New Jersey Car Accident Settlement and Verdict Amounts for 2024

According to the data we gathered, settlements and verdicts for car accident plaintiffs in New Jersey for 2024 ranged from $15,000 to $2.1 million. Considering the unique circumstances of each crash, these figures were based on various conditions, including:

• Degree of liability: Following the modified comparative negligence system, the state adjusts monetary compensation to reflect the plaintiff’s degree of fault in the crash. If the suing individual’s percentage of negligence was greater than that of the defendant, they would be ineligible to seek restitution.

• Types and severity of injuries: Accident victims suffering from traumatic brain injuries will likely receive higher compensation than those who sustained fractures and bruises.

• Length of treatment: Traumas requiring future medical treatment and rehabilitation yield higher compensation than injuries that get treated and heal in a short period of time.

• Intangible losses: Verdicts covering compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish tend to be greater than settlements for purely economic damages.

• Limitation on lawsuits: In New Jersey, people whose car insurance policies are under the “no limitation on lawsuit option” can sue the at-fault party for pain and suffering from any injury. On the other hand, those who choose the “limitation on lawsuit option” when they bought their car insurance can only seek compensation for pain and suffering provided that they sustained loss of a body part, significant disfigurement or scarring, a displaced fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent injury, or death. Note that these options do not impact one’s eligibility to sue for economic damages.

Below, we tabulated recent examples of settlement and verdict amounts and described the facts surrounding each case.

Examples of Settlement and Verdict Amounts for 2024 Car Accident Cases in New Jersey

• 2024: A family in Middlesex County received a $1.2 million settlement after a drunk driving accident claimed the life of their 17-year-old boy. The defendant was allegedly overserved by two establishments, despite obvious signs of intoxication. The blood alcohol concentration of the driver was 0.193, which led to the rear-end crash as he drove at 105 mph. The offender is currently serving a 17-year sentence for aggravated manslaughter and other charges.

• 2024: A Middlesex County jury awarded a $500,000 verdict for a man who suffered neck and back injuries as a result of a car crash. The injuries required extensive treatment, including a lumbar epidural, a cervical medial branch block, three total pain management visits, and six months of chiropractic care. The certified civil trial attorney who handled the case argued that the victim sustained lower back disc herniation, which the defendant contested.

• 2024: A woman sought help from a law firm office in Edison after being involved in a stop sign accident. She received a $245,000 settlement, which was more than 16 times the defendant’s initial offer of $15,000. The plaintiff suffered a wrist injury, necessitating arthroscopic surgery. Even after the procedure, she reported experiencing residual pain and difficulties from the injury.

• 2023: The case of Anjali Patel, a nursing student who was injured in a car crash in 2019, resulted in a $2.1 million verdict covering future wage loss, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Patel’s lawyer, Christopher P. Weidman, argued that the defendant, Patricia Pugliese, failed to yield, causing the crash. The plaintiff sustained neck, back, and right knee injuries, requiring her to undergo arthroscopic surgery, ongoing physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Due to the accident, Patel’s completion of studies had been delayed for a year. At present, she works in a neonatal intensive care unit, as her lifting ability is only limited to carrying infants.

• 2023: In Monmouth County, a 61-year-old woman collected $950,000 in settlement for the spinal cord injuries she sustained following a rear-end accident on Route 9. With minimal damage to her vehicle and no alarming signs of physical injuries, the claimant did not seek medical treatment immediately. However, she later endured cervical spine pain. After several consultations, it was discovered that she suffered severe spinal damage, requiring a three-level cervical fusion on the posterior and anterior sides.

• 2023: An eight-year-old boy was granted a $15,000 verdict in Atlantic County to compensate for a herniated disc due to a hit-and-run accident. In this case, the driver was not identified, and the uninsured motorist claim was filed against Allstate.

Recover the Compensation That You Deserve

Navigating the legal complexities, on top of trying to heal from injuries and dealing with financial losses, can be burdensome for car accident plaintiffs. Thus, choosing to hire an attorney to handle your claim is crucial, as it can make or break your case.

Get a competent and experienced lawyer by your side. They can investigate the facts of your case and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. In addition, these professionals have access to medical providers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts who can help you build a winning case.