{"id":374972,"date":"2016-11-15T17:23:44","date_gmt":"2016-11-15T22:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-06-24T12:46:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T17:46:39","slug":"new-jersey-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The process and timeline for car accident settlements in New Jersey depend on the severity of the personal injury, the extent of the property damage and whether a lawsuit is involved.<\/b><\/blockquote>\r\n

Most of us will be in a car accident at some point. While most car crashes are minor, there are thousands of car accidents in New Jersey alone every year. In 2024, there were more than 560 fatal auto accidents<\/a> in the Garden State.<\/p>\r\n

When a person is hurt in a motor vehicle accident, they may have a legal claim for damages. It doesn\u2019t matter who the at-fault driver<\/a> is. Even if you didn\u2019t cause the crash, you must file a claim with your insurance company first.<\/p>\r\n

If the insurance adjuster denies your claim or your policy doesn\u2019t cover your full expenses, you may have to file a car accident lawsuit<\/a> against the other driver. This article will explain how the car accident claims process works and discuss the settlement timeline for your New Jersey car accident.<\/p>\r\n

If you were recently involved in a collision and believe the other driver was at fault, contact a car accident attorney<\/a> as soon as possible. The links at the end of this article should also prove helpful.<\/p>\r\n

Whose Insurance Company Should You File Your Claim With?<\/h2>\r\n

In some states, accident victims file their claim with the at-fault party\u2019s insurance company. However, New Jersey is a no-fault state. This means that your auto insurance carrier will pay your claim regardless of who the at-fault driver is. There’s the possible problem of there being no guarantee your personal injury protection<\/a> (PIP) policy will cover your full damages.<\/p>\r\n

Your PIP coverage should pay for the following:<\/p>\r\n