New Jersey has specific laws that directly affect the value of your car accident claim and your deadline to file. Understanding them before you speak with any insurance company is critical.
Statute of Limitations
New Jersey statute of limitations for car accident claims: 2 years from the date of the accident (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim.
New Jersey is a no-fault state with two coverage options that significantly affect your right to sue. Under the 'verbal threshold' (or limitation on lawsuit) option, you can only sue for pain and suffering if you suffered a serious injury — death, dismemberment, significant scarring, displaced fracture, loss of fetus, or permanent injury. Under the 'no threshold' option, you can sue for any injury. Most New Jersey drivers choose the cheaper verbal threshold option, which limits their ability to pursue pain and suffering claims.
New Jersey-Specific Tip
Check your New Jersey auto insurance policy immediately to determine whether you selected the verbal threshold or no-threshold option. This choice — made when you bought your policy — directly determines whether you can sue for pain and suffering. Many policyholders do not know which option they selected.
📊 New Jersey follows modified comparative fault with a 51% bar — you cannot recover if you are 51% or more at fault.
Call 911 — a police report is required for insurance claims involving injury in New Jersey
Exchange insurance, license, and vehicle registration information with all drivers
Photograph all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, traffic signals, and injuries
Get witness contact information before anyone leaves the scene
Seek medical attention within 24 hours — even if you feel fine
Do NOT admit fault or apologize at the scene
Report to your own insurer but do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without an attorney
Contact a New Jersey personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offer
2 years from the date of the accident. 2 years from date of injury (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim regardless of how serious your injuries are.
New Jersey is a no-fault state with two coverage options that significantly affect your right to sue. Under the 'verbal threshold' (or limitation on lawsuit) option, you can only sue for pain and suffering if you suffered a serious injury — death, dismemberment, significant scarring, displaced fracture, loss of fetus, or permanent injury. Under the 'no threshold' option, you can sue for any injury. Most New Jersey drivers choose the cheaper verbal threshold option, which limits their ability to pursue pain and suffering claims.
New Jersey car accident settlements depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and strength of liability. Minor injury cases may settle for $10,000-$50,000. Serious injury cases frequently settle for $100,000 to over $1 million.
Studies consistently show that represented accident victims receive 3-4 times more compensation than unrepresented victims — even after attorney fees. New Jersey PI attorneys work on contingency, so there is no upfront cost to get representation.
No upfront cost. Contingency fees — you only pay if you win.
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