A serious car accident can affect every part of your life—physically, financially, and emotionally. While no amount of money can undo what happened, you may be entitled to damages for medical treatment, lost income, and other losses. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, turn to Nagel Rice LLP. Our team can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.
Economic Damages: Medical Bills and Financial Losses
Economic damages—also known as “special damages”—cover the actual financial losses you’ve experienced as a result of the crash. Receipts, invoices, pay stubs, or other relevant documentation typically support these claims.
They may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Ongoing care or future medical expenses
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Loss of future earning capacity
For victims who suffered long-term or permanent injuries, future expenses are especially important. We collaborate with economists, medical professionals, and vocational experts to ensure that these projected losses are accurately calculated and supported.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain, Suffering, and Life Impact
Not every loss shows up on a bill. Non-economic damages reflect how the accident has affected your quality of life.
These may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or support (in cases involving wrongful death)
New Jersey law allows victims to recover for these intangible losses, but insurers often undervalue or deny them. We help ensure that the emotional and psychological impact of your injury is taken seriously.
Punitive Damages in Rare Cases
In most car accident cases, compensation is designed to make the injured person whole—not to punish the at-fault driver. However, New Jersey does allow punitive damages in situations where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, intentional, or malicious.
For example, if the crash was caused by a drunk driver or someone fleeing from police, punitive damages may be available to deter similar behavior in the future. These awards are rare and require a high burden of proof; however, our attorneys will investigate whether your case meets the necessary criteria.
What About No-Fault Insurance?
New Jersey is a choice no-fault state, meaning drivers select between limited and unlimited rights to sue when purchasing auto insurance. Most drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical expenses and some lost wages—regardless of who is at fault for the crash.
However, if your injuries meet the legal threshold under state law—or if you selected the unlimited right to sue—you may still file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to seek compensation beyond what PIP provides. This includes non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which PIP does not cover.
Our team can help you determine whether you qualify to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim for broader damages.
How Nagel Rice LLP Can Maximize Your Compensation
Insurance companies don’t make it easy to get the full value of your claim. They may try to minimize your injuries, blame you for the crash, or pressure you to settle quickly for less than you deserve. That’s where we come in.
At Nagel Rice, we know what your case is worth—and we fight to recover every dollar. Our attorneys handle communication with insurers, gather expert reports, calculate damages, and prepare for trial if necessary. Whether your case settles or goes to court, we’re here to protect your rights at every stage.
New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a New Jersey car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for much more than just your medical bills. Let us help you understand your options and take action before time runs out. Contact Nagel Rice today to schedule a free consultation.