Hackensack Car Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hackensack, NJ

Driver negligence is a major cause of car accidents. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Hackensack include:

• Distracted Driving: With bustling streets and heavy commuter traffic, Hackensack’s roads require drivers’ full attention. Unfortunately, many drivers engage in distractions like texting, adjusting GPS devices, or talking on the phone, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: In a rush to navigate busy roadways, some drivers may resort to speeding, tailgating, or driving aggressively. These actions reduce reaction times and can make it difficult to avoid collisions, especially in Hackensack’s congested traffic conditions.
• Failure to Yield: Intersections and crosswalks in Hackensack can be particularly hazardous when drivers fail to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians. Failure to observe right-of-way rules leads to numerous side-impact crashes and pedestrian accidents.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: With frequent stop lights and signs in densely populated areas, running red lights or ignoring stop signs is a common but dangerous practice that often leads to severe accidents in Hackensack.
• Driving Under the Influence: Despite strict laws against drunk or drugged driving, impaired driving remains a common issue in Hackensack, putting other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at serious risk. Reaction times and judgment are severely compromised under the influence, leading to preventable car accidents.
• Drowsy Driving: Many residents in Hackensack commute long hours every day, and fatigue can set in behind the wheel. Drowsy drivers are less alert and more likely to miss hazards, which can result in rear-end collisions and other types of car accidents.

Laws for Car Drivers in Hackensack to Ensure Road Safety 

The experienced Hackensack car accident lawyer and the legal team at our law firm will utilize the state car accident laws to your maximum advantage during negotiations with the insurance company or during a car accident trial in court. 

Distracted Driving Laws 

New Jersey prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, including texting or talking on a phone, with penalties that escalate for repeat offenses. Fines range from $200 to $800 and may include license suspension for third-time offenders.

DUI Laws 

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, with severe penalties including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. For a first offense, drivers may face fines up to $500 and license suspension up to a year—with stricter consequences for repeat offenders.

Seat Belt Requirements

All passengers must wear seat belts, and drivers are responsible for ensuring all occupants under 18 are buckled up. This law extends to all seating positions in the vehicle, and violations can lead to fines.

Yielding and Right of Way 

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and obey right-of-way rules at intersections. Failure to do so can result in fines, points on the driver’s license, and increased insurance claim liability in vehicle accidents.

Speed Limits 

New Jersey enforces speed limits based on area type, with penalties for exceeding limits, especially in school zones or residential areas. If a driver operates beyond the prescribed speed limits by a large margin can result in hefty fines, license points, and even license suspension.

Move Over Law

New Jersey’s Move Over Law requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other assistance vehicles with flashing lights. Failure to do so can lead to fines of up to $500.

How Our Hackensack Car Accident Lawyer Fights to Maximize Your Compensation

Timely and Compassionate Support

At Bergen Law, our personal injury attorney Douglas Standriff listens to the account of car accident victims with genuine care and compassion. Whether you’re at your hospital bedside, recuperating at home, or visiting our office, Attorney Standriff fosters a supportive environment where you can share your story without feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.

Our law firm will ensure that you receive appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. We will assess your medical needs and can connect you with top medical treatment specialists, physical therapy experts, and mental health professionals who can provide the care necessary for a complete recovery. Timely and proper medical treatment also helps protect your right to compensation. 

Swift Organization of Evidence

In the wake of a car accident, time is of the essence. Attorney Douglas Standriff at Bergen Law and his team will move quickly to collect and preserve evidence. The types of evidence may include a police report, eyewitness statements, photographs of the accident scene and visible injuries, medical records detailing your injuries and medical treatment, and any traffic camera footage that may be available. 

Hackensack car accident lawyer Douglas Standriff may also enlist the help of accident reconstructionists and medical provider specialists to provide expert analysis, which can bolster the claims of car accident victims. By securing this information swiftly, we lay the groundwork for a robust claim under state personal injury law with the insurance company.

Proper Filing of Civil Claims

Dealing with the legal process and claim procedures under personal injury law after an accident can be daunting, but our team is here to provide clarity and guidance. Douglas Standriff at our law firm will assist you in filing a personal injury protection claim for damages, ensuring that all legal formalities are completed accurately and within the specified time limits. 

He will explain the intricacies of New Jersey’s car accident laws, including the nuances of liability and damages, so you fully understand your rights. With his dedicated guidance and support, you can rest assured that your claim against the at-fault driver is properly documented, reducing the risk of delays or denials that can occur due to improper filing.

Shielding You from Unfair Insurance Tactics

Insurance companies may employ various unfair tactics to minimize their payouts and protect their bottom line. Hackensack car accident attorney Douglas Standriff at our law firm is well-versed in these strategies and will shield you from their manipulative practices. He recognizes that insurers may attempt to delay proceedings, downplay your serious injuries, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. 

With his experience, Attorney Standriff will advocate for your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of during this vulnerable time. He will fight against any attempts by the insurance company to diminish your personal injury claim for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Engaging in Aggressive Negotiations

Negotiating with insurance companies can be an arduous process, but attorney Doug Standriff is equipped with strong negotiation skills honed through years of experience. He will engage in aggressive negotiations on your behalf, presenting a well-structured case backed by comprehensive evidence to protect your legal rights. 

His approach is rooted in evidence-based strategies, enabling him to advocate fiercely for the largest possible compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering. His ability to articulate the value of your car accident claim, based on both tangible losses and the impact of your severe injuries on your daily life, positions you favorably in discussions with insurers.

Trial Preparation from Day One

Even while negotiations are ongoing, attorney Douglas Standriff and his legal team will begin thorough preparations for trial should it become necessary. We understand that being prepared for trial can serve as a powerful negotiating tool. We may engage accident reconstructionists, medical provider experts, and other specialists to provide testimony that strengthens your case. 

Our proactive approach demonstrates our resolve and signals to the insurance company that we are ready to take your case to court, if necessary. This trial readiness can enhance our negotiating power with the defendants in many cases and help secure a fair settlement on behalf of car accident victims who have suffered serious injuries.

We Can Take On the Insurance Company for You

Insurance companies are not in the business of giving money away easily, whether in accident cases or medical malpractice claims. Their primary goal is to maximize profits, which means minimizing payouts for accident claims. This is particularly true in catastrophic car accident injury claims involving high financial stakes.

Insurers in these cases may only extend fair offers when they are faced with the prospect of going to trial. If you have suffered severe injuries in a car accident in New Jersey, you should be aware of this reality and get strong legal representation from our trial attorney Douglas Standriff at Bergen Law.

Insurance Companies Recognize Our Trial Capabilities

Insurance carriers only begin to take claims from law firms seriously when they realize that their tactics may not work against an assertive attorney who is prepared to take the case to trial. Doug Standriff is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, a designation held by only about three percent of all attorneys in New Jersey. 

This certification is awarded by the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Civil Certification to those who demonstrate extensive trial experience and pass rigorous examinations. Attorney Standriff’s qualifications signal to insurers that he is not just another injury lawyer—he’s a formidable opponent who knows how to fight for his clients in court.

Since 1991, Bergen Law’s car accident lawyer, Douglas Standriff, has successfully handled numerous car accident claims, recovering tens of millions of dollars on behalf of injured victims in New Jersey. When insurance claim adjusters recognize that he has a formidable record of settlements and verdicts, they are more likely to reconsider their position. 

The fear of a jury awarding you more than their initial offer prompts them to negotiate fairly and swiftly with law firms. Attorney Standriff’s extensive trial experience means he has the knowledge and skills necessary to present your case effectively, should it go to trial. This enhances his ability to negotiate settlements that reflect the true value of your claim against the other party.

A Career Built on Personal Injury Trial Experience

Throughout his career, legal counsel Douglas Standriff has focused on trial work, understanding that the courtroom is where justice can truly be served. He proudly carries his weathered briefcase to settlement conferences and jury trials, a classic reminder of his decades of work “in the trenches.” 

This briefcase symbolizes the battles he has fought on behalf of his clients and the successful outcomes he has achieved. When Attorney Standriff steps into a negotiation or trial, insurance companies know they are facing a seasoned attorney who is dedicated to advocating for full and fair compensation for the injured victims.

This steadfast dedication and proven skills enable him to effectively communicate the realities of your situation to insurance companies. His reputation precedes him, and that reputation is built on years of hard work, victories, and a demonstrated commitment to fighting against insurance adjusters and the at-fault driver for the legal interests of his clients.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Our Hackensack Car Accident Lawyer

To schedule your free case evaluation with Bergen Law, call (551) 231-8025, email, or contact us online.