If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision in West New York, New Jersey, understanding your rights and options is essential. The Law Office of Edward Appel assists people hurt in crashes by explaining how New Jersey injury claims work, which deadlines apply, and what evidence matters most. This introduction outlines the basic steps after an accident, including documenting the scene, seeking medical care, gathering witness details, and preserving records. Knowing these steps early can protect your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering while you navigate insurance company communications and legal requirements.
Many West New York residents face confusing insurance processes and complex legal timelines after a crash. This paragraph explains the local context, including New Jersey’s no-fault framework and how it affects recovery for medical expenses and other losses. It also highlights common sources of delay and how timely action—such as reporting the accident and obtaining a medical diagnosis—can improve outcomes. The aim here is to give practical, clear guidance so anyone involved in a West New York collision can make informed decisions about seeking compensation and preserving their rights under state law.
Securing qualified legal representation after an auto collision in West New York can help ensure you do not miss important deadlines or inadvertently accept an offer that does not fully cover your losses. Attorneys can evaluate your claim, advise on interactions with insurers, and gather the documentation needed to pursue fair compensation. A lawyer can also coordinate with medical providers, reconstruct accident details if necessary, and manage settlement negotiations to protect your financial recovery. For many injured people, legal help reduces stress and maximizes the chance of obtaining compensation for medical care, ongoing treatment, lost income, and other accident-related costs.
The Law Office of Edward Appel offers representation for personal injury matters, including motor vehicle collisions in West New York and throughout Hudson County. The firm focuses on helping injured clients navigate insurance claims and pursue recoveries for physical, financial, and emotional harms. We emphasize clear communication, prompt investigation, and practical solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Our approach includes working closely with medical providers, gathering police and witness records, and preparing persuasive settlement demands or litigation filings when necessary to protect a client’s interests in New Jersey courts or before insurance carriers.
Auto accident legal services in West New York include guidance on immediate steps after a crash, assistance with filing insurance claims, and representation in negotiations or court proceedings. A typical legal process begins with an intake review of facts, medical records, and evidence to determine liability and damages. From there, counsel may work to obtain police reports, interview witnesses, arrange for accident reconstruction when needed, and document ongoing medical needs. The goal is to build a clear, evidence-based claim that supports fair compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and other harms caused by the collision.
Residents of West New York should be aware of New Jersey-specific rules, such as timelines for filing claims and interactions with no-fault benefits. Legal providers help clients understand how their health insurance, automobile insurance, and potential at-fault party claims intersect. That includes advising on when a third-party suit is appropriate versus relying on personal injury protection benefits, and how pain and suffering damages may be pursued when statutory thresholds or other conditions are met. Proper legal guidance can clarify these sometimes confusing distinctions and set realistic expectations for recovery.
Auto accident legal services involve representation and advice after a motor vehicle collision, covering tasks such as evidence collection, medical record review, claim negotiation, and litigation if required. These services aim to establish liability, quantify damages, and pursue monetary recovery for medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Legal counsel may also coordinate with healthcare providers, counsel on interactions with insurers, and handle court filings for claims that cannot be resolved through settlement. The overall objective is to protect the client’s legal rights and secure fair compensation reflective of the full impact of the accident.
A successful auto accident claim normally includes establishing liability, documenting injuries, proving damages, and negotiating with insurers or opposing counsel. Liability often relies on police reports, witness statements, photographic evidence, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage. Documenting injuries requires consistent medical treatment records, diagnostic imaging, and provider notes that tie condition to the crash. Damages include economic losses such as medical bills and lost earnings, and non-economic impacts like diminished quality of life. Each element is assembled to support settlement demands or to prepare for trial if a fair resolution is not reached.
This glossary defines common terms you may encounter when pursuing an auto accident claim in West New York. Understanding these words can help when reviewing police reports, insurance paperwork, and legal correspondence. Definitions cover items such as liability, comparative negligence, personal injury protection, economic damages, and non-economic damages. Familiarity with these terms enables better communication with your legal team and with insurers, and reduces the likelihood of confusion about procedural steps and compensation categories throughout the claim process.
Liability refers to legal responsibility for causing an accident or injury. In the West New York context, liability is established by showing that a driver acted negligently or unlawfully, such as by running a red light, failing to yield, or driving distracted. Evidence used to assign liability may include the police report, photographs of the scene, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and physical vehicle damage patterns. Liability dictates who is responsible for compensating injured parties, and it is central to negotiations with insurers and decisions about filing a civil claim.
Comparative negligence is the legal principle that may reduce a plaintiff’s recovery if they share fault for an accident. Under New Jersey law, damages are apportioned according to each party’s percentage of fault. If an injured person is found partly responsible, their compensation is reduced by that percentage. Understanding how comparative negligence applies can influence strategy in settlement talks and in preparing evidence to minimize any claim that the injured party’s actions contributed to the collision. Clear documentation and witness accounts help protect a client’s interests when comparative fault is disputed.
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is an auto insurance benefit in New Jersey that covers certain medical expenses and related losses regardless of who caused the crash. PIP typically pays for immediate medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes partial wage replacement. It is often the first source of payment after a collision, but may not cover all damages, particularly long-term or non-economic losses. Legal counsel assists clients in coordinating PIP benefits with other available coverage and in understanding when pursuing a third-party claim against an at-fault driver is appropriate.
Economic damages are measurable financial losses caused by an accident, including medical bills, future treatment costs, property repair or replacement, and lost income. Non-economic damages cover subjective harms such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Calculating both types of damages requires careful documentation of medical treatment and its impact on a person’s daily life and earning capacity. Attorneys help quantify these losses for negotiation or trial to pursue compensation that addresses the full scope of the accident’s consequences.
After an auto collision, individuals may choose limited legal assistance or full-service representation. Limited help can include document review, brief consultations, or targeted guidance on interacting with insurers, suitable when damages are minor and liability is clear. Full representation involves a comprehensive approach with investigation, evidence gathering, claim preparation, negotiation, and litigation if needed. The right option depends on the seriousness of injuries, complexity of fault, and the amount at stake. Clients in West New York should weigh their comfort navigating claims alone against the advantages of continuous legal advocacy when injuries and losses are substantial.
A limited approach can be appropriate when injuries are minor, medical treatment is short-term, and fault is undisputed by other drivers or insurers. In these situations, focused advice about documenting the crash scene, reporting to insurance, and tracking medical bills may provide enough guidance to reach a fair settlement without extended representation. Limited help is also useful for answering questions about the claims process and timelines in New Jersey, ensuring that claimants understand their rights and the paperwork required to recover expenses without engaging in prolonged legal proceedings.
If total losses are modest and unlikely to justify the costs of full litigation, a limited engagement may be sensible. When medical bills and property damage are small and the injured person expects a prompt, adequate insurer response, targeted legal guidance can help finalize a fair resolution. Legal counsel can still provide value by reviewing settlement offers, ensuring no important damages are overlooked, and advising on how personal insurance benefits interact with third-party claims, all without committing to comprehensive representation that may be unnecessary for a low-value case.
Comprehensive legal service becomes important when injuries are severe, require ongoing medical care, or result in long-term impacts on earning capacity. In such cases, simply settling early with an insurer can leave future needs unaddressed. Full representation includes working with medical providers to estimate future care costs, documenting long-term impairment, and advocating for compensation that reflects the full extent of the harm. Legal counsel can also advise about pursuing larger settlements or filing suit when insurers refuse to offer a fair recovery for complex or substantial injuries.
When fault is disputed, multiple parties claim blame, or an insurer denies a legitimate claim, full legal advocacy is often needed. Attorneys can investigate accident scenes, identify additional evidence, and assert legal claims against at-fault parties or insurance carriers acting unfairly. Their role includes filing suit when necessary and handling court procedures, depositions, and trial preparation. Where insurers engage in bad faith practices, counsel can pursue remedies that protect an injured person’s rights and seek appropriate compensation under New Jersey law for both immediate and long-term losses.
A comprehensive approach ensures thorough investigation, accurate valuation of damages, and coordinated medical documentation, which often leads to stronger settlement outcomes. When an attorney takes a full-service role, they manage communications with insurers, organize medical evidence, and negotiate from a position informed by legal standards and case law. This can reduce stress for the injured person and decrease the risk of accepting inadequate offers. Full representation also prepares the claim for litigation if necessary, maintaining pressure on insurers to engage fairly and helping secure compensation that addresses both present and future needs.
Additionally, comprehensive representation provides continuity throughout a claim’s lifecycle, from intake through resolution. That continuity helps prevent gaps in treatment documentation, ensures deadlines are met, and creates a coherent narrative of how injuries resulted from the crash. Attorneys can also leverage investigative resources, such as accident reconstruction and expert testimony when appropriate, to strengthen claims. For many injured West New York residents, this integrated support translates into more reliable outcomes and increased confidence that all aspects of the claim are being pursued diligently.
Comprehensive representation enhances the quality of evidence presented to insurers or a court by ensuring that all relevant medical records, witness statements, and scene documentation are obtained and organized. This level of preparation helps create a persuasive account of the accident’s cause, the severity of injuries, and the financial impact on the injured person. Building a well-documented claim maximizes the likelihood of a fair settlement and provides a solid foundation for litigation if an insurer refuses to negotiate responsibly. Attention to detail in evidence gathering can materially affect the outcome of an injury claim.
Under full representation, the legal team serves as a consistent advocate during settlement talks and courtroom proceedings. This advocacy includes presenting a clear damages calculation, countering insurer arguments, and pursuing remedies that reflect the injured person’s actual losses. Skilled advocates also protect clients from early lowball offers and avoid pitfalls that can close off future recovery. By handling procedural tasks and negotiations, counsel allows clients to concentrate on recovery while ensuring their legal interests are actively pursued in all relevant forums.
After a collision in West New York, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries if it is safe to do so. Record license plate numbers, driver contact information, and witness names and phone numbers. Secure a police report by calling local law enforcement and obtain a copy for your records. Detailed documentation at the scene helps establish liability and provides critical evidence for insurance claims and potential legal actions. Even small details captured immediately can become important later when reconstructing the accident.
Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements soon after an accident; exercise caution before providing detailed accounts without legal advice. Stick to factual statements about the incident and avoid speculating about injuries or fault. Consult a legal professional to understand how recorded statements and written correspondence may affect claims. If you choose limited legal assistance, ask for guidance on interacting with insurers so you can preserve your rights and avoid misunderstandings that could reduce your ability to recover appropriate compensation.
If you have sustained medical bills, missed work, or ongoing pain following an auto accident in West New York, legal representation can help you navigate the claims process and pursue appropriate compensation. A lawyer can protect you from low settlement offers, manage insurer communications, and ensure critical evidence is preserved. Representation is particularly valuable when liability is contested, injuries require long-term care, or your financial losses exceed what personal insurance covers. Legal support also ensures procedural deadlines are observed so you do not lose the right to pursue a claim.
Engaging counsel can also provide practical benefits such as coordinating with medical providers, arranging for accident reconstruction when necessary, and preparing persuasive documentation of damages. A representative can advise on interactions with your own insurer and the at-fault party’s insurer, explain the impact of comparative negligence, and outline realistic expectations for settlement or trial. For many injured individuals, legal representation brings clarity, protects rights, and increases the likelihood of full financial recovery for both present and future needs stemming from the crash.
Legal help is frequently warranted in cases involving significant vehicle damage, serious physical injury, complicated liability scenarios, uninsured or underinsured motorists, and disputes with insurers over coverage. Additional reasons to seek counsel include accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists, collisions at complicated intersections in West New York, and incidents with commercial vehicles or rideshare drivers. Each scenario can involve unique legal and evidentiary challenges that require thorough investigation, claims strategy, and advocacy to obtain fair compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and other losses.
When injuries are severe or require ongoing treatment, the financial impact can be substantial. Legal advocacy helps document the full scope of medical needs, calculate future treatment costs, and pursue appropriate compensation that goes beyond immediate bills. Representation can also support claims for lost earning capacity if recovery affects the ability to work. A careful legal approach ensures that long-term implications of injuries are considered in settlement discussions or litigation, helping to secure resources for ongoing care and rehabilitation.
Accidents involving disputed fault, multiple vehicles, or ambiguous road conditions can complicate assigning liability. Legal representation assists in investigating the scene, obtaining witness statements, and reconstructing events when necessary. Counsel reviews police reports, photographs, and any available video evidence to build a case supporting the client’s version of events. When multiple parties claim fault, or an at-fault driver’s insurer contests liability, having skilled advocacy can improve prospects for a fair settlement or a favorable trial outcome.
Coverage disputes, delays, or outright denials by insurance companies often require legal intervention to resolve. Attorneys can evaluate policy language, explain available coverage under personal or third-party insurance, and pursue appeals or litigation if insurers act unreasonably. Representation can also address underinsured or uninsured motorist situations, helping injured parties explore alternate recovery paths. In complex coverage disputes, legal counsel helps protect rights and press insurers to meet their obligations under New Jersey insurance law.
Clients choose the Law Office of Edward Appel for personalized attention, prompt responses, and a commitment to pursuing fair compensation. We handle the practical and legal tasks that arise after a crash, including evidence collection, insurer negotiations, and litigation when required. Our goal is to secure recovery that addresses both present expenses and foreseeable future needs, while keeping clients informed about progress and options throughout the process. We aim to reduce stress for injured individuals by managing complex legal details and advocating for their best interests.
The firm’s approach emphasizes thorough preparation and clear communication. From initial intake through resolution, we work to document medical treatment, quantify losses, and present robust claims supported by police reports, witness accounts, and medical evidence. We also explain how New Jersey laws and insurance rules apply to each case so clients understand likely outcomes and timelines. Our objective is to pursue maximum practical recovery while protecting clients from pitfalls such as premature settlements or missed deadlines.
We serve residents of West New York and surrounding Hudson County communities, assisting with auto collisions of many kinds, including rear-end crashes, intersection collisions, and multi-vehicle incidents. We prioritize accessibility, returning calls and providing straightforward explanations so clients feel supported during recovery. If litigation becomes necessary, we prepare thoroughly for court while continuing to pursue negotiated resolutions when they meet a client’s needs. Our goal is to secure a recovery that helps clients move forward after an accident.
Our legal process begins with an initial consultation to review accident details and medical records, followed by an investigation to gather police reports, witness statements, and scene documentation. We coordinate with healthcare providers to obtain treatment records and support damage calculations. After compiling the evidence, we present a settlement demand to the insurer and engage in negotiations. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare and file a civil complaint and proceed through discovery, depositions, and, if necessary, trial. Throughout, we keep clients informed and focused on recovery.
During intake, we collect a detailed account of the accident, obtain medical records, and request police reports and photographs. We identify potential witnesses and preserve their statements while memories remain fresh. The investigation may include reviewing surveillance footage or arranging an accident reconstruction if liability is uncertain. Early, thorough fact-finding is essential to developing a persuasive claim and preventing loss of important evidence. This foundational work shapes our negotiation strategy and prepares us to pursue all appropriate avenues for recovery on behalf of the client.
We request complete medical records, diagnostic tests, and treatment summaries to document the injuries and link them to the accident. This includes emergency care notes, imaging results, specialist reports, and physical therapy documentation. Accurate medical records help establish the nature and extent of injuries, the necessity of treatment, and projected future care needs. Proper medical documentation forms the backbone of damage calculations and supports claims for both economic and non-economic losses when negotiating with insurers or presenting a case in court.
An accurate police report and reliable witness statements are critical to establishing the facts that determine liability. We obtain official reports filed by local authorities, review officer observations, and follow up with witnesses to collect written statements. When available, photographs and scene diagrams are preserved. These materials are examined for consistency and combined with other evidence to create a clear narrative of the crash. Building this factual record early strengthens a claim and helps counter competing accounts from other parties.
After the investigation, we compile evidence and prepare a demand package detailing injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic harms. We submit this demand to the at-fault party’s insurer and enter negotiations to reach a fair settlement. Negotiations may involve back-and-forth offers, document exchanges, and presenting supporting expert opinions or medical summaries. Our aim is to resolve claims efficiently when a reasonable settlement is available while remaining prepared to file suit and pursue litigation if insurers refuse to offer adequate compensation.
A strong demand package includes a clear timeline of events, copies of police reports, photographs, medical records, and a detailed breakdown of economic and non-economic damages. We include documentation of past and projected medical costs, income loss records, and statements that describe the impact of injuries on daily life. Well-prepared submissions make it easier for insurers to understand the claim’s merits and can lead to more constructive negotiations. Presenting evidence professionally signals that the claim has been thoroughly evaluated and is supported by credible records.
During negotiation, we analyze settlement offers, advise on risks and benefits of accepting or rejecting proposals, and seek terms that address present and future needs. We challenge low offers by highlighting evidence that supports higher compensation and remain prepared to escalate the matter if necessary. Our negotiation strategy balances the client’s financial needs, recovery timeline, and tolerance for litigation. Clear communication about the likely outcomes and trade-offs helps clients make informed decisions about whether to accept a settlement or proceed with formal legal action.
If negotiations do not yield a fair settlement, we move to file a lawsuit and pursue the claim through discovery, motions, and trial if required. Litigation involves exchanging information with the opposing party, taking depositions, preparing expert testimony, and presenting the case to a judge or jury. Our goal during litigation is to prove liability and damages convincingly while seeking a resolution that compensates our client for all accident-related losses. Even when a case proceeds to court, many matters resolve through settlement at some stage of the process.
Discovery involves collecting additional evidence from the opposing party through document requests, depositions, and interrogatories. We identify and prepare witnesses, obtain expert opinions when necessary, and clarify issues about liability and damages. Thorough discovery can expose weaknesses in the other side’s position and strengthen the client’s case for settlement or trial. Preparing for discovery also involves organizing medical and financial records so they can be effectively presented in legal proceedings and used to support claims for both economic and non-economic losses.
When a case proceeds to trial, we prepare witnesses, compile exhibits, and develop the legal arguments necessary to present the claim persuasively to a judge or jury. Trial preparation includes rehearsing testimony, refining demonstrative evidence, and addressing procedural matters. During court proceedings, we advocate for a verdict that fairly compensates the injured person based on the evidence of liability and damages. Even when trial is required, maintaining settlement discussions remains an option if a resolution emerges that meets the client’s needs.
Immediately after an auto collision in West New York, ensure everyone’s safety and call emergency services if there are injuries. If you are able, document the scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers and collect witness names and phone numbers. Obtain a copy of the police report and report the accident to your insurer in accordance with policy requirements. Preserving evidence and seeking prompt medical attention are the first steps to protect your rights. After addressing the immediate situation, schedule medical evaluation even for seemingly minor injuries, as some conditions worsen over time. Keep detailed records of medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and expenses. Avoid making detailed statements to insurance adjusters until you have a clear understanding of your injuries and legal options. Consulting with a qualified attorney can help you understand how to interact with insurers and preserve important documentation for a claim.
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits arising from auto accidents is generally two years from the date of the collision. Missing this deadline can bar your ability to bring a civil suit for damages, so it is important to be aware of timing and begin any necessary legal action promptly. There are limited exceptions that can affect this timeframe, so consulting with counsel quickly helps ensure deadlines are met and rights are preserved. Even before filing suit, early investigation is important to secure evidence and preserve witness statements. Taking prompt action also helps in obtaining medical documentation that ties injuries to the accident. If you are unsure about deadlines or potential exceptions, reach out for legal guidance to understand how the timeline applies to your specific circumstances and to plan an appropriate strategy for recovery.
Your own auto insurance may provide coverage for medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits in New Jersey. PIP typically covers certain immediate medical costs and some wage loss regardless of who is at fault. The exact scope of PIP benefits depends on your policy terms and applicable statutory rules. It often serves as a first source of payment for treatment while other claims are pursued. PIP may not cover all expenses, especially long-term care or non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. If another driver is at fault, you may pursue a third-party liability claim in addition to PIP to recover damages beyond what your policy covers. Coordinating between your insurance and claims against an at-fault party is an important part of the claims process and can benefit from legal guidance.
If the other driver lacks insurance, you may have options under your own policy, such as uninsured motorist coverage, if it is part of your insurance package. This coverage can compensate for medical expenses and other losses when the at-fault party cannot pay. Review your policy or speak with your insurer to determine available coverages and how to file a claim under them. In some cases, pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver may still be necessary if they have assets, or exploring other avenues such as claims against a commercial employer if the vehicle was used for business. A comprehensive assessment of available insurance coverages and legal options helps determine the most effective path to recovery when an at-fault driver is uninsured.
Fault is determined by evaluating evidence such as the police report, witness statements, photographs of the scene, vehicle damage patterns, and any available video footage. Investigative steps may include reconstructing the accident, reviewing traffic signals or signs, and examining driver statements. The combination of these materials helps establish who failed to act with reasonable care and thus is responsible for causing the collision. Insurance companies analyze this same evidence to assign fault for claims, and disagreements about liability are common. In cases where fault is disputed, legal counsel can investigate further and present supporting evidence to challenge inaccurate accounts or strengthen a client’s position. Understanding how fault is assessed helps clarify strategy for negotiations and, if needed, litigation.
Yes, you can still recover damages in New Jersey even if you were partly at fault, thanks to the state’s comparative negligence rules. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are assigned twenty percent of the fault and damages total ten thousand dollars, your recovery would be reduced accordingly. This makes it important to limit any admissions of fault and to document evidence that minimizes the portion of responsibility attributed to you. Because fault allocation affects compensation, gathering strong evidence and witness accounts is essential. Legal representation can help challenge claims that overstate your responsibility and work to minimize your assigned fault, thereby protecting the amount you can recover for injuries and other losses.
Auto accident claims can include economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future treatment needs, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are typically proven with medical bills, pay stubs, tax records, repair invoices, and expert opinions when future costs need estimation. Documenting these losses carefully supports a claim’s economic component and helps ensure that all quantifiable expenses are included in settlement or litigation demands. Non-economic damages can cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other subjective impacts. While harder to quantify, these losses are supported by medical reports, testimony about lifestyle changes, and evidence of diminished daily functioning. Combining both types of damages provides a comprehensive view of the harm caused by the accident and forms the basis for a complete recovery request.
It is usually wise to be cautious about accepting the first settlement offer from an insurance company. Initial offers are often conservative and may not reflect the full extent of medical needs or long-term impacts. Before accepting, evaluate whether the offer covers current medical bills, anticipated future treatment, lost income, and non-economic harms. A premature acceptance can prevent pursuing further recovery if future expenses arise. Consider obtaining legal guidance to evaluate any offer and to determine whether it is reasonable under the circumstances. An attorney can assess the claim’s full value, advise on negotiation strategies, and help protect your interests so you do not settle for less than you need to cover both present and future consequences of the accident.
Proving the extent of injuries and future medical needs depends on consistent medical treatment, clear provider notes, diagnostic imaging, and expert medical opinions when needed. Regular follow-up appointments, detailed treatment plans, and documentation of functional limitations create a persuasive record linking injuries to the crash and supporting claims for ongoing care. This evidence is crucial in valuing future medical expenses and explaining their necessity to insurers or a court. When future care is significant or complex, medical experts may provide opinions about prognosis and anticipated costs. These expert assessments, combined with thorough medical records and objective testing results, strengthen claims for compensation that addresses both immediate and long-term medical needs stemming from the collision.
The length of time to resolve an auto accident claim varies depending on the case’s complexity, the severity of injuries, and whether negotiations succeed or litigation becomes necessary. Some claims settle within a few months if liability is clear and injuries are straightforward. Others, especially those involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or protracted treatment, can take a year or longer to reach resolution. Patience and careful preparation often lead to better outcomes than hasty settlements. If litigation is required, the process extends through discovery, potential motions, and trial preparation, which adds time but can be necessary to achieve fair compensation. Throughout, consistent communication with counsel helps manage expectations about likely timelines and milestones, allowing clients to plan for recovery and financial needs while their claim proceeds.