New Jersey Girl Receives $4 Million Settlement for Accident Injuries

An 18-year-old girl received more than $4 million by a jury to settle a claim against her father and his insurance company. She received permanent injuries to her spine because her father failed to stop at a stop sign in Hackensack four years ago. Under Section 39:4-81, a driver must obey all traffic control signs and devices unless a police or traffic officer directs him or her to do otherwise. A substantial bodily injury occurred to the daughter as a passenger. She exercised the legal right to bring a claim against her father’s insurance company to recover compensation for her serious injuries. Her father’s negligence behind the wheel cost the young woman years of suffering. She was just 14 years old at the time of the accident. She suffered multiple herniated discs in her back and neck. She will receive additional surgery along with additional therapies and acupuncture. Allstate, her father’s insurer, offered a $15,000 pre-trial settlement. The Superior Court judge considering the case declined the insurance company’s desire for a new trial. Because the young woman understood that her claim was worth far more than the initial insurance company offer, the case went to trial. Note that many personal injury cases settle before the trial date, but an experienced personal injury law firm always prepares for trial. For that reason, it’s essential to identify a personal injury lawyer who’s willing to aggressively defend his or her client in court. Keep in mind that the state of limitations in New Jersey in just two years from the date of an accident (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2(a)). If you don’t file a claim within the two-year period, you may lose your right to do so. Contact The Garber Law, P.C. Firm if you’ve been injured because of another person’s negligence. Mr. Garber is a Certified Trial Attorney in New Jersey. His experience can make a difference in your case outcome.