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Car accident law in New Jersey is designed to protect individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle collisions. New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after most car accidents, your own insurance pays for your medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident. However, there are certain situations where you may step outside these no-fault rules and pursue a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. Understanding your rights and obligations under New Jersey car accident law is vital to ensuring you receive fair compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses.
Seeking legal help after a car accident in New Jersey is often necessary for several common reasons. Legal assistance may be crucial if you experience severe injuries, face high medical bills, or have disputes with insurance companies about compensation. Complex cases involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or pedestrian injuries often require a lawyer's expertise. You may also need an attorney if you are being unfairly blamed for the accident or if the insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement. Legal professionals help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation through settlement or litigation if needed.
There are several key aspects of local laws relevant to car accidents in New Jersey:
Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Move vehicles to a safe area if possible, exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene, and report the accident to your insurance company.
Not always. You can sue the other driver if you suffer serious injuries, as defined by New Jersey law, or if the damages exceed your PIP policy limits.
Serious injuries may include significant disfigurement, displaced fractures, loss of a body part, permanent injury, or death.
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and six years for property damage claims.
You can use your own uninsured motorist coverage to pay for your losses, depending on your policy limits and the specifics of your insurance plan.
Under comparative negligence, you can still recover damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault, but your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
It is generally best to consult with your attorney or notify your own insurance company before giving statements to the other party's insurer.
You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs or replacement, and other related costs.
You are required to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding 500 dollars to the local police, county police, or New Jersey State Police.
Many car accident lawyers in New Jersey work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay unless they recover money for you. Discuss fees and payment arrangements with any lawyer before hiring them.
Here are some helpful organizations and resources for car accident victims in New Jersey:
If you have been involved in a car accident in New Jersey and believe you may need legal assistance, consider taking the following steps:
Taking these proactive steps can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you may deserve after a car accident in New Jersey. For more personalized guidance, reach out to a local attorney or one of the resources listed above.
