Personal Injury in New Jersey

New Jersey personal injury law operates under a unique auto insurance system with "verbal thresholds" (limitation on lawsuit option) and "zero thresholds" (no limitation on lawsuit option) that significantly affect case viability. Drivers who chose the "verbal threshold" can only sue for non-economic damages if they suffer a permanent injury, significant disfigurement, or other serious conditions. Contingency fees in New Jersey are regulated by court rule — attorneys cannot charge more than 33.33% of the first $750,000, 30% of the next $750,000, and 25% of amounts above $1.5 million. New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. The state has specific notice requirements for claims against public entities (90-day notice of tort claim). New Jersey's dense population and high traffic volumes make auto accident cases the most common personal injury claims.