Car Accident Lawyer, Lavallette NJ

Your own auto policy pays first. New Jersey is a no-fault state, so your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4 covers your medical treatment regardless of who caused the crash, up to your policy's PIP limit and subject to its deductible and co-pay. Report the crash to your insurer promptly and treat with providers who know how PIP billing works. Passengers and pedestrians have their own PIP rules, which we sort out at the free consultation.

It depends on the tort option on your own policy. With the limitation on lawsuit option, sometimes called the verbal threshold, N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8 requires a qualifying permanent injury before you can recover for pain and suffering; with the no-limitation option you can. We read your declarations page at the first meeting and tell you which applies.

Generally two years from the date of the crash under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. If a public entity is involved, for example a municipal vehicle or a dangerous road condition, a notice of claim is due within 90 days under N.J.S.A. 59:8-8. Insurance policies also have their own notice requirements, so report the crash right away.

It helps, but it does not decide it. The traffic ticket is a separate matter in municipal court; your injury claim is a civil case with its own proof. The police report, the driver's plea and the physical evidence all go into our file, and we track the court date so nothing is missed.

Your own policy's uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is built for exactly that, and hit-and-run crashes are usually handled under it. Report the crash to the police and your insurer immediately, because UM claims carry their own notice rules.