Who Pays for Damages in a New Jersey Car Accident?

• Dan T. Matrafajlo
• Mon Oct 2023
• Car Accidents,
• 0

Car crashes happen every day on New Jersey roads. A good car accident attorney can help you understand the damages you may be entitled to and your legal options for recovery. In a no-fault state like New Jersey, however, you may need to use your own auto insurance in addition to making a fault-based claim after an accident.

Handling an accident claim in a no-fault state can get complicated. It is best to hire an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney to help protect your legal rights and get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What Is a No-Fault State?

In a state with no-fault laws, all drivers are required to purchase personal injury protection (PIP), as part of their auto insurance policies. Motorists can sue for serious injuries and for pain and suffering only if the case meets certain criteria. These conditions, known as a threshold, pertain to the severity of the injury suffered.

So, in short, in a no-fault state like New Jersey, each driver involved in a crash would pay for their own medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related bills regardless who is at fault by making a claim against their PIP. However, the at-fault motorist must still pay for the other party’s vehicle repairs.

PIP claims and applications can be complicated. It is best that you immediately hire an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney to:

• Help notify your insurer of your injuries
• Prove your eligibility
• Prove the extent of your losses
• Recover the full compensation available under the terms of your insurance policy

Other Damages Recoverable in a No-Fault State

If you have only opted for a basic insurance policy, you have the right to sue if the crash results in serious injuries such as:

• Dismemberment
• Significant disfigurement
• Serious scarring
• Displaced fractures
• Loss of a fetus
• Permanent injury

If you have suffered any of these more serious injuries, you may file a claim and/or lawsuit against the at fault party to recover damages for:

• Current and future medical bills and expenses
• Loss of wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Personal property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Any other out of pocket expenses

Call a New Jersey Car Accident Attorney

If you or someone you know has suffered any type of injury in a car accident caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another driver, an experienced New Jersey car accident injury attorney can help. Call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-248-4404 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.