If you are injured in an auto accident in the state of New Jersey, our auto accident attorneys are here to navigate the murky legal waters of personal injury law on your behalf. We provide no-cost, no-obligation initial consultations to help prospective clients learn about their legal rights. Our team is here to guide you through the nuances of the insurance claims process, understand the details of your insurance policy and calculate the aggregate value of the harm/damage resulting from this unfortunate event. Our personal injury attorneys’ overarching goal is to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve to be made whole again. Below, we take a look at no-fault auto insurance in the state of New Jersey.
Why No-fault Auto Insurance is so Important
No-fault auto insurance, also referred to as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, provides essential coverage to drivers as well as passengers who get into an auto accident. This coverage is available regardless of who is determined to be at fault for the collision. Only 17 other states mandate PIP insurance aside from New Jersey. This form of auto insurance is required by law for every single New Jersey driver.
No-fault auto insurance is different from policies that are comprehensive, liability or collision. Such policies merely pay according to damages based on the individual determined to be responsible for the collision. PIP policies pay damages as long as the collision is covered under the terms of the insurance policy. According to the nuances of the state’s no-fault insurance system, accident claims are made through the driver’s insurance provider. Your insurance company pays for the damages tied to the accident instead of the other driver’s insurance provider in the event someone aside from you caused the accident.
A reduction in costs is a key benefit of no-fault insurance. One of the goals of the process is to cap litigation and insurance claim costs so they do not spiral out of control. Since the coverage is no-fault, it is possible to process claims in an expeditious manner, especially when compared to those processed in states where insurers in opposition conduct investigations.
Coverage Through No-fault Insurance Policies
No-fault insurance can pertain to myriad expenses resulting from a car crash, regardless of whether you are at fault or if the collision is the fault of another driver. Expenses that can be covered include the following:
- Lost wages
- Health insurance deductibles
- Payment for necessary services rendered due to the victim’s inability to provide them as a result of the injury
- Extra medical costs that extend beyond the health insurance policy limits
Under a no-fault insurance system, you might not be able to file a claim against the driver at-fault for the damages beyond what the insurance provider is willing to pay. However, certain circumstances permit a lawsuit that usually involves considerable medical bills or injuries beyond a certain amount. No-fault PIP insurance is not applicable to certain types of damage that other policies would cover. As an example, no-fault PIP insurance does not provide coverage for the following:
- Medical expenses in excess of the limits of the no-fault insurance policy.
- Damage to the vehicle caused by the crash. It is necessary to add collision coverage to the policy so compensation for automobile repairs/replacement is available.
- Damage caused to the property of others stemming from the collision. Property damage liability coverage is necessary in order to compensate others for damage inflicted on their property in a crash you are involved in.
- Automobile theft. Comprehensive coverage is necessary to replace an automobile that is stolen.
- Since no-fault insurance is not applicable to the above-referenced expenses related to the accident, it is imperative to ensure insurance coverage is sufficient and includes the proper coverage type.
There is a Difference Between Medical Payments Coverage and PIP
A separate type of coverage known as medical payments coverage is distinct from PIP. This coverage is optional. Similar to no-fault insurance, medical payments coverage is unnecessary in New Jersey. If you have medical payments coverage, it can be applied for the reimbursement of medical costs tied to the collision up to but not in excess of the chosen limits. Though state minimum coverages exist, motorists are required to select higher limits for extended protection if an accident were to occur.
Reach out to Our Experienced Attorneys for Assistance With Your Case
If you are injured in an auto accident attributable to another individual’s carelessness, you might be entitled to financial payment to cover expenses ranging from lost wages to medical bills, pain, suffering, etc. Let our New Jersey auto accident attorneys led by Richard Schibell fiercely advocate on your behalf. We will hold the negligent party responsible for his or her carelessness and strive to recover as much financial compensation as possible.
Reach out to us today at 732-774-1000 for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment. We will review the facts of your case and explain the legal options that will help you bounce back from this unfortunate event. Our law firm does not charge upfront fees. You will not have to pay a single penny unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
