Many states have at-fault auto insurance policy systems in place, meaning when a car accident occurs in one of these states, the party responsible for causing the accident may be held responsible for the injuries and damages caused. The damages available after an auto accident may consist of medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, and more. When a victim seeks compensation in these cases, he or she may need to wait to receive monetary damages as the case can take some time to pursue. Additionally, the victim may not be able to recover compensation at all if he or she is found guilty of having caused the accident.
The State of New Jersey is considered a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that when a person suffers injuries caused by another driver, the victim will not have to bear the responsibility of proving the other driver’s negligence in order to obtain monetary compensation. Instead, the injured person will be able to file a claim against his or her own insurance company to obtain the compensation he or she may need to cover certain expenses caused by the accident. In many ways, New Jersey’s Personal Injury Protection coverage is faster and easier for victims as opposed to an at-fault system. Unfortunately, the no-fault system limits a person’s ability to recover from certain damages, such as pain and suffering and non-economic damages.
If you or someone you love was recently injured in an auto accident in New Jersey, you are encouraged to seek the legal advice and support of an established personal injury attorney who can help you maximize the amount of damages you receive. The auto accident litigators at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC can help protect your rights and interests as you recover from the accident. As a victim of a car accident, it is very important that you obtain the support of an attorney who can assess the specifics of your individual case and help you determine the best course of legal action. The attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC can provide the legal support you need. Consider contacting the law firm to schedule your complimentary case evaluation today.
The Benefits of s No-Fault Insurance System
The State of New Jersey requires that all drivers carry auto insurance coverage. A person’s coverage is split into different categories, depending on how the claim will be paid out. One of the coverages provided by a policy is commonly referred to as PIP or the Personal Injury Protection Plan. This plan allows the insured along with others covered the opportunity to obtain monetary compensation under the policy in the event of an injury caused by a car accident. The no-fault insurance coverage system will pay out compensation benefits despite who caused the motor vehicle accident.
Personal Injury Protection will provide monetary compensation in two forms:
- Coverage for medical expenses required to treat the injuries, and
- Reimbursement for other costs, such as the loss of income or the need for at-home medical assistance.
With the no-fault insurance policy system, victims can obtain compensation quickly after the accident occurred. On the contrary, a victim who needs to prove fault in a claim may need to wait many months before receiving any form of monetary relief, if any.
The Disadvantages of a No-Fault Insurance System
Regrettably, there are shortcomings and other disadvantages to New Jersey’s no-fault system. For instance, when a person is injured in a car accident caused by another party, the victim can only recover a limited amount of compensation when filing a claim against his or her own insurance coverage. Consequently, injured victims will often receive an insufficient amount of compensation needed to cover the full extent of their injuries and damages they sustained in the accident. When an injured person files an auto accident claim against his or her own insurance under the rules of the Personal Injury Protection Program, the injured person may be eligible to recover compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering may include damages such as the following:
Physical Pain – Neck pain, Paralysis, and Back pain.
Physical pain can also include other medical conditions that could become permanent, thus leaving the accident victim with continuous physical pain.
Emotional Suffering – PTSD, Frustration, Grief, Anger, Insomnia, Psychological trauma, Cognitive challenges, Fear, and Loss of quality of life.
Emotional suffering following an auto accident could result in serious psychological distress, which often lasts for days or even years. The chronic anguish that follows an accident may have debilitating consequences. Sadly, emotional pain can oftentimes cause a lifetime of trauma and a loss of enjoyment of life.
Secure the Compensation You Need With the Right Legal Support
The State of New Jersey follows the no-fault insurance system, which means victims can recover monetary relief quickly after an accident. Through the Personal Injury Protection coverage, an injured person can swiftly obtain compensation to pay for hospital bills, loss of income, and more. Unfortunately, the PIP program can only cover certain monetary losses, often leaving victims struggling after an auto accident. For this reason, it is important to obtain the qualified support of a personal injury attorney who can help advocate for the highest amount of compensation available. With the right legal support, filing a claim against the party who caused the accident may be possible. Although this option is not always available, a skilled litigator will help prove a victim’s eligibility.
After you or someone you love was seriously injured in a car accident, obtaining the support of a proficient New Jersey auto accident attorney can be beneficial. The personal injury attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC can provide you with the professional assistance you need to obtain the full monetary compensation available to you. Consider contacting the skilled auto accident attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC to learn more about how you can receive maximum compensation. You can schedule a complimentary case evaluation by completing the online contact form here.
