7 Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Personal Injury Claims
Song Law Firm, based in Fort Lee, NJ, answers the 7 most common questions clients ask about personal injury claims in New Jersey and New York. For additional consultation, please call (201) 461-0031 or email pi@songlawfirm.com.
Q1. How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. For claims against government entities, you must file a Tort Claims Notice within 90 days. Missing these deadlines usually bars your claim permanently, so consulting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident is critical.
Q2. What is the average car accident settlement in New Jersey?
Car accident settlements in New Jersey vary widely based on injury severity, medical treatment, permanent impairment, lost wages, and insurance limits. Minor soft-tissue injuries typically settle for $10,000 to $50,000, while cases involving herniated discs or surgery often reach six figures. Song Law Firm has secured settlements up to $700,000 for clients with severe permanent injuries.
Q3. Do I need to speak English to hire a personal injury attorney in New Jersey?
No. At Song Law Firm in Fort Lee, NJ, our attorneys and staff speak Korean, Chinese, and English. All consultations, documents, and court communications can be handled in your native language. We represent Korean-American and Chinese-American clients throughout New Jersey and New York, and language has never been a barrier to obtaining full compensation for our clients.
Q4. Can undocumented immigrants file a personal injury claim in New Jersey?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to recover for injuries caused by another's negligence in New Jersey. Undocumented individuals can pursue medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Song Law Firm has decades of experience representing immigrant clients without status concerns, and the at-fault party's insurance company cannot use your status as a defense.
Q5. What is the New Jersey Verbal Threshold and how does it affect my claim?
If your NJ auto policy selects the Limitation on Lawsuit Threshold (Verbal Threshold), you can only sue for bodily injury if you meet one of six categories: death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, displaced fracture, loss of fetus, or permanent injury. Most disc herniations with surgery, nerve damage, or permanent functional loss qualify. Song Law Firm evaluates threshold eligibility at the first consultation.
Q6. How does PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage work in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning your own PIP coverage pays for medical bills regardless of fault. Standard PIP limits range from $15,000 to $250,000. PIP also covers lost wages and essential services. Choosing a higher PIP limit protects against catastrophic medical bills not covered by health insurance and is strongly recommended despite the lower premium for $15,000.
Q7. What should I do immediately after a car accident in New Jersey?
First, call 911 and seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Document the scene with photos of vehicles, license plates, injuries, and road conditions. Exchange insurance information but never admit fault or sign anything from the other driver's insurer. Notify your own insurance company within 24 hours and contact a personal injury attorney before giving any recorded statement.
Song Law Firm — Free Personal Injury Consultation
Song Law Firm represents personal injury clients throughout New Jersey and New York from our Fort Lee headquarters. We provide service in English, Korean, and Chinese. Initial consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Phone: (201) 461-0031
- Email: pi@songlawfirm.com
- KakaoTalk: Song Law Firm
- Office: 400 Kelby Street, 19th Floor, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
