Car Accident Services

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 area. 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:

You may recover the medical costs you incur in treating your injuries. These may include bills incurred for treatment by hospitals, physicians, emergency rooms, ambulances, chiropractors, physical therapists and the cost of any needed medical accessories such as crutches. Since some injuries may not produce symptoms at first or may need additional medical care down the road, the cost of anticipated future medical costs may be recovered as well.

Pain and Suffering:

Pain and suffering is legally defined as mental or physical distress for which one may seek damages in a lawsuit. These damages are based on the type of injury, the seriousness of the pain suffered, and the prognosis for future pain associated with the injury. You may recover damages for physical pain, disability from engaging in work or other activities, disfigurement, any type of mental or emotional distress or trauma you suffer as a result of the accident, such as stress, fear, anxiety, grief, shock, PTSD, and embarrassment caused by your scars or other aspects of your injuries.

Loss of Earnings:

You can recover damages for the amount of money you would have earned because of the car accident due to time spent at the doctor, physical therapy sessions, problems of mobility, etc.

Loss of Consortium:

If you are married or in a domestic partnership and an injury deprives you and your spouse the ability to show affection, including sexual activity, you may recover for “loss of consortium.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most important steps to take after a car accident?

The moments following a crash are critical. First, ensure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the incident. If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, the license plates, and the surrounding road conditions. Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid discussing who was at fault. Most importantly, seek medical attention immediately—even for minor pain—as many injuries like whiplash or internal trauma don't appear for days. Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, it is highly recommended to consult with a car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

2. 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 to file a car accident lawsuit. However, some exceptions require much faster action. For example, 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. As of 2026, courts remain extremely strict about these deadlines; missing them typically means you lose the right to recover any compensation for your injuries.

3. What is "Personal Injury Protection" (PIP) and how does it work?

New Jersey is a "no-fault" state, meaning your own insurance company pays for your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. This is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). By default, most standard policies provide up to $250,000 in medical coverage. However, if you choose a lower limit to save on premiums, your bills may exceed your coverage quickly. A car crash lawyer can help you navigate the complex "coordination of benefits" between your auto insurance and health insurance to ensure your treatment continues uninterrupted.

4. 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.

5. What kinds of damages are available in a car accident lawsuit?

A successful car accident lawsuit can recover "compensatory damages" designed to make you whole again. These include:

• 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.

Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.

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.