Hurt in a Car Accident? Know Your Rights.
What to do after a crash, how insurance claims work, and the deadlines that matter, explained in plain English. When you're ready, you can talk it through with Sarofiem & Antoun Injury Attorneys for free.
- Direct access to your attorney, no call centers
- 25+ years of combined litigation experience
- Help in English, Spanish and Arabic
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General information about car accidents, not legal advice.
After a car accident
What to do first.
The first few days after a crash shape the whole insurance claim. These steps help protect your health and your options.
- Get safe and call 911Report injuries and ask for police to come to the scene.
- Get checked outSome injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, show up hours or days later.
- Take photosThe vehicles, the scene, road conditions and any visible injuries.
- Exchange informationNames, insurance, plates, and contact info for any witnesses.
- Tell your own insurerReport the crash promptly and stick to the facts.
- Be careful with the other insurerYou don't have to give the other driver's insurance a recorded statement right away.
- Keep every recordMedical bills, repair estimates, missed-work notes and every letter you receive.
- Watch the clockIn New Jersey, most car accident injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years of the crash.
Common situations
Car accident questions people ask us about.
Every crash is different. Whether it happened yesterday or months ago, a free case review can help you understand where you stand.
A recent crash
You were just in an accident and aren't sure who to call, what to say, or which insurance pays for what.
Rear-end and intersection crashes
Someone ran a light, turned in front of you, or hit you from behind. These are among the most common crashes on the road.
Truck or commercial vehicle crashes
A delivery van, work truck or tractor-trailer was involved. These claims can involve more than one insurance company.
Rideshare crashes
You were a passenger, a driver, or hit by an Uber or Lyft. Coverage can depend on whether the app was on.
Pedestrian and bicycle crashes
You were walking or riding when a driver hit you. Injuries in these crashes are often more serious.
Trouble with the insurance company
The claim is delayed, denied, or the offer doesn't seem to cover your bills. You may have more options than you think.
How car accident claims work
The basics, in plain English.
Who pays in New Jersey. New Jersey is a no-fault state. After a crash, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your own auto policy generally pays your medical bills first, no matter who caused it. Your right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering depends on the option on your policy: No Limitation lets you sue for any injury, while Limitation on Lawsuit allows it only for certain serious or permanent injuries.
How fault works. New Jersey uses modified comparative fault. If you were partly at fault, you can still recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies handle claims every day. Knowing the basic rules before you talk to them can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to undo.
Ask About Your SituationNew Jersey rules that can affect your claim
Sarofiem & Antoun Injury Attorneys can explain how these rules apply to your situation.
About the firm
Sarofiem & Antoun Injury Attorneys
Sarofiem & Antoun was founded by Mekhail Sarofiem and Kerollos Antoun with a simple mission: give accident victims the personal representation they deserve, without the call centers and without the runaround. When you work with the firm, you work directly with an experienced attorney from day one, someone who answers your calls and explains every step. With more than 25 years of combined litigation experience, the team serves clients across New Jersey in English, Spanish and Arabic.
What happens next
Three simple steps. No pressure.
A case review is a conversation, not a commitment.
Send a short form
It takes about a minute. Just tell us how to reach you and when the accident happened.
Talk with our team
Someone from Sarofiem & Antoun Injury Attorneys calls you back to hear what happened and answer your questions.
Know your options
You'll learn whether and how the firm can help. Then you decide what to do.
Sarofiem & Antoun works on a contingency fee. You pay nothing up front, and there is no attorney fee unless there is a recovery.
Common questions
Straight answers about car accidents.
Don't see your question? Ask it during your free case review, with no obligation.
Request a Free Case ReviewRight after the crash
Do I have to report the accident to the police?
Yes. If anyone is hurt or property damage is over $500, notify the police right away. If an officer doesn't make a report, New Jersey requires the driver to send a written crash report within 10 days.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
It's a good idea. Adrenaline can hide pain, and injuries like whiplash, back injuries and concussions often show up hours or days later. Getting checked soon also creates a record that links your injuries to the crash.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You can, but you don't have to give them a recorded statement right away. Their adjuster works for their company. It's reasonable to stick to basic facts and get your questions answered before you say more or sign anything.
Insurance and medical bills
Who pays my medical bills?
In New Jersey, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your own auto policy generally pays your medical bills first, regardless of who caused the crash. Standard policies include at least $15,000 in PIP, and many carry more. Let every provider know your treatment is from a car accident.
The insurance company made an offer. Should I take it?
Take your time. Accepting an offer usually means signing a release that ends the claim for good, even if you later need more treatment. It helps to know the full extent of your injuries and costs before you decide.
Fault and deadlines
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still have a claim. New Jersey uses modified comparative fault: if you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In New Jersey, most car accident injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years of the crash. Claims against a public entity, like a town or state agency, generally require a written notice within 90 days, so it's better not to wait.
Working with a lawyer
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Sarofiem & Antoun works on a contingency fee. You pay nothing up front, and there is no attorney fee unless there is a recovery.
What is my case worth?
Every case is different. It depends on your injuries, your treatment, lost income, the insurance involved and how the crash happened. A free case review is a way to find out what may apply to your situation.
I already have a lawyer. Can I still talk to you?
You're always free to get a second opinion. If you reach out, we'll listen and be straightforward about whether there's anything we can do.
Ready when you are
Have a question about your accident?
Tell us how to reach you. Someone from our team will call to hear what happened. It's free, private and there's no obligation.
- Free, confidential case review
- Plain-English answers
- Serving accident victims across New Jersey