South Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit in New Jersey, under N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2(a). If you wait too long, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case and you will lose the right to recover any compensation. Some exceptions exist, such as for minors or cases involving delayed discovery of an injury, but these are narrow. The safest move is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 to -5.8, allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault and your damages total $80,000, you would recover $60,000. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything. Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce what they owe, which is why having an attorney is so important.

You can recover economic damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving especially reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be available under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.10. Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of the evidence. An attorney can help you calculate the full value of your claim before you accept any settlement offer.

Yes, and here is why. Insurance companies are businesses. Their first offer is almost never their best offer, and it is rarely enough to cover all of your losses, especially future medical costs and long-term impacts on your ability to work. Before you sign anything or accept any payment, have an attorney review your case. Once you accept a settlement, you typically give up the right to seek more money later, even if your condition worsens. Petrillo & Goldberg Law offers free consultations, so there is no cost to getting a second opinion.

First, get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, do not show symptoms right away. Second, report the accident to the police and get a copy of the report. Third, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Fourth, collect contact information from witnesses. Fifth, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your words against you. Call Petrillo & Goldberg Law at 856.486.4343 as soon as possible so we can guide you through every step of the process.