At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we talk to people every day who are still shaken after a car accident. They’re hurt. Their vehicle is damaged. They’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, and calls from the insurance company. And one question keeps coming up: Is it worth getting an attorney after a car accident in New Jersey?
It’s a fair question—and an important one.
Many drivers think they can handle their accident claim on their own. Maybe the injuries don’t seem that bad. Maybe the other driver admitted fault. Maybe the insurance company sounds friendly. But here’s the truth: what you don’t know can hurt your case. You might leave money on the table. You might accept a settlement that barely covers your medical bills. And you may not realize how New Jersey’s laws limit what you can recover—unless you take the right steps from the start.
In this guide, we’ll explain why hiring a lawyer after a car accident can make all the difference. We’ll break down New Jersey’s car accident laws, show how the legal process works, and share what a skilled car accident attorney can do to protect your rights.
Let’s start with how New Jersey’s system works—and why it’s more complicated than you might think.
New Jersey Car Accident Law: What Makes It Unique
New Jersey uses a no-fault insurance system, which means your own car insurance typically pays for your medical treatment after a crash—regardless of who caused it. This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and it’s required on every standard auto policy in the state.
But here’s where things get tricky: PIP only covers medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages. It doesn’t pay for pain and suffering or property damage caused by the other driver. If your injuries are serious—or your medical bills exceed your PIP limits—you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. That’s where having a lawyer becomes critical.
New Jersey also follows a rule called modified comparative negligence under N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1. This means your compensation can be reduced if you were partly at fault for the crash. If you were more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything at all. Insurance companies use this rule all the time to push blame onto injured drivers—even when it’s not fair.
We’ve seen this firsthand. Clients come to us thinking they’ll be covered, only to learn that their legal rights depend on fault, insurance limits, and fine print they didn’t know existed.
A good car accident attorney can help you understand where you stand under the law—and how to move forward without risking your financial recovery.
Why Handling a Claim Without a Lawyer Can Backfire
After a crash, it might seem easier to deal with the insurance company on your own. You may think the process is simple—file a claim, get a check, move on. Unfortunately, it’s rarely that straightforward.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Their job is to settle your claim for as little as possible. They might sound friendly, but they are not on your side. We’ve seen injured drivers accept quick settlements, only to find out later that the money doesn’t come close to covering their medical bills, missed work, or ongoing treatment.
And if you try to negotiate alone, you’re at a disadvantage. You may not know the full value of your injury claim—especially when it comes to non-economic damages like pain, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life. Without the right documentation or legal experience, you could lose out on compensation you’re legally entitled to.
It’s also easy to make mistakes. One wrong statement to an insurance adjuster can be used against you. Missing a deadline for paperwork or failing to provide complete medical records can delay or damage your case. If disputed liability comes up—where the other driver says you were at fault—you’ll be forced to defend yourself without help.
A skilled personal injury attorney knows how to avoid these pitfalls. We handle the paperwork. We protect your rights during every conversation with the insurer. And we build a strong case using evidence like police reports, medical treatment records, and photos from the accident scene.
Without a lawyer, you’re expected to do all of this while healing from your injuries. That’s a burden no one should carry alone.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Protects Your Best Interests
When you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, your focus should be on healing—not fighting with insurance companies or figuring out the law. That’s where we come in.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we represent accident victims across New Jersey who are looking for answers, clarity, and results. Here’s what we do to protect your best interests from day one:
1. We guide you through the legal process.
New Jersey’s accident laws can be confusing. We explain what your car accident case involves, what steps to take, and what mistakes to avoid. You don’t need to worry about legal terms or court procedures—we’ll handle all of that.
2. We gather the evidence you need.
From the moment you hire us, we begin investigating your claim. We collect the police report, take photos of the accident scene, review your medical records, and speak to witnesses if needed. This documentation is critical for proving liability and the full extent of your injuries sustained.
3. We negotiate with the insurance company.
We deal directly with the insurance adjusters, pushing back when they make low offers or try to downplay your injuries. Our experience helps level the playing field—and we don’t settle for less than what your claim is worth.
4. We fight for maximum compensation.
A fair settlement includes more than just medical expenses. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, property damage, ongoing medical costs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. We also explore the possibility of punitive damages when appropriate.
5. We go to court if needed.
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Not all law firms are willing to go that far—but we are. With us, you’ll have experienced car accident lawyers who know how to present your case in court.
6. We give you peace of mind.
While we focus on protecting your legal rights, you can focus on your recovery. You don’t have to chase paperwork or second-guess every move. We’re here to handle the hard part.
From start to finish, our goal is simple: to get you the fair compensation you deserve—so you can move forward with your life.
When It’s Especially Important to Hire an Attorney
Not every accident requires legal help—but many do. If your injuries are more than just bumps and bruises, or if the insurance company is giving you the runaround, it’s time to talk to a lawyer.
Here are some situations where having an attorney isn’t just helpful—it’s essential:
You suffered serious or long-term injuries.
If you needed surgery, physical therapy, or expect a long recovery, you may have a personal injury claim that goes far beyond basic medical bills. We help make sure you’re compensated for both current and future medical treatment, as well as the pain you’re dealing with every day.
Your medical expenses are piling up.
Even with insurance, the cost of care adds up fast. We work to recover the full amount of your medical costs, from ER visits to follow-ups and beyond.
You missed work or can’t return to your job.
If your injuries caused you to miss paychecks—or forced you to take a lower-paying job—we can pursue lost wages and reduced earning capacity as part of your financial recovery.
Liability is disputed.
If the other driver or the insurance company says the crash was your fault, don’t go it alone. New Jersey’s comparative fault laws (N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1) can reduce or block your compensation. A lawyer can fight to prove the true facts and protect your share of the settlement.
Your claim was denied or delayed.
If the insurer refuses to pay or keeps dragging things out, that’s a red flag. We’ve seen this before—and we know how to push back.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer to understand your rights. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t reopen your case. A free consultation can help you make an informed decision.
How Car Accident Attorneys Are Paid (and Why It’s Low Risk)
One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to call a lawyer after an accident is fear of the cost. We hear it all the time—“I can’t afford a lawyer.” But here’s the good news: you don’t pay us unless we win.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we work on what’s called a contingency fee agreement. That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- You don’t owe us hourly fees or retainers
- We only get paid if we recover money for you
If we win your case—through a settlement or court verdict—our fee comes out as a percentage of the total recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
This approach allows you to pursue your case without worrying about the cost. It also means our interests are directly aligned with yours. We’re motivated to get you the maximum compensation possible—because when you win, we win.
And before anything starts, we offer a free consultation to review your case. There’s no obligation, and we’ll give you an honest opinion about your options. If we don’t think legal help will benefit your situation, we’ll tell you that too.
You’ve already been through enough. Legal fees shouldn’t be another source of stress. With us, they won’t be.
Common Misconceptions That Could Cost You
After a car accident, there’s a lot of bad information out there. Many people end up hurting their own case because they believe one of these common myths:
“I don’t need a lawyer for minor injuries.”
Some injuries—like whiplash or back pain—can seem small at first, but later turn out to be more serious. Once you settle with the insurance company, you can’t go back for more money. That’s why it’s smart to speak with a lawyer even if the accident seemed minor.
“The insurance company will treat me fairly.”
Insurance adjusters are trained to save money for their company, not to protect you. They might offer a quick payout that sounds good now—but won’t cover all your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, or future treatment needs. We’ve seen too many clients come to us after accepting a settlement that barely scratched the surface of what they actually needed.
“Lawyers are too expensive.”
As we explained earlier, we work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win. Plus, the value a lawyer brings often far outweighs the fee. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire attorneys often receive significantly more compensation than those who go it alone.
“It’s faster to just handle the claim myself.”
Trying to settle on your own may feel quicker at first, but if the insurer delays, denies, or underpays your claim, you could be left chasing them for months. Meanwhile, we move your case forward and make sure every deadline is met.
The bottom line: don’t let myths keep you from making an informed decision. A free consultation can clear up the confusion and help you understand your rights.
Final Takeaway: Making an Informed Decision
After a car accident, you have a lot to think about—your health, your bills, your family, and your future. Whether your injuries are moderate or severe, it’s important to know that the decisions you make early on can affect your ability to recover the fair compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we’ve helped countless New Jersey drivers stand up to insurance companies, navigate complex legal issues, and move forward after a crash. We understand the law. We know how to deal with adjusters. And we never forget that behind every case is a real person, facing real stress and pain.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Even if you’re not sure whether you need legal help, it costs you nothing to find out. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we’ll listen to your story, review your situation, and give you honest feedback—so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, call us at (908) 279-7979 to schedule your free consultation. Let an experienced car accident attorney protect your rights, fight for your recovery, and help you focus on what matters most—getting better.
