Understanding New Jersey’s Car Accident Laws
Under the no-fault system, every driver in New Jersey must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs related to injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. The minimum amount of PIP coverage required by law is $15,000 per person, but higher limits can be purchased.
While New Jersey’s no-fault system generally requires you to go through your own insurance for injury-related expenses, there are exceptions. If your injuries are severe enough to meet the criteria under the limited right to sue, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek additional compensation.
Common types of injuries include:
- Death
- Loss of a body part
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- Displaced fractures
- Permanent injury
- Loss of a fetus
If your injuries don’t meet these thresholds, you may be unable to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages. However, economic damages like medical bills and lost wages are still recoverable through your PIP coverage.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
- Speeding
- Recklessness
- Negligence
- Texting while driving
- Drunk driving
- Poor weather conditions
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Middlesex County and throughout New Jersey can occur for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: With the prevalence of smartphones, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents. Texting, talking on the phone, and even using in-car technology can take a driver’s attention off the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit significantly increases the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries sustained in a crash.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound decisions, leading to dangerous accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights are all examples of reckless driving that can result in accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, contributing to accidents.
- Fatigued Driving: Drivers who are sleep-deprived can experience slow reaction times and poor judgment, similar to driving under the influence.
If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by any of these factors, a Middlesex County car accident lawyer from Levinson Axelrod, P.A. can help investigate the circumstances of your accident and hold the responsible party accountable.
Reviews & Testimonials
*Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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I want to thank you for all of your help settling my case seamlessly and promptly with an unexpected, and speechless outcome. I'm still in a bit of shock and I'm still processing it all. After my case bounced from associate to associate, I had...- G.K.
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Celine took what I thought would be a stressful situation and turned it into a wonderfully positive experience for me and for my family. Her passion for her job, and her compassion towards her clients, is without limit. She is a fighter.
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I recently had the pleasure of working with the remarkable attorneys, Celine and Richard, at Levinson Axelrod, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! Thank you for your exceptional work and for going above and beyond to secure justice for your clien
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"Thank you and your team for fighting so hard for me."
Thank you for your quick response and for the information. Most importantly, thank you and your team for fighting so hard for me. I am grateful to have had such a caring and diligent team representing me throughout this ordeal.
- M.F.
Why You Shouldn't Accept the First Offer from Insurance Providers
After a car accident, you may be tempted to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company. While it might seem like a quick and easy solution, doing so can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize the amount they pay out in claims.
Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t accept the first offer:
- Lowball Settlements: The first offer you receive is often significantly lower than what your claim is actually worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to save their companies money, and they know that accident victims are often eager to settle quickly.
- Incomplete Medical Treatment: Accepting an early offer before you have fully recovered from your injuries can leave you without the financial resources to cover future medical expenses. Some injuries, like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not show their full effects until days or weeks after the accident.
- Waiving Your Right to Further Compensation: Once you accept a settlement, you generally waive your right to pursue additional compensation in the future. If your injuries worsen or you experience unexpected complications, you won’t be able to seek further damages.
At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., we are dedicated to helping car accident victims in Middlesex County obtain the compensation they deserve. We will protect your rights and best interests while negotiating with insurance adjusters to obtain the most favorable outcome in your case.
If you were the victim of a car crash, please contact our firm right away to set up an appointment with our Middlesex County car accident lawyers. The consultation is free, and we have offices throughout the state!
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$1,200,000 Personal Injury Settlement
While stopped in traffic, an Ocean County man was injured as a result of being rear ended by a dump truck. The plaintiff was receiving treatment for a prior neck problem at the time of the collision but required surgery after the additional problems caused by the accident. Our attorneys were able to combat the defense's arguments through the use of very skilled and competent medical experts and ultimately obtained a settlement of $1.2 million.
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$987,500.00 Premises Liability Settlement
Associate Kelley Lavery recently secured a nearly $1 million settlement for a client who fell and fractured both ankles at a parking garage in Jersey City, NJ.
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$650,000 Personal Injury Settlement
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$300,000 Workers' Compensation Settlement
Partner Rich Marcolus obtained a $300,000 workers’ compensation settlement for a law enforcement officer injured in the line of duty.
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$263,000 Workers' Compensation Settlement
Attorney Celine Vitale of our firm secured a six-figure workers’ compensation settlement for a sales rep injured while lifting a dresser.
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