Personal Injury Blog

Frequently Asked Questions About Accidents & Personal Injury Law in New Jersey

When you have suffered an accident – be it a slip and fall, car accident, or medical misdiagnoses– your head may be spinning with questions regarding what to do next, whether you have protection under the law, and other matters. The personal injury team at Leonard Legal Group understands how overwhelming this can be for accident victims. So we compiled the answers to the most frequently asked accident questions to assist you in this process.

What kind of accidents are covered under personal injury law?

Personal injury law is a broad area of law encompassing a wide range of accident types including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, biking accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, playground accidents, and more. Central to all personal injury claims is not the type of accident that occurred but rather the issue of negligence. The accident must have been caused by another person or entity’s negligent act.

What type of compensation can I receive for my accident?

If you have been injured in an accident that was due to someone else’s negligence, you may file a personal injury claim seeking compensatory damages. Compensation may include any of the following damages:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of income due to time away from work
  • Lost earned sick and/or vacation time
  • Loss of consortium or companionship

Can I receive compensation if I am partially at fault for the accident?

It depends. When more than one party shares fault in an accident, New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence rule.” In simple terms, the compensation you are entitled to receive will be reduced by an amount that reflects your percentage of responsibility for the accident. If, however, it is determined that you are more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you may not collect any compensation from the other at-fault parties.

How much time do I have to file a personal injury claim?

Every state has a statute of limitations – the legal time frame for filing a claim in the court system. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the time the accident occurred. Don’t miss this deadline. If you do, your claim may not be heard in court and you will have lost your opportunity to recover any compensation for your injuries. Some cases have a shorter time limit to file a lawsuit, so call us today to protect your legal rights.

Have more questions about your accident in NJ? Give us a call

Suffering injury in an accident raises numerous questions for the victims and their families. We are here to provide answers. The personal injury attorneys at the Leonard Legal Group are knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled at handling a wide range of personal injury claims. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and discuss your legal options. Contact a member of our team at 973-984-1414 or online to arrange for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.