Key Point:
• New Jersey is a no-fault state: your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays medical bills first, with a standard default of $250,000 in coverage.
• You generally have two years to file under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, but only 90 days if a government vehicle was involved.
• As of January 1, 2026, New Jersey's minimum bodily injury liability limits rose to $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident.
Americans are driving faster, farther, and more often than ever before. Driver distractions, driving under the influence, hazardous road conditions, unexpected weather issues, and poor vehicle maintenance can all play a role in a car accident. Unfortunately, as a result of these factors, there are more car accidents on New Jersey roads and highways than ever before.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 21,000 people are killed, and approximately 2 million people are injured, in the nearly 6.5 million automobile accidents that occur every year in the United States. Ten percent of car accident victims become disabled. Most of the time, these car accidents are caused by someone's negligence in running a red light or stop sign, failing to look in all directions before making a turn, making an illegal or unsafe lane change, speeding, using a cell phone or texting, driving fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to yield right of way, or otherwise acting carelessly.
Knowing these statistics, chances are it could happen to you or a loved one. If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident, you should discuss your case with an experienced NJ car accident attorney immediately. By talking with one of our New Jersey personal injury and car accident lawyers immediately, you can avoid mistakes that insurance companies often may use against your case.
We Understand
With over 100 years of combined experience, the qualified personal injury and car accident attorneys at Villani and DeLuca P.C. have helped many victims like you who have suffered serious injuries in automobile accidents in the Ocean County and Monmouth County, New Jersey, areas. The professionals at Villani and DeLuca P.C. understand what you're going through, and our priority is getting you results. A car accident lawyer from our firm will give you straight and simple answers and guide you through the process. Contact us at (732) 709-7757 to schedule your free initial consultation. The lawyers at Villani & DeLuca P.C. are proficient and experienced with a long track record of helping clients obtain the compensation and accountability they deserve.
Recovered Damages from a Car Accident Case
The New Jersey law allows victims to seek compensation from parties responsible for their injuries from car accidents such as rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, sideswipes, head-on collisions, accidents caused by drunk drivers, hit-and-run accidents, and more. An individual who negligently operates a motor vehicle in NJ may be liable for a wide variety of damages that an accident can cause, including the following:
Medical Expenses. The cost of treating your injuries, including hospitals, physicians, emergency care, ambulances, chiropractors, physical therapists, and medical accessories such as crutches. Because some injuries need care down the road, anticipated future medical costs may also be recovered.
Pain and Suffering. Mental or physical distress caused by the accident, based on the type of injury, the seriousness of the pain, and the prognosis. This can include disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress such as anxiety, grief, or PTSD.
Loss of Earnings. The income you lost because of the accident, including time spent at medical appointments and problems with mobility.
Loss of Consortium. If an injury deprives you and your spouse or domestic partner of companionship and affection, you may recover for loss of consortium.
How We Handle Your Car Accident Case
We coordinate your PIP and health coverage so your treatment is not interrupted, document your damages fully, identify every source of insurance (including underinsured motorist coverage), and handle the insurer so you are not pressured into a quick, low settlement.
Client Testimonial
"The office of Carmine Villiani from the front to Carmine was pleasant and professional.The outcome of my situation, better then I expected.Carmine was always available to speak with at anytime . I definitely would recommend this attorney to family or friends." – Grace Elia
"Mr. Villani really helped me out. He knew his stuff and was very confident about what he was doing. Great guy" – Erica Aborlleile
"The staff is great, professional, responsive and always super helpful. Mr. Carmine is great at his job. Even through a pandemic things were hassle free. He kept everything super simple and stress free. Even when I had questions and just emailed him and he literally responded back immediately. I would recommend to anyone that needs a lawyer. He is the BEST." – Jayson Le
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important steps to take after a car accident?
Ensure everyone is safe and call 911. If you are able, photograph the vehicles, license plates, and road conditions. Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid discussing who was at fault. Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor pain, because injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not appear for days. Before speaking with any insurance adjuster, consult a car accident lawyer to protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car crash?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2) generally gives you two years from the date of the accident. Some exceptions require faster action: if you were hit by a government vehicle (such as an NJ Transit bus or a police car), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Courts are strict about these deadlines, and missing them typically means losing the right to recover.
What is "Personal Injury Protection" (PIP) and how does it work?
New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurer pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. This is Personal Injury Protection (PIP). By default, most standard policies provide up to $250,000 in medical coverage. If you chose a lower limit to save on premiums, your bills may exceed your coverage quickly. A lawyer can help coordinate benefits between your auto and health insurance so your treatment continues.
What are the minimum insurance requirements for New Jersey drivers?
As of January 1, 2026, New Jersey has implemented higher mandatory minimum insurance limits to better protect accident victims. All standard policies must now carry at least $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident for bodily injury liability. While this increase helps, these limits can still be exhausted quickly by a single hospital stay. If the at-fault driver has these low limits, a car accident lawyer can help you file an Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claim against your own policy to cover the difference.
What kinds of damages are available in a car accident lawsuit?
A successful car accident lawsuit can recover compensatory damages: economic damages (hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life), and property damage (the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and damaged personal items).
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in NJ for Help Immediately
You may be entitled to some or all of these types of damages in a personal injury lawsuit if the car accident injuries have impacted your life or the lives of those you love. And you'll need a strong advocate and experienced NJ auto accident attorney working to obtain the compensation you need and deserve. Schedule your free consultation today; we can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (732) 709-7757. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Villani & DeLuca to make sure your rights are protected.
The Bottom Line
If a car accident has impacted your life or the lives of those you love, you may be entitled to compensation, and you will want a strong advocate working to obtain it. Schedule your free consultation today; we can be reached 24/7 at (732) 709-7757. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Villani & DeLuca to make sure your rights are protected.
About the Firm: Villani & DeLuca, P.C. represents car accident and personal injury victims throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey.
Related Articles
- Personal Injury Lawyer in NJ (overview)
- Truck Accidents in NJ
- Rideshare Accident Lawyer in NJ
- Bicycle Accident Lawyer in NJ
Trusted Resources
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/
- New Jersey Courts, Self-Help (Civil): https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/civil
- New Jersey Legislature, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 (Personal Injury Statute of Limitations): https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/laws/2a/2a-14-2
- Villani & DeLuca, P.C., Legal Glossary: https://www.villanideluca.com/resources/legal-glossary