A car accident can derail your life in seconds. From mounting medical bills and missed work to pain, emotional distress, and vehicle damage, the financial and personal toll can be enormous. If you’re wondering what compensation you may be entitled to after a crash, you’re not alone. Many New Jersey crash victims search for information about recovery from car accidents.
At Petro Cohen, P.C., we help injury victims throughout New Jersey pursue the full range of compensation available under the law. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys know how to evaluate your case, build a strong claim, and maximize your recovery.
Read on to learn about the types of compensation available after a crash and how to maximize your car accident payout.
Understanding PIP Coverage vs. Filing a Lawsuit
New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning your own auto insurance company pays for your initial medical treatment after most car accidents, regardless of who caused the crash. This payment is done through personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
What Does PIP Cover?
PIP is a required part of your New Jersey auto insurance policy. It typically covers:
- Medical expenses related to the accident;
- Rehabilitation costs and therapy;
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries;
- Essential services, such as household help if you’re disabled; and
- Death benefits and funeral costs in fatal accidents.
One of the key benefits of PIP is speed. Your medical bills are paid quickly without waiting for a liability decision.
Can You Still File a Lawsuit for Pain and Suffering Damages?
Yes, but there are restrictions on recovery for pain and suffering. New Jersey’s no-fault system limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet the “verbal threshold” (also called the limitation on lawsuit option). You can recover from pain and suffering damage if your injury involves:
- Dismemberment,
- Significant disfigurement or scarring,
- Displaced fractures,
- Loss of a fetus,
- Permanent injury to a body part, or
- Death.
If you choose the zero-threshold option when purchasing your insurance, you may be able to sue for pain and suffering damage that do not meet these categories.
Why the Difference Matters
PIP handles immediate out-of-pocket losses, like emergency room visits or missed work. But PIP does not compensate you for other damages, such as pain and suffering or property damage. That’s where a personal injury lawsuit may come in.
By filing a lawsuit, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver or other liable parties.
Understanding this distinction is key to making informed decisions after a crash. At Petro Cohen, P.C., we will help you navigate your PIP benefits while evaluating whether a lawsuit is in your best interest.
How to Maximize Your Car Accident Payout
Crash victims in New Jersey often underestimate how strategic action can significantly improve their financial recovery for car accidents. Here are some key ways to strengthen your claim:
- Report the accident immediately. Notifying the police and your insurance company right away helps create an official record of the crash. Delayed reporting can raise red flags and make insurers more likely to challenge your claim.
- Seek prompt medical treatment. Getting evaluated by a doctor right after the accident protects your health and documents your injuries.
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of medical bills, repair estimates, missed workdays, and daily pain levels. The more evidence you have, the easier it is to show the full impact of the crash on your life.
- Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone. Insurance companies train adjusters to minimize payouts. Speaking to them without a lawyer can lead to unintentional mistakes or acceptance of lowball settlements that don’t reflect the actual value of your case.
- Don’t post on social media. Photos, comments, or check-ins can be used to discredit your claim. Even innocent updates can be taken out of context and used to suggest that you’re not as injured as you say you are.
- Work with an experienced car accident attorney. A qualified attorney knows how to evaluate damages, identify sources of compensation, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers.
With trusted legal guidance from Petro Cohen, P.C., you can feel confident that your rights are protected and your claim is positioned for success.
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