Recognizing a Traumatic Brain Injury

Untreated Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Morristown NJ

Morris and Sussex County Personal Injury Lawyer serving clients suffering from TBI’s with offices in Morristown and Newton, NJ

Despite all of our modern advances in medicine, the brain remains mysterious and often a misunderstood organ. The effects of damage to this vital and delicate organ can vary from person to person greatly. TBI, a traumatic brain injury, is always a severe condition that can have life-altering consequences. However, due to how complex the brain is, persons who suffer traumatic brain injuries may not realize the extent of the damage right away. This effect can cause the condition and symptoms to go unrecognized and untreated.

Traumatic brain injuries can result when a person sustains a forceful blow to the head or a strong whiplash effect. Contrary to popular belief, it may not always come with the loss of consciousness. TBI can result from many reasons including motor vehicle accidents, as a result of a slip and fall, because of a sports injury or many other reasons.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Though not every concussion results in a traumatic brain injury, the following symptoms may be an indication of severe damage if they persist:

Headaches
Memory loss
Nausea
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Blurry vision
Increased sensitivity to sound and light
Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
Processing delays
Depression
Changes in behavior and emotional imbalance

Early Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury Can Save Lives

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is critical to seek medical care immediately if you have any signs of a severe head injury. Emergency care for moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries usually focuses on making sure the person has sufficient oxygen and adequate blood supply, maintaining blood pressure, and preventing any further harm to the head or neck area.

People who have suffered severe brain injuries may also have other injuries that need to be addressed. Further treatments in the emergency room or intensive care unit of a hospital should focus on minimizing secondary damage due to inflammation, bleeding or reduced oxygen supply to the brain.

Assessing a Head Injury to Determine a Person’s Condition

To render adequate medical care, healthcare immediately after an injury, several crucial questions will need to be answered to aid in assessing the injured person’s condition. These will include:

How did the damage occur?
Did the person lose consciousness?
How long was the person unconscious?
Did you observe any other changes in alertness, speaking, coordination or other signs of injury?
Where was the head or other parts of the body struck?
Information about the force of the injury. Such as, what hit the person’s head, how far did he or she fall, or was the person thrown from a vehicle?
Was the person’s body whipped around or severely jarred?

Examination Methods to Identify Brain Injuries

Any comprehensive examination of possible brain damage should include imaging tests such as a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A CT scan can quickly visualize fractures and uncover evidence of bleeding in the brain, blood clots, bruised brain tissue, as well as brain tissue swelling; while an MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create a detailed view of the brain and reveal any hidden damage.

Left untreated, any of the symptoms mentioned above can lead to life-long disability and even death. Thus early detection and diagnosis is a must.

Brain Injury Prevention Methods

Preventative measures are also advisable such as wearing your seat-belt when riding in the car, and wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. For those participating in sporting activities, it is also essential to wear and use the appropriate protective gear. However, preventative measures are by no means a guarantee of safety as many TBI are caused by slips and falls and other unforeseen and utterly unpredictable event.

Contact a Newton Injury Lawyer Today to Protect Your Rights

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a brain injury that has not been diagnosed it is of the utmost importance that you seek medical care as soon as possible. The next step should be to contact a qualified accident and injury lawyer to assess your situation and provide counsel regarding your rights and help guide you on how to proceed.

At The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, we have four decades of legal experience helping the victims of catastrophic injuries in local Morris County and Sussex County towns such as Dover, Netcong, East Hanover, Mt. Olive, and Roxbury. For a free and confidential consultation regarding your accident, your resulting brain injury, and your potential for compensation through a personal injury claim, please give us a call through our Newton office or through our Morristown office today.

Morris County Personal Injury Attorney Helps Maximize Your Settlement

Serving Accident victims across Hopatcong, Denville, Netcong, East Hanover, Florham Park, Morris County and Sussex County

New Jersey, as the most densely populated state in the country, traffic congestion and car accidents are seemingly unavoidable based on the statistics. Whether it’s people who tailgate, change lanes without turn signals, or ignore the speed limit, the likelihood of being in a motor vehicle accident is more often a matter of “when” not “if”, in the Garden State. Awareness about what to do in the event of an accident is key to protect the integrity of your claim and maximize the possible settlement amount that you or a loved one may be entitled to, including being made whole for lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering and any personal injuries.

New Jersey vehicle accident laws can be complex, and dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. There are countless intricacies in the law and even more circumstances where the accident or injury becomes a financial road block in your life. You may be hospitalized or unable to go back to work. Worse yet, you may still be in pain or experiencing moments of discomfort that make work and home-life unbearable. Some serious injuries have long-term or permanent effects, including pain, scarring, limited range of motion, or more severe disability. Having someone who can to protect your rights after a car accident, and help you secure your claim is critical.

At The Law Office of Michael P. Burakoff, we have extensive experience helping the victims, and their families, recover financial compensation through personal injury and wrongful death claims in towns across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including Netcong, Dover, Denville, Roxbury, Parsippany, Hopatcong, Florham Park, East Hanover, Morristown, Morris Plains, Mt. Olive, and more.

Please, call our Morristown or Newton office today to discuss your unique needs, concerns, and situation regarding any kind of car accident injury with our legal team in a free and confidential consultation.

Personal Injury Checklist from Your Sussex County Accident Lawyer

File a Police Report

Have the police document the scene (e.g., road conditions and location details) and interview the drivers of the accident vehicles, passengers or witnesses. If for some reason the police fail to show, go to the station within 24 hours of the accident to file the report in person.

Document the Scene/Preserve the Evidence

Use your mobile phone to photograph the vehicles, the accident scene and property damage, weather conditions, skid marks, and injuries to yourself or passengers.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Name, address, phone number, driver’s license information, car registration, auto insurance, and license plate.

Do NOT Admit Fault for the Accident

Accepting responsibility prior to an accident report or an investigation could make processing your claim challenging. Surveillance footage, the police report, eye-witness statements, and photographic documentation of the accident scene, vehicles and surrounding area may better be able to identify the party at fault.

Strengthen Your Medical Records

Seek medical attention within 72 hours of the accident. Medical records are vital evidence in supporting your accident-related injuries. Seeking treatment immediately following an accident allows a medical professional to diagnose your injuries, link them to the accident, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Delaying medical care from a doctor or chiropractor could cause insurance companies to doubt the seriousness of your injuries.

Do NOT Sign a Medical Authorization Release without your lawyer´s approval

This document allows an insurance company to access your medical history and in doing so, they might reduce or deny your claim due what they consider pre-existing injuries.

Document the Severity of Your Injuries

Severity of personal injuries can impact the value of one´s compensation significantly. Keeping a diary of all of your complaints and limitations on your physical activities will better demonstrate how the injuries have impacted daily life and whether the effects are temporary or permanent. Keep receipts of all prescriptions and medicines taken, as well as other purchases (e.g., wheel chair, canes, crutches, neck braces, etc). Common injuries resulting in lifelong pain and suffering, and frequently additional medical care include:

Brain injuries
Leg and arm injuries
Burns
Head, spinal cord, and neck injuries
Disfigurement, loss of limbs, or serious scarring
Loss of an unborn child

Limit Social Media Exposure

Insurance companies often hire private investigators to surveil those claiming severe medical injuries, so leading a very active and athletic social life on Instagram or Facebook would be counterproductive to one´s case.

Do NOT Be an Eager Beaver

It may takes months to settle a claim, but if you get an insufficient settlement offer, appropriate documentation should support your demand for fair compensation. It often takes a longer period of time for serious injuries to become evident or for treatment or surgery to provide the maximum benefit to the injured party. So never settle your claim before you need to.

Contact A Morristown Personal Injury Compensation Attorney Today

At The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, our legal team has more than 35 years of experience helping clients to recover the compensation they need and deserve for car accident injuries in towns across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including Parsippany, Newton, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, East Hanover, Denville, Mt. Olive, Morristown, and more.

Our firm is unique among personal injury law firms in that we focus on working closely not only with our clients, but their families as well. Attorney Michael Burakoff understands just how difficult it can be for families to undergo the stress and hardship that a serious injury can cause, and as such believes in taking every legal step necessary to protect injury victims’ rights, obtain compensation for economic injuries, and help their entire family to recover from the tragedy of a serious car accident.

To speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding any kind of car accident injury or wrongful death, your options for making a successful personal injury claim and recovery, and how exactly we can help you to do so, please contact us online, or through either our Morristown or Newton office at (973) 520-0525.

Injury Lawyers Help Engage With Insurance Companies in Auto Accidents from Morristown to Newton NJ

Understanding Insurance Company Tactics When it comes to Motor Vehicle Accidents

The State of New Jersey is a no-fault auto accident state, meaning that drivers have insurance to cover their own injuries and damage in the event of a motor vehicle accident rather than insurance being required to pay the other party. However, this does not mean that you cannot sue the insurance company of a negligent driver who causes personal injuries or property damage.

It is important to remember that insurance companies are for profit businesses and, although it is a big part of what they do and the product they provide, any money that they pay out goes against their bottom line. For this reason, some insurance companies have become very adept at getting people to accept a smaller payment than they deserve.

The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and recovering full and fair compensation for his clients who have suffered personal injuries in all types of motor vehicle accidents due to third-party negligence in towns across Morris County and Sussex County. Call either our Morristown office or our Newton office today at (973) 520-0525 to discuss your individual needs, concerns and situation.

Insurance Company Tactics Sussex County NJ Lawyers

There are several common tactics employed by insurance companies across New Jersey in order to pay as little as possible to victims injured in car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents. On their surface and without full knowledge these offers may seem fair. However, in many cases the amount paid can be far below your actual needs especially in cases of catastrophic injuries that can cause permanent disability such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury among others.

These tactics often include:

The offering of an upfront lump sum payment. Because litigation sometimes takes months and even years, receiving funds immediately may seem to be the solution to any money problems you may currently have. The problem is that the amount you receive may be inadequate to meet your long-term needs. In many instances further injuries may become apparent later and accepting a lump sum settlement upfront may make it difficult, if not impossible, to gain the full and fair compensation you may need to make your life whole again.
Convincing you to accept some blame. Although this may happen in a seemingly casual conversation with an adjuster, the problem is that anything you say can be used by the insurance company against you and your rightful claim. It is recommended that you keep from discussing fault altogether.
The settling medical claims prematurely. Generally, property damage and medical liabilities in accidents are handled separately. The insurance company may offer to pay both together in an immediate payment. The problem is that your health may deteriorate later and you may need further treatment. Grouping both property and medical expenses together may make sense for the insurance company but will seldom be to your advantage.

Why Morris County Injury Lawyers Are Important to Help You Through the Claims Process

Though a motor vehicle accident, for many of us, is a rare event, but it is something that insurance companies deal with on a daily basis. They often know the stress you may be under physically, emotionally and financially can make you vulnerable. For this reason, you will need someone who can match their experience and has knowledge of the law to be your adviser and representative when dealing with the negotiation and litigation related to your case. It is critical to have someone who knows what you deserve and will fight to make sure you get it.

Though large insurance companies may seem intimidating it is important to remember that you do not have to face them alone.

Contact A Denville Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today

Attorney Michael P. Burakoff has decades of experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients injured in motor vehicle accidents across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including communities such as East Hanover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, and Newton.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your options for making a financial recovery that is fair and just. C ontact us online, or through either our Newton office or our Morristown office at (973) 520-0525.

Timeline to Report a Sussex County Motor Vehicle Accident

Important Deadlines to Remember After Sussex County Motor Vehicle Accident After a serious motor vehicle accident, it is common to feel overwhelmed by all of the things you will need to do order to fully recover both physically and financially. These may include medical appointments, physical therapy, time away from work, finding childcare as well as getting your vehicle repaired. With all these demands on your time and concentration, it’s all too common for some to forget about the reporting deadlines concerning your car accident,motorcycle accident or truck accident. Missing these deadlines can cause tremendous problems for your personal injury claim as well as your motor vehicle accident liability case, and may prevent you from getting the care you need in addition to the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you know is involved in a motor vehicle accident involving injury or substantial damage to property, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience handling motor vehicle accidents in Parsippany, Hopatcong, Mt. Olive, Andover, Newton, Morristown and other towns all over both Sussex and Morris County. Speak with Michael Burakoff about how to protect both you and your family from potentially catastrophic financial consequences in the form of medical bills and loss income from work. Contact us online, or through either our Morristown or Newton office at (973) 520-0525.

Report Your Morris County Automobile Accident to the Police

The first deadline to arise in an accident case is the requirement to report the collision to the police. New Jersey law requires that any driver involved in an automotive accident resulting in any injury or death, or that caused property damage that equals at least $500 must report the accident to the police by the quickest means possible to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. This usually means a phone call placed at the scene of the accident. This report can be made to the local police force of the town where the accident happened, the county police, or the New Jersey State Police. After the police report, the driver has 10 days from the date of the crash to file a written accident report using official paperwork provided by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Get in Touch with a Newton Automobile Accident Attorney ASAP

If your injuries are severe, you may be able to pursue a case against the at-fault driver in your accident and obtain compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering as well as other losses. However, there is a statute of limitations for any personal injury lawsuit, including those resulting from automotive accidents. In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline will most likely cause your lawsuit to be dismissed outright. For this reason it is important to begin working with an attorney as soon after your accident as possible. Getting the process started protects your future right to a trial if necessary.

Report the Accident to Your New Jersey Insurance Provider

The next important deadline involves opening a claim with your own car insurance company. New Jersey is a no-fault state, so in the majority of cases, your primary option for medical coverage for any accident injuries will be the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your own insurance policy. Your policy should state the time period you have to report your accident to your insurance provider. The usual window of time is no more than seven days, but sometimes it may be up to 30 days. If possible, it is recommended not to wait that long as reporting immediately is best.

Talk to a Morristown Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Attorney Michael P. Burakoff and our law offices have vast experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients injured in motor vehicle accidents across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including communities such as East Hanover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, and Newton.

Our firm knows and understands how precarious a family’s situation can become as medical expenses mount and the injured party remains unable to work. For this reason we focus on keeping our clients and their families informed and involved throughout the legal process as we work at securing them the compensation they both need and deserve to make your life whole again.

Please speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding any type of pedestrian or vehicle accident to learn about your options for making a successful financial recovery. Please contact us online, or through either our Newton office or our Morristown office at (973) 520-0525.

Dangers of Morris and Sussex County School Bus Accidents

Dangers of Morris and Sussex County School Bus Accidents There is always a level of fear and uncertainty shared by all parents each day as children are sent out into the world; the fear of a predator or kidnapper taking the child, the fear of cars flying by on a busy street, or the quite common fear shared by many parents of having their child riding a school bus when the bus gets into a motor vehicle accident. Although the school bus itself is a large, heavy, considerably stable vehicle for them to travel in; many of us have concerns about adequate seat belts, a functional and operational engine and break system. These fears stem from the realization that not all school buses or bus drivers are created equal and that accidents involving school buses that are filled with child on their way to or from school can result in a variety of personal injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic injury; and in tragic cases even loss of the life. A Mount Olive parent recently had to face this grim reality, when their child lost their life as a victim in a bus accident resulting from and due to the negligence of a bus driver.

Parents across New Jersey place their trust in school buses and bus drivers to transport their children to and from school, and even children who don’t regularly ride the bus will still board buses a few times a year for class field trips. Though not as common as an everyday motor vehicle accident, or even an accident involving a commercial truck, a pedestrian or bicyclist on the roadway, when school bus accidents do occur send a chill down every parents’ spine knowing that it could have been their child’s bus that was involved.

If your child is involved in a school bus accident and has sustained injuries, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect you and your child both financially and medically. The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience handling all types of motor vehicle accidents in Parsippany, Hopatcong, Mt. Olive, Andover, Newton, Morristown and across both Sussex and Morris Counties. Speak with Michael Burakoff about how to receive fair and just compensation for the injuries and suffering of your child. Contact us online, or call to schedule an appointment at either one of our convenient office locations: Morristown or Newton (973) 520-0525.

Common to School Bus Accident Injuries Mt. Olive NJ

Any number of devastating injuries may result from a serious school bus accident, including but certainly not limited to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, bone fractures and/or soft tissue injuries. These devastating injuries are usually the result of what is considered a primary injury. Secondary injuries can occur when childrens’ travel items or belongings such as loose sports gear or backpacks come into play. When we see these types of belongings, that students carry on board their buses every day, flying across the bus this can and will create even greater hazards inside a school bus during collisions. Many children sustain secondary injury from improperly stored items inside the bus. Even children who escape serious physical injury often suffer lasting psychological trauma resulting from the collision and seeing their peers seriously injured which isn’t always easily diagnoses and often ignored.

Every child deserves the best possible chance of recovering fully from the physical and emotional trauma of a school bus accident. That often requires ensuring that their families obtain the fair and reasonable compensation necessary to pay for any medical treatment they need wit, physical therapy, and even emotional or psychological care without these necessities becoming a threat to their families’ financial stability.

New Jersey Bus Safety Laws

New Jersey is one of only six states that obligate safety restraints on full-sized school buses. At present, there is no federal law mandating seat belts on school buses, and thus safety features are not present on the majority of buses nationwide.

In fact, as a result of the tragic Mt. Olive crash Governor Phil Murphy recently signed a bill making bus safety laws far more strict and designed to make all New Jersey children safer when traveling on school buses. The bill requires all new buses to have both lap and shoulder belts for all passengers. Additional measures proposed include more stringent requirements for school bus drivers and those that employ them.

Talk to a Denville School Bus Accident Attorney Today

Attorney Michael P. Burakoff has decades of experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients whose children have been injured in school bus and other types of vehicle accidents in communities such as East Hanover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, and Newton and across Morris and Sussex County, NJ.

Our firm understands how precarious a family’s situation can become as medical expenses mount as the result of caring for an injured child, whether the injuries are physical or psychological. That’s why we focus on keeping our clients and their families informed and involved throughout the legal process as we work to secure them the compensation they both need and deserve to make your life whole again.

Please speak with Michael Burakoff and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation regarding any type vehicle accident to learn about your options for making a successful financial recovery. Please contact us online, or call to schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Newton or Morristown, NJ.

Morris County Comparative Negligence Attorneys

Handling Personal Injury Cases Across Morris and Sussex Counties

Comparative Negligence Attorney Morris County NJ While some personal injury cases are clean and simple, many are not. Particularly for injuries stemming from motor vehicle accidents, personal injury cases often include multiple at fault parties. For injury victims, New Jersey comparative fault regulations entitle some at fault parties to financial compensation through personal injury claims. These situations certainly allow victims to seek compensation, but they also require an in-depth understanding of state laws and the legal process to recover full and fair damages to cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call our Morristown offices today by dialing 973-520-0525 for a free and confidential consultation today with a qualified personal injury attorney.

Partial Fault Personal Injury Claims Chatham, NJ

As mentioned in the introduction, it is possible to recover financial compensation through a personal injury claims even for victims who are partially liable for their injurious accidents. Your Chatham personal injury attorneys understand that using comparative negligence statutes to seek damages is dependent on any of the following being true pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A15-5.1 – contributory negligence:

The plaintiff was not negligent leading to an accident OR
The plaintiff was negligent to a lesser degree than the combined negligence of the other parties from whom financial compensation is being sought through a personal injury claim

When partial fault is a factor in your personal injury case, the financial compensation available may diminish relative to how much fault is assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent liable for an accident and the other party is 80 percent eligible, your total damages will be awarded as 80 percent of the total sum. For a $100,000 settlement or verdict, this will mean that the actual financial compensation will be in the amount of $80,000.

Sussex County Comparative Negligence Lawyers

To better understand partial fault, our Mendham personal injury lawyers will examine a hypothetical case example which is representative of a comparative negligence claim. It is important to note that real life cases are considered on an individual basis and will likely vary dramatically dependent on the facts and nature of your situation.

Let us suppose that Steven is traveling Northbound I-287 in Morristown. He is over the legal limit for intoxication with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12. Meanwhile, David is also traveling on I-287 without his seatbelt properly fastened. Other than driving without a seatbelt, David is driving lawfully.

Steven’s SUV collides with David’s sedan, causing property damage and injury to both parties. In this case, both individuals have broken the law, but with varying levels of severity. In this particular situation, it would likely be argued that Steven’s drunk driving was a far greater infraction than David’s failure to fasten his safety belt. However, Steven’s insurer would also argue that David’s injuries may have been far less severe if he had followed the law. This is a fairly typical example of a situation where David could successfully seek damages from Steven’s insurer through a comparative negligence claim due to having a lesser degree of fault.

Injured in an Accident? Contact our Morristown Personal Injury Lawyers Today

The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff are dedicated exclusively to practicing personal injury law. This means that we are able to focus on providing you and your family with the legal knowledge and skills in trial and negotiation that are necessary to securing full and fair compensation in any kind of personal injury matter throughout Morris County including the towns, boroughs, cities and townships of Morristown, Mendham, Chester, Harding, Chatham, Morris Township, Morris Plains, and all of Northern New Jersey.

To learn more about your rights to financial compensation through a personal injury claim, please contact us online or call our Morristown offices today at 973-520-0525 for a free and confidential consultation.

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Morris and Sussex County

What Should I Do If Struck by a Vehicle While Walking When walking near traffic, there is an ever present danger of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Causes can vary and range from distracted drivers to drunk drivers. Due to the weight of the vehicle and the speed in which it is traveling many pedestrians suffer serious and even catastrophic injuries or death in these types of motor vehicle accidents. If this happens to you or someone you know, you or they may be entitled to hold the at-fault driver liable to recover compensation for medical bills as well as pain and suffering. In this article we will discuss what to do immediately following an incident, if you or a loved one are struck by a vehicle while on foot.

If you or someone you know is involved in a pedestrian accident involving injury or substantial damage to property, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience handling motor vehicle accidents in Parsippany, Hopatcong, Mt. Olive, Andover, Newton, Morristown and other towns all over both Sussex and Morris County. Speak with Michael Burakoff about how to protect both you and your family from potentially catastrophic financial consequences in the form of medical bills and loss income from work. Contact us online, or through either our Morristown or Newton office at (973) 520-0525.

Report Your Morris County Pedestrian Accident

If you are physically able at the time of the event, it is important to try and report the accident to local law enforcement or emergency responders as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 and request medical services for yourself and any other person who has been injured in the accident. In addition, provide details about the at-fault driver, the location of the accident and any relevant other factors that may help first responders.

Reporting your accident immediately also helps to establish a timeline of events that can be used to construct your personal injury claim at the time of the settlement negotiation or trial. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely inquire about the time and location of the accident. It is also important to request a copy of the accident or police report taken by law enforcement to provide to insurers and your attorney.

Get Medical Treatment for Your Sussex County Pedestrian Accident

After any accident, you should get medical attention and treatment as soon as possible. Diagnosing and treating your injuries is the first step to recovery. Although most people understand when they have been injured in an accident, some injuries do not immediately show symptoms or display signs of a major injury that the individual has not yet identified due to adrenaline or other medical related reasons. Even if you feel embarrassed to seek medical attention and you “feel fine” enough to walk away from the incident, it is important to be examined by medical professionals.

Moreover, seeking immediate medical treatment after an accident establishes that you suffered an injury. You will have to prove that these injuries were caused by the at-fault driver’s negligence, however you need to establishnthat they exist as a result of the accident first. This may go a long way toward helping you recover compensation for your injury when you file a personal injury claim.

Contact a Sussex County Accident Attorney Without Delay

It is important to have an advocate who is knowledgeable not only in the law but in what you need to do next. The driver’s insurance company will move quickly to protect their client as well as themselves from liability. They may also attempt to convince you to accept a settlement that represents a fraction of what you are entitled.

A knowledgeable attorney will help safeguard you rights as well as help put you on the path to a full recovery both physically and financially.

Talk to a Morristown Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Attorney Michael P. Burakoff and our law offices have decades of experience recovering full and fair compensation for our clients injured in pedestrian accidents across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County, including communities such as East Hanover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Netcong, Hopatcong, and Newton.

Our firm understands completely how precarious a family’s situation can become as medical expenses mount and the injured party remains unable to work. That’s why we focus on keeping our clients and their families informed and involved throughout the legal process as we work to secure them the compensation they both need and deserve to make your life whole again.

How Does My NJ Car Insurance Policy Affect My Ability to Seek Injury Compensation in Morris County and Sussex County?

Car Accident Injury Lawyer Morris County NJ When a driver is injured in a motor vehicle accident, the first place the injured driver will turn to for financial compensation is their own insurance company. However, especially for more serious injuries, that same insurance coverage may not be sufficient when it comes to paying for medical expenses and lost income if the injured driver cannot work.

In addition, pain and suffering damages (which usually represent the largest portion of a personal injury claim) are not awarded as part of first-person claims (claims filed by an injured party with their own insurance company).

So, if you have been injured while driving your car, you may not recover full compensation from your own insurance company for your car accident damages. However, you may also be limited from seeking compensation from other responsible parties depending on what type of insurance coverage you have purchased.

Here is what you need to know regarding NJ car insurance policies, and how they can impact your rights and ability to seek compensation from a third party when injured in a car accident in Morris County or Sussex County.

“Limited Right to Sue” Car Insurance Lawyer Parsipanny NJ

In New Jersey, there are two specific types of injury protection offered as part of your car insurance policy: “Limited Right to Sue” policies and “Unlimited Right to Sue” policies.

Limited Right to Sue policies tend to appear more attractive, as subscribers are offered a much lower insurance premium. However, the catch is that limited right so sue car insurance policies only allow injured drivers to file personal injury claims against other responsible drivers for very specific types of injuries, those being:

Loss of limb, Disfigurement, or Serious Scarring
Permanent Injuries
Bone fractures
Death of the driver (wrongful death)
Loss of fetus

Consider the following scenario: you are injured in a car accident caused by another drunk driver. You suffer serious injuries to your spine, but those same injuries are projected to heal in two year’s time. Your spinal cord injuries result in extremely high medical and rehabilitative costs, and prevent you from working for some time. However, since those same injuries are not technically “permanent”, and you have purchased a “limited right to sue” car insurance policy, you most likely would not be able to file a car accident injury claim against the negligent driver who caused your injuries.

So as attractive as the reduced premium of these limited right to sue policies can appear, they do come with extreme risk when it comes to your ability to seek injury compensation for car accident injuries.

“Unlimited Right to Sue” Car Insurance Attorney Morristown NJ

On the other hand, unlimited right to sue car insurance policies allow injured drivers to seek personal injury compensation from other responsible third parties for any type of injury.

Considering the many dangers New Jersey drivers face, including distracted drivers, drunk drivers, negligent drivers, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, and more, having the flexibility to seek car accident injury compensation from other negligent drivers or parties for any type of injury is a much more attractive insurance policy option, despite its greater up-front cost.

Contact A Car Accident Injury Attorney with Offices in Morris County and Sussex County Today

At The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, we have extensive experience recovering full and fair car accident injury compensation for our clients and their families in towns across Morris County and Sussex County, including Parsippany, Morristown, Netcong, Newton, Denville, Dover, Rockaway, East Hanover, Morris Plains, Florham Park, and more.

Attorney Michael Burakoff has the unique approach of working closely not only with his clients, but with their families as well. This is because he understands just how difficult a car accident injury can be, and the impacts it can have on a family’s financial and emotional stability.

To discuss the specific circumstances, your unique needs, and your options moving forward after any kind of car accident, please contact us online, or through either our Morristown office or our Newton office at (973) 520-0525 today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Morris County Spinal Chord and Brain Injury Claims

Morris County Spinal Chord and Brain Injury Claims The brain is a delicate and complicated organ that doctors know surprisingly little about. The road to recovery from traumatic brain injuries and catastrophic spinal injuries can be long and difficult if it is possible at all. The end results of these injuries can vary from minor complications to more serious conditions such as paralysis and, in many cases, can lead to some form of permanent disability.

The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has assisted families in Morristown, Denville, Newton, Dover, Hopatcong, East Hanover, Morris Plains, Mt. Olive, Florham Park and all over both Morris County and Sussex County with personal injury claims. When it comes to traumatic brain injury or catastrophic spinal injury we understand that to those who are suffering and their families, money is not the most important thing. Regaining as much of the quality of life they had before the injury as possible is of the utmost importance. Contact us online or at our Newton or Morristown office by phone at (973) 520-0525 for a free confidential consultation.

Causes of Sussex County Spinal Chord or Brain Injury

There are a myriad of things that can cause the types of personal injury that can lead to traumatic brain and spinal injuries; including motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, assaults, work related accidents even a slip and fall accident.

If any of these types of accidents, or others, were the cause of your or a loved one’s traumatic brain or catastrophic spinal injury then a personal injury claim may be the way to get the compensation you deserve in order to regain some quality of life.

However these cases are often very complicated as it necessary to prove negligence on the part of another party. Also, it must be proven that the negligent party failed to act with reasonable care and that their actions were the direct result of your injuries. A qualified and experienced Morris County or Sussex County attorney is highly recommended from the beginning of the process until its conclusion.

Catastrophic Injuries effect Sussex County Victims Quality of Life

The brain is the location cognitive ability and motor function, while the spinal cord manages a number of critical body functions including sensation, motor function as well as autonomic functions among others. Injuries to the brain or spinal cord can drastically change ones life in ways it is difficult to imagine.

Damage to either of these crucial systems can cause results that vary greatly between patients. What may be a minor and recoverable injury for one person can be debilitating or even fatal to another. In addition, in some cases the effects may be immediate while in others delayed for months or even years after the cause of the initial trauma.

In the event of any trauma to the brain or spinal region, no matter the cause, it is highly recommended to receive a complete and thorough medical examination as soon as possible as well as monitor the injury for changes and effects that may come on later.

Contact A Mt. Olive Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Personal Injury Lawyer Today

For over 40 years personal injury attorney Michael P. Burakoff has been working with victims of traumatic brain and spinal injuries and their families to recover the financial compensation that helps to make their lives whole again. We have built a solid reputation with our clients in Morristown, Newton, Mt. Olive, Netcong, Dover, Parsippany, Roxbury and across Sussex and Morris County of understanding and being sensitive to their unique needs and situations.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident that lead to brain or spinal cord injury please contact us online or at our Morristown or Newton offices by phone at (973) 520-0525 for a free and confidential consultation.

Borrowed Vehicle Liability Morris County

Borrowed Vehicle Liability Morris County Many people are generous with their vehicles. Whether helping a friend or family member who does not have a car or as a gesture of friendship, it is not uncommon for people to loan their vehicle to someone else. However this is not an activity that should be done without thought and knowledge of the possible consequences.

It is critical to understand that loaning your vehicle, be it car or motorcycle, opens you to liability in cases of motor vehicle accidents or pedestrian accidents in which your vehicle may be involved. In addition catastrophic injuries that may be sustained such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and even death can make you liable in personal injury claims or wrongful death suits.

If a vehicle you, a friend or family member loaned to someone else is involved in a accident involving injury or substantial damage to property, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has extensive experience in motor vehicle accidents in Parsippany, Hopatcong, Mt. Olive, Andover, Newton, Morristown and other towns all over both Sussex and Morris County. Speak with Michael Burakoff about how to limit your liability in order to protect both you and your family from potentially catastrophic financial consequences. Contact us online, or through either our Morristown or Newton office at (973) 520-0525.

Loaning A Vehicle Still Makes You Liable In Sussex County And Across NJ

If you loan your vehicle to someone else and that vehicle is involved in an accident you will be liable. It is a common misconception that car insurance is for the driver of the car. However the truth is that, in most cases, it is the vehicle that is insured. Loaning your vehicle means loaning your insurance.

The State of New Jersey follows a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that every vehicle on New Jersey roads is legally required to have a personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy. This policy is meant to pay for any medical costs for you or anyone who is injured in an accident caused by your vehicle.

In the event of an accident, even if you loaned your vehicle, your policy will be the primary coverage for any injuries or damages sustained in any accident involving your vehicle. This can mean having to pay a large deductible on your policy and can even mean a substantial increase in your insurance premium.

What Can A Rockaway Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Do For You?

If your vehicle is involved in a crash it is important to move to reduce your liability immediately. An experienced attorney who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies can make all the difference. Navigating the system can be quite confusing and difficult. Though you may have a PIP policy you may still have to pay out of pocket property damage as well as other expenses. Seeking representation is highly recommended in case of any vehicle accident and can help to reduce your exposure to liability.

Contact a Morris and Sussex County Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff has more than 35 years of experience in helping our clients in towns across New Jersey, Morris County, and Sussex County including Andover, Roxbury, Hopatcong, Mt. Olive, Parsippany, Morristown, and Newton to reduce their exposure to liability.

Attorney Burakoff has the resources and experience to handle insurance claims and lawsuits stemming from any type of motor vehicle accident. Contact Michael Burakoff and our legal team today for a free and confidential consultation regarding your motor vehicle accident. Please contact us online or at our Morristown or Newton offices at (973) 520-0525.

Free Consultation

To speak with one of our highly knowledgeable attorneys, contact us today at (973) 520-0525 or toll-free at (877)-830-8211.

You can also complete the form below to begin your conversation. We are a personalized, boutique-style law firm that offers free initial consultations and flexible appointment options.