After a car accident in New Jersey, you may feel shaken, unsure what comes next, and overwhelmed by medical bills. Under New Jersey’s no-fault system, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your medical bills first, up to your policy limits and after any deductible. If your injuries are serious or your losses exceed what your PIP covers, insurance companies often shift focus to reducing what they must pay. Talking with an adjuster too early could risk limiting your options for recovery.
Understanding PIP in New Jersey
New Jersey law requires every standard automobile liability insurance policy to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3(e), insurers must offer medical expense benefit options of $15,000; $50,000; $75,000; $150,000; or $250,000 per person, per accident. If you do not elect in writing one of the lower limits when renewing your policy or at any other time your policy allows for such an election, the $250,000 level applies by default.
Even if you select a lower limit, state law still mandates up to $250,000 in PIP medical expense benefits for reasonable, necessary, and appropriate treatment of certain serious or permanent injuries. These include permanent or significant brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe disfigurement, or other permanent or significant injuries. To qualify for that higher level, treatment must begin immediately at a trauma center or acute care hospital and continue until the patient is stable, no longer needs critical care, and can be safely discharged or transferred.
Before talking with an insurance adjuster, check your policy’s declarations page so you know exactly which PIP limit you elected (or whether the default $250,000 applies), whether there is a deductible or copayment, how PIP works with any health insurance you have, and which medical and wage-loss expenses the policy covers.
Why the Insurance Adjuster Calls So Quickly
Insurance adjusters are trained to act fast. They know you may be in pain, overwhelmed, or unsure of your rights. By contacting you early, they often aim to:
- Obtain a recorded statement that can be used to question your injuries or shift fault.
- Push a quick settlement before you know the full scope of your medical needs.
- Minimize payout by downplaying treatment or disputing liability.
Even a casual comment like “I’m feeling better” can be taken out of context and used to minimize your claim.
Recorded statements: You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company; consult counsel first. Your own policy may require reasonable cooperation with your insurer, which can include providing information under specific conditions.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in NJ
- Get medical care right away. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage, may take days to emerge. Prompt care also builds the medical record that supports your claim.
- Report the accident. New Jersey law requires that if someone is injured, someone dies, or property damage to any one person exceeds $500, you must notify law enforcement by the quickest means of communication. If no officer files a report, you have to forward a written report within 10 days using the state-provided form. The report should include details about what happened, who was involved, vehicles, conditions, and other pertinent facts.
- Collect and save evidence. If it is safe to do so, take photos, gather witness information, keep medical records, and save all insurance correspondence and repair estimates.
- Contact a lawyer early. A New Jersey car accident attorney can speak to adjusters on your behalf, preserve critical evidence, and protect your rights from the start.
Know the Deadline
For most New Jersey personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, subject to limited exceptions under the discovery rule. If a public vehicle or government agency is involved, you generally must serve a Tort Claims Act notice within 90 days to preserve your claim. Acting early helps secure time-sensitive evidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
- Posting about the accident on social media: Insurers may use photos or comments to cast doubt on your injuries or shift blame.
- Delaying medical treatment or missing follow-ups: Gaps in care let insurers question the severity and cause of your injuries.
- Signing insurer paperwork without legal advice: These forms are written to protect the insurer, and once signed, you may give up important rights to compensation.
Avoiding these mistakes from the start can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
How a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Protects You
At The Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran, we know how overwhelming it can be to face insurance companies after a serious crash. Our attorneys step in immediately to:
- Handle all communications with the insurance company so you are not pressured.
- Investigate the crash, secure evidence, and consult the right experts.
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including ongoing medical needs and the long-term effect on your daily life.
- Prepare every case as if it may go before a jury.
Why Choose Andres, Berger & Tran
Attorney Michael Berger is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer in New Jersey, a distinction earned by fewer than two percent of attorneys statewide. That certification reflects the preparation and trial experience our team brings to every case. From our office in Haddonfield, we represent car accident victims throughout New Jersey, including communities across Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties and the greater South Jersey and Philadelphia areas.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, speak with a New Jersey car accident lawyer before you talk to the insurance adjuster. Call The Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to listen, explain your options, and stand up to the insurance companies on your behalf.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.