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Successful Results For Our Clients

Car, bus, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are an everyday occurrence. Each day, innocent lives are turned upside down in a split second, due to the negligence and carelessness of another driver on the road. Trying to recover after an accident can seem impossible and overwhelming. You should never have to worry about how to manage financially after an accident. This is where we come in. 

Our team, lead by Brian Lafferty, has specialized in car and motor vehicle accidents for the past several decades. We know how your life can be severely impacted through no fault of your own. Let us help you recover for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, loss of property and any other recoverable loss through our aggressive, knowledgable and experienced approach.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of car accidents has risen over the last 10 years and is a leading cause of death for teenagers.

The top causes of car, truck and pedestrian accidents include:

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About Our Car & Motor Vehicle Accident
Law Practice

In auto accident cases, our lawyers prepare every case by conducting thorough investigations, uncovering all forms of compensation, using top rated experts, and aggressively negotiating with insurance companies.

If you or a loved one was seriously hurt or killed in an auto accident, contact our offices to get a free case review. Our auto injury attorneys handle car accident cases throughout the Northeast area including Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Car & Motor Vehicle Accidents & Your Legal Rights

People injured in car, motorcycle, truck or other motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are often entitled to make claims or sue for financial compensation. However, the auto injury laws in PA & NJ are very complex. This is where Laffey, Bucci & Kent can help. We know the laws, we know your rights, and we know how to make sure you receive every single dollar you are entitled to under the law. 

No-Fault Laws

Both PA and NJ are no-fault states. This means that if you who are injured in a car or motor vehicle accident and have a Pennsylvania or New Jersey insurance policy you are eligible to make claims and potentially recover for medical bills and other losses like, lost wages. This can be true regardless of who was at fault depending on the circumstances.

In other words, it does not matter whose fault the accident was. If you are hurt and need medical treatment or suffered  financial losses, let us at Laffey, Bucci & Kent fight for you.

"I know first hand how a car accident can destroy someone or their family's lives. That is why I have dedicated my career to helping anyone I can who has been injured in an accident. I know the pain your are going through and the disruption in your life. I am honored to have the privilege of helping those in their greatest time of need. "

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have been in a car accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your rights and ensure your well-being:

  1. Assess your safety and health: First and foremost, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

  2. Move to a safe location: If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

  3. Call the police: Report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A police report will be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal action. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you are required to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

  4. Exchange information: Collect the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.

  5. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as evidence in insurance claims or legal proceedings.

  6. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and documentation of your injuries will be essential for any potential claims.

  7. Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and inform you of any deadlines or requirements specific to your policy.

  8. Consult with an experienced car accident attorney: Reach out to a reputable car accident law firm, such as Laffey, Bucci & Kent, to discuss your case. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident claims in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Remember, each state has its specific laws and regulations regarding car accidents and insurance claims. It is essential to consult with an attorney experienced in handling cases in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is handled appropriately.

Determining whether you have a valid car accident case in Pennsylvania or New Jersey can be a complex process, as each state has specific laws and regulations governing car accident claims. To establish a valid claim, several factors need to be considered, including liability, the severity of your injuries, and insurance coverage. The experienced attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can help you evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim in either Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

Some factors to consider when assessing the validity of your car accident case include:

  1. Liability: To have a valid claim, you must be able to prove that another party’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident. This may involve proving that the other driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or otherwise acting carelessly or unlawfully.

  2. Injuries and damages: In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you typically need to demonstrate that you have suffered significant injuries or financial losses as a result of the accident. This may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

  3. Insurance coverage: Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that you usually turn to your own insurance company for compensation, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if you have suffered severe injuries, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. New Jersey has a choice no-fault system, which allows drivers to choose between a no-fault or traditional tort-based insurance policy. Your ability to pursue a claim may depend on the type of insurance coverage you and the other driver have.

  4. Statute of limitations: In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident, while in New Jersey, you have two years as well. It’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to file a claim.

To determine if you have a valid car accident case, it’s essential to consult with an experienced car accident attorney, like those at Laffey, Bucci & Kent. Our attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

The amount of money you may be entitled to after a car accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, the specific circumstances of the accident, and the insurance coverage of the parties involved. At Laffey, Bucci & Kent, our experienced car accident attorneys can help you evaluate your case and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve under the laws of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Some of the factors that may influence the value of your car accident claim include:

  1. Medical expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical costs related to the injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.

  2. Lost wages and earning capacity: If the accident caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn a living, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages and any diminished earning capacity in the future.

  3. Property damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged property may be included in your claim.

  4. Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident and your injuries.

  5. Insurance coverage: The available compensation in your case will depend on the insurance coverage of both your policy and the at-fault driver’s policy. In Pennsylvania, a no-fault state, your own insurance may cover some of your losses. However, if you have suffered severe injuries, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. In New Jersey, a choice no-fault state, the type of insurance coverage you and the other driver have will influence your ability to seek compensation.

It’s essential to remember that every case is unique, and the specific value of your claim can only be determined after a thorough evaluation of your situation. The attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent have extensive experience handling car accident claims in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and can provide you with personalized guidance and representation to help you seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.

In Pennsylvania, car insurance policies offer two options for tort coverage: limited tort and full tort. These options determine your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering after a car accident. The main difference between limited and full tort coverage is the extent to which you can pursue non-economic damages in a claim against the at-fault driver.

  1. Limited Tort: With limited tort coverage, you typically pay lower insurance premiums. However, this option comes with a trade-off: your ability to recover non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) from an at-fault driver is restricted. In most cases, you can only seek compensation for out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. There are exceptions to this rule, which may allow you to pursue non-economic damages if you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by Pennsylvania law, or if the at-fault driver was driving under the influence, uninsured, or committed an intentional act that caused the accident.

  2. Full Tort: Full tort coverage allows you to pursue non-economic damages in addition to economic damages, without any restrictions. With full tort coverage, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages resulting from the accident, regardless of the severity of your injuries. This option usually comes with higher insurance premiums but provides you with broader protection and the ability to recover the full range of damages you are entitled to under the law.

When choosing between limited and full tort coverage, it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits of each option. While limited tort may result in lower insurance premiums, it can also limit your ability to recover compensation if you are injured in an accident. The experienced car accident attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can help you understand the implications of limited and full tort coverage in Pennsylvania and guide you through the process of pursuing a car accident claim.

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, there is a specific time limit within which you must file a lawsuit after a car accident, known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies by state and the type of claim you’re filing. It is crucial to be aware of these deadlines to protect your right to pursue compensation.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is generally as follows:

  1. Personal injury: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury claims, which includes bodily injuries and pain and suffering.

  2. Property damage: You also have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for property damage claims, such as damage to your vehicle or personal property.

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is generally as follows:

  1. Personal injury: Similar to Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury claims.

  2. Property damage: For property damage claims, New Jersey also has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident.

It’s important to note that if you fail to file a lawsuit within the specified time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. There are some exceptions and nuances to these rules, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced car accident attorney, like those at Laffey, Bucci & Kent. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident claims in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies to your case, navigate the legal process, and ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner.

 

After a car or motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you may be entitled to recover compensation for various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries. The experienced car accident attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can help you understand what you may be eligible to recover in your specific situation.

Some common types of damages that can be recovered after a car or motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania and New Jersey include:

  1. Medical expenses: You may be compensated for past and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.

  2. Lost wages and earning capacity: If your injuries caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn a living, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages and any diminished earning capacity in the future.

  3. Property damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged property may be included in your claim.

  4. Pain and suffering: Depending on your insurance coverage and the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident and your injuries. This type of compensation is typically more limited in Pennsylvania for those with limited tort coverage, but it may be available in cases involving serious injuries or other exceptions.

  5. Loss of consortium or companionship: In some cases, a spouse or family member may be eligible to recover compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, or assistance resulting from your injuries.

  6. Punitive damages: In rare cases, if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are not available in every case and are typically reserved for extreme circumstances.

It’s important to remember that each case is unique, and the specific types of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the facts of your case and the applicable laws in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. The attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can provide you with personalized guidance and representation to help you seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer after a car or motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, hiring an experienced attorney can significantly benefit your case and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and damages. The legal process can be complex, and insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out. Having a skilled car accident attorney like those at Laffey, Bucci & Kent on your side can help protect your rights and interests throughout the process.

Here are some reasons why hiring a lawyer after a car or motor vehicle accident can be beneficial:

  1. Case evaluation: An experienced attorney can assess your case, determine the potential value of your claim, and advise you on the best course of action based on the laws and regulations in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

  2. Knowledge of the law: A car accident attorney is familiar with the specific laws and regulations governing car accident claims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including the statutes of limitations, insurance coverage requirements, and the differences between limited and full tort coverage.

  3. Insurance negotiations: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. A skilled attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

  4. Evidence collection and preservation: An attorney can help gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and accident scene documentation.

  5. Litigation support: If your case cannot be resolved through negotiation and needs to go to court, an experienced car accident attorney can represent you in court, present your case effectively, and advocate for your best interests.

  6. Maximizing compensation: A skilled car accident lawyer will work diligently to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all damages related to the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

In conclusion, while it’s not legally required to have a lawyer after a car or motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, hiring an experienced attorney like those at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your ability to recover fair compensation.

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