Accidents — Personal Injury Compensation in New Jersey

After an accident, the first hours and days determine whether the victim will receive compensation adequate to the injuries sustained. Medical records, witness statements, insurance notification — each of these elements has a deadline and procedure, and an early mistake can reduce the value of the entire case before the client even has a chance to contact an attorney.

What the firm handles in accident cases

• Workplace accidents
• Construction accidents
• Car accidents
• Personal injury
• Lost wages and medical expenses

The firm represents victims of workplace and construction accidents — the construction industry employs many Polish workers in New Jersey, and the risk of injury is higher there than in most other professions. These cases often proceed simultaneously on two tracks: workers' compensation benefits related to employment and third-party personal injury claims if the accident occurred due to the fault of an outside party — such as a subcontractor or the manufacturer of defective equipment.

A distinct category is car accidents — from highway collisions to pedestrian accidents. In each of these cases, it is crucial to establish liability and document the personal injury in a way that withstands scrutiny from the insurance company. The firm assists victims in gathering medical documentation, calculating lost wages, and preparing compensation claims.

Attorney Michael G. Brucki communicates with clients in Polish from the very first call — after an accident, under stress and often in pain, being able to describe the situation in one's own language is vital not only practically, but also on a human level.

How an accident case is handled

The first step is a telephone consultation — establishing the circumstances of the accident, the extent of injuries, and whether the incident has already been reported to the employer, police, or insurance company. If it hasn't been reported yet, the firm advises on how to do so properly to avoid weakening any subsequent claim.

Next, documentation is collected: accident report, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions if necessary. Based on this, a claim is prepared against the liable party — the employer, the at-fault driver's insurer, or another third party. The firm negotiates on behalf of the client and, if needed, represents them in court.

Accidents in New Jersey — what you should know

Strict statutes of limitations apply to accident cases — once they expire, the right to a claim is lost regardless of how severe the injuries were. Therefore, delaying contact with an attorney is one of the most common and costly mistakes victims make.

The first settlement offer from an insurer rarely reflects the full value of the damages — insurers calculate offers to close cases at the lowest possible cost. Evaluating whether an offer is adequate requires comparing it with actual medical documentation and lost income.

What compensation covers

The amount of compensation depends on the specific circumstances of the case, but several factors are typically considered: incurred and future medical costs, lost earnings during the period of disability, and in more severe cases — permanent impairment and the impact on daily life. In workplace accident cases, there is also the matter of workers' compensation benefits, which may be available independently of any civil third-party claim.

Medical documentation is of key importance here — uninterrupted, consistent medical treatment following an accident not only benefits the victim's health, but also builds a credible injury history that can be relied upon during negotiations with the insurer. Gaps in treatment are often used by the opposing party to argue that the injuries were not serious.