who should pay for your losses. However, it is more complex than you think. Your experienced car accident attorney will need to investigate who is at fault and how they can prove to the insurance company that you deserve the payment you are asking for. New Jersey has a no-fault set of regulations, so your insurance company will pay for some of your losses regardless of fault. Some of the parties who can be responsible for your collision are:
The entity responsible for your accident may be someone different from what you think. While the no-fault system can make the recovery process more manageable, that doesn’t mean you get a fair amount of compensation. Filing an insurance claim can hinder your ability to file a lawsuit, and it is best to speak with our motor vehicle accident attorneys. Some Insurance companies do not allow claims for pain and suffering, so before you file an insurance claim, talk to a certified civil trial lawyer.
If you have a standard insurance policy, you have the ability and the right to sue the negligent party. You can recover for pain and suffering damages. If you have a policy that has limited right to sue, then you cannot file a claim that includes pain and suffering barring any permanent injuries or:
Pain and suffering do not apply to all cases, and there are requirements for you to request these damages. Discuss those options with your auto accident lawyer to determine if you qualify for pain and suffering, if your insurance policy allows you to file a claim, or if you need to take a different legal route.
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The injuries you suffer from a car accident are detrimental to your life and are the basis of your insurance claim. How the collision occurs will often determine the severity and type of injury you will suffer. Immediately after a crash, you can begin to feel pain and know there is something wrong. Some injuries appear days or weeks after the adrenaline and shock have worn off. The most common New Jersey car accident injuries include:
Your injuries require physical therapy, surgery, medication, and other rehabilitative care. These injuries will require extensive medical treatment immediately following the accident and for years to come. From the collision, you will be taken to the hospital and may need to stay there for days while the medical personnel determines what is wrong and your treatment plan.
Additionally, your injuries will prevent you from working and require you to have family take care of you. There is no way to determine how an injury will impact a person’s life until you get medical care. The type of vehicle in the accident will also affect how severe your injuries are. Get medical care and stay in contact with your New Jersey car accident attorney regarding your care so they can request relevant medical files.
Auto accident injury claims are inherently complex. Unfortunately, far too many innocent accident victims make mistakes in the moments, days, and weeks that follow their wreck. As such, it becomes harder for them to obtain a full and fair recovery for their damages.
If you were in a car accident in New Jersey or New York, there are several steps you should take to preserve your injury claim:
Under New Jersey law, all motor vehicle collisions that cause injuries or a minimum of $500 of property damage have to be reported to the local law enforcement agency. Following such a crash, call and request that a police officer come to the scene to make an official report. Your NJ car accident lawyer can use this report as evidence in your case.
If you were injured in an accident, it’s critical that you seek professional medical care. If that weren’t reason enough, you won’t be able to obtain financial compensation for your injuries without valid medical records that detail the physical harm you incurred. It’s best to seek medical care after a car accident, both for your health and so that the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t attempt to claim that you suffered your injuries later.
Many accident victims skip getting the medical care they need because they don’t have any pain or feel like their injuries warrant such a step. Keep in mind that sometimes adrenaline can stop you from feeling pain, or the symptoms of your injury could be delayed. Seeking medical attention, even if it’s just to ensure you haven’t suffered any injuries, is always in your best interest.
Evidence is a key component of successful car accident claims. You need evidence to prove who is liable for the accident, how the accident happened, and the damages the accident caused. Collect as much evidence at the crash scene as you possibly can, including:
In the event that you need to get emergency medical attention, ask a family member or friend to collect evidence and get witness information on your behalf.
Finally, meet with an experienced New York or New Jersey car accident attorney to discuss your accident and injury claim. Don’t attempt to go through this process on your own. It’s typical for insurance companies to try to intimidate injured claimants and offer them less money than they deserve. Reach out to a qualified New Jersey car accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can help protect you in your interactions with the insurance companies and their adjusters. Don’t ever feel pressured to speak to the insurance company before talking to a New Jersey auto accident lawyer.
After suffering injuries in a car accident, you only have so long to file a personal injury claim. In New Jersey, you only have two years from the date of the accident, whereas, in New York, you have three. This crucial deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline for filing a legal claim, you no longer have any legal recourse to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries. This makes contacting a New York or New Jersey car accident attorney as soon as you can even more essential.
DECEMBER 9, 2019
At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, Dawn Pinnisi fights back against the public’s misconceptions of personal injury lawyers, dedicating her life to easing her clients’ burdens.
When Dawn Pinnisi started her career as a young lawyer in 2000, what struck her the most was the dearth of female colleagues in her line of work. “When I entered the trial part courtroom, I could count on one hand the number of women in the room,” she says.
Now, as a founding member of the New York and New Jersey-based litigation firm Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, she works tirelessly to not just advocate for her clients, but for other women in the legal field as well.
read the articleDriving can be frustrating for everyone at times. Everyone has been stuck in traffic or behind slower cars when they are running late, but some people allow these frustrating situations to escalate into dangerous ones. When drivers become aggressive, they endanger the lives of everyone else on the road.
Did an aggressive driver crash into your vehicle, and you suffered injuries? First, ensure you get the medical attention you need. Then, reach out to a personal injury lawyer for information about your legal rights.
It can be fairly easy to spot many aggressive drivers on the road. These are the drivers who are speeding and swerving through traffic, trying to get ahead of everyone else. However, no matter what you do to avoid and steer clear of such drivers, you cannot always prevent them from crashing and causing you injuries.
Some common aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to auto accidents include:
Most of these behaviors are against traffic laws, and drivers might receive citations or even get arrested following an accident if law enforcement determines they were in violation of the law. Never trust that a criminal case will help you recover from your losses, as you will also need to take legal action to hold the aggressive driver accountable for your injuries.
Immediately after an aggressive driving car accident, you want to make sure that you get the medical attention you need. Whether this involves an ambulance ride or taking yourself to the emergency room, you want to get any possible injuries diagnosed as soon as possible. This helps you in two important ways:
Once your physical condition is stable, you should not wait to speak with a New Jersey car accident lawyer. The insurance company of the aggressive driver might try to contact you right away to make an offer of payment. You might think this is the easiest way to resolve the matter – after all, having a check in your hand as soon as possible sounds attractive. However, this offer is likely much less than you deserve, and if you accept it, you cannot ask for more at a later date.
Instead, have an attorney handle all communications with the insurance company. This way, the insurer will know that it cannot trick you into accepting an insufficient settlement, and your attorney can work to ensure you receive as much as you deserve from the aggressive driver.
Driving in the modern world is both safer than ever due to the features in automobiles and also more dangerous than ever given the distractions that drivers now encounter. From billboards to smartphones, there are constantly things in the world calling the driver’s attention away from the road, leading to distracted driving and often causing serious accidents.
The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, have the experience and knowledge to stand up for victims of distracted driving accidents and hold negligent drivers fully responsible for the harm they cause. Contact our firm for an evaluation of your situation today.
If a driver violates the law and causes an accident, they should be liable for the injuries and losses that result. There are strict laws in New Jersey against texting or using handheld mobile devices while driving, and for good reason. Distracted driving is a dangerous activity that caused the deaths of 3,142 individuals in 2019 alone and is considered one of the leading dangers on American roads today.
Distracted driving is more than just texting, however, and it can involve any activity that takes attention away from driving. These include:
Distracted driving causes many car accidents, and if a driver was distracted when they hit you, they should be liable for the damages.
Knowing whether another driver in an accident was talking on their phone or otherwise distracted while driving can be difficult to determine for most individuals. You were in your own vehicle, watching the road, and likely could not see into other drivers’ vehicles. An attorney knows what questions to ask and what evidence to collect to prove that a driver was distracted. They can also use other subsequent illegal driving behaviors caused by distractions to prove liability – such as veering from a lane, failing to stop, or running a red light.
Contact our attorneys near your area to learn more about how we can represent you effectively and aggressively. Our team consists of attorneys and legal professionals who are proud to advocate for clients in New York, New Jersey and Florida.
You can recover two kinds of damages from a car accident claim in New Jersey. You can get economic and non-economic damages. Economics covers material losses, and non-economic is non-monetary harm you suffer, like pain and suffering. At the same time, you can be awarded both compensations; you will get one lump payment of the damages. Your award includes payment for past and future expenses, and many victims will get a financial planner to ensure they are handling the settlement award correctly. Economic damages you can get include:
Calculating past expenses is easy because there are receipts and a paper trail of damages and medical documents. Future costs are more challenging to calculate because they estimate what you will incur and require expert advice and a long-term medical prognosis. You will likely need an economist or labor expert to determine how your medical prognosis will impact your future employment opportunities. Some future losses you can recover are:
Non-economic damages are not as exhaustive, and you can recover compensation for:
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Having a New Jersey car collision lawyer handle all communications is in your best interests. Still, the insurance company is very sneaky and can contact you before you seek legal guidance. The insurance adjuster is working against you even though they are supposed to be helping you through the process. It is vital to follow these tips when dealing with the insurance company, especially if you do not have legal guidance.
The insurance adjusters will be kind and compassionate, but they are not your friends. Car accident victims believe that when an adjuster is kind, they are there to help them, but kindness is not indicative of their willingness to help you. The adjuster is not working for you, and they do not care what happens to you. They want you to receive nothing or as little as possible. Do not let your guard down when you are stuck speaking to them. The adjuster will often try to convince you that you do not need a New Jersey car accident lawyer because they know once an attorney is involved, they cannot use the same sneaky tactics they would on you.
Anything you say is used against you; the adjuster can twist the truth in the insurance company’s favor. Your statement might seem absent-minded and irrelevant, but the issuance company does not. Do not joke or be sarcastic. They take your words at face value and will rush to get you to make a recorded statement. They will ask leading questions and misinterpret what you are saying. Refuse to make any statements without your New Jersey auto accident attorney present. If you’re taking medication, you should avoid making any statements because medication impairs your cognitive function.
One tactic the adjuster will use is diminishing your claim by using language that suggests it is not worth anything. They will use subtle hints and language to accomplish this before they offer you a lowball settlement. You’re led to believe there is something wrong with your case and therefore do not expect to receive substantial compensation.
Conversely, you should not speak negatively about anyone in the accident, even if they cause you harm. If you talk to an adjuster, put on a poker face and limit your answers to three words. Most answers will be yes, no, or I don’t remember. If you get a question regarding how fast you were going, say “within the posted speed” or “I was not” if you were stagnant. Do not give specifics ever.
Quick settlements are a major red flag. The insurance company will pressure injured victims to settle before they even have a prognosis for their ailments. Once you settle, you cannot request additional compensation or take other legal steps. When you settle quickly, it is impossible to determine the severity of your injuries and your claim’s worth. Your injuries might be extensive and life-altering, but you do not have a prognosis during the first month. The insurance company offers you a fraction of what you need to recover, and you are left with years of piling medical bills and no legal options. Victims can reject a settlement if they do not feel it is sufficient. Always work with a New Jersey auto accident lawyer to determine if the settlement is right for you.
Once your physical condition is stable, you should not wait to speak with a New Jersey car accident lawyer. The insurance company of the aggressive driver might try to contact you right away to make an offer of payment. You might think this is the easiest way to resolve the matter – after all, having a check in your hand as soon as possible sounds attractive. However, this offer is likely much less than you deserve, and if you accept it, you cannot ask for more at a later date.
Instead, have an attorney handle all communications with the insurance company. This way, the insurer will know that it cannot trick you into accepting an insufficient settlement, and your attorney can work to ensure you receive as much as you deserve from the aggressive driver.
Our best auto accident lawyers are here to help accident victims and their families through this difficult time. Suppose you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey or New York. In that case, you can count on Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, to be here for you. Call us at 800-616-2916 or contact us online to schedule a free case review with an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney and learn about our services.
New Jersey is no stranger to traffic or traffic crashes. Many people rely on their cars to get around, and the highways also see many commercial trucks transporting goods across and within the state. The following are some statistics regarding traffic and accidents in NJ from last year:
Car accidents and injuries can create a domino effect of long-term challenges in people’s lives. The common consequences of these unfortunate incidents include chronic pain, disabilities, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.
Additionally, the ongoing medical treatments, therapy, and potential surgeries can become a significant part of daily life, disrupting routines and affecting overall well-being. The psychological impact can linger long after physical injuries have healed. All these factors shape victims’ lives in ways that extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of the accident. Your car accident attorney will factor in the long-term impact the accident has had on your life to calculate the actual damages you are entitled to.
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Whether or not it’s worth filing a lawsuit depends on your unique circumstances. Pursuing a lawsuit can use more resources, be time-consuming, and can be emotionally draining. Moreover, the compensation you can recover from a minor or no-injury claim is usually not high enough to justify the costs and effort involved.
If the damages are minor, the case may be resolved through direct communication with the other party’s insurer. However, if the incident involves significant property damage or the insurance company is uncooperative, it may be necessary to pursue legal action. In such cases, you need to discuss the best option with a car accident lawyer to assess the feasibility of a lawsuit and protect your interests.
Having car insurance is important for drivers on New Jersey roads. Our team highlights several reasons:
However, keep in mind that if someone else caused your accident, their insurance should cover your losses. In such cases, you want a skilled NJ car accident attorney to handle all of these negotiations. If the driver did not have insurance, you might need to seek benefits from your uninsured motorist coverage, and you still want an experienced lawyer to handle these negotiations.
If you have been involved in a car accident and are considering filing a lawsuit, you may have many questions and concerns. Here, we address some common FAQs related to car accident lawsuits in New Jersey. For answers to specific questions, contact our team at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC directly.
Read More FAQ'sYes, you can file a lawsuit after a car accident even if you have a pre-existing condition. The key factor in determining the outcome of your case will be proving that the car accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. It is crucial to consult with an experienced car accident attorney who can evaluate your case and help determine the viability of your claim. A skilled attorney will gather medical records and expert opinions to build a strong case on your behalf.
Yes, you might still file a case even if you do not feel injured immediately after a car accident. Some injuries may not manifest until hours or even days after the accident. This is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel any immediate pain or discomfort. A healthcare professional can thoroughly evaluate your condition and provide a proper diagnosis. Additionally, it is advised to consult with a NJ car accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
To obtain a police report for a car accident in New Jersey, you can request a copy from the police department that responded to the accident. The report typically contains important details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names of the involved parties and any witnesses. It may also include a narrative description of how the accident occurred and any citations that were issued. Having a copy of the police report is crucial when filing a car accident lawsuit, as it serves as valuable evidence to support your case.
No, the police report does not automatically go to insurance in New Jersey. In most cases, it is your responsibility to provide a copy of the police report to the proper insurance company when making a claim. This is why it is important to obtain a copy of the police report as soon as possible after the accident. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with a car accident attorney who can help you navigate the insurance claim process and ensure your rights are protected.
No, most New Jersey automobile accident lawsuits do not go to trial. Many cases are settled through negotiations between the parties involved and their respective attorneys. However, it is important to have skilled legal representation to effectively negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. A car accident attorney will work diligently to build a strong case and seek a favorable settlement, but they are also prepared to represent you in court if necessary.
Remember, if you have any further questions or concerns regarding your car accident case, consult with our experienced car accident attorneys. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate the complex legal process.
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