Time moves quickly after a car accident. Medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and negotiations with insurance adjusters pile up fast. New Jersey law gives you strict deadlines to file car accident claims. If you miss these deadlines, you lose your right to compensation for your injuries and losses.
At Jae Lee Law, our accident attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience representing accident victims across New Jersey. Our personal injury attorneys are fluent in English, Korean, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian, allowing us to serve our diverse community effectively. We take a proactive approach to protecting your rights and have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout New Jersey.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in New Jersey?
New Jersey law provides a two-year statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. This deadline applies whether you suffered minor injuries or catastrophic harm.
Although two years may seem ample, it passes quickly. A strong case requires evidence gathering, expert consultations, and negotiations. Delaying weakens your claim and limits your preparation time.
Are There Different Deadlines for Property Damage Claims?
Property damage claims in New Jersey follow a separate timeline. You have six years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for vehicle damage and other property losses. While this extended deadline provides more flexibility, promptly addressing property damage claims ensures you don’t lose critical evidence.
When Does the Statute of Limitations Clock Start?
The statute of limitations typically begins on the accident date. However, certain circumstances can modify this starting point:
- Discovery Rule Exceptions: The clock may start when you discover an injury that wasn’t immediately apparent after the accident
- Minors: Children injured in car accidents generally have two years from their 18th birthday to file claims
- Government Entities: Claims against municipalities or state agencies require filing a notice of claim within 90 days
These exceptions require careful legal analysis. What seems like a straightforward deadline can become complex depending on your specific circumstances and the parties involved in your accident.
What Happens If I Miss the Filing Deadline?
Missing the statute of limitations typically results in your case being dismissed. Once the deadline passes, insurance companies and defendants know you have no legal recourse, eliminating any incentive to negotiate a fair settlement. The court will refuse to hear your case regardless of how serious your injuries are or how clear the other driver’s liability is.
Does Filing an Insurance Claim Extend the Statute of Limitations?
Filing a claim with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer does not stop or extend the statute of limitations clock. Insurance negotiations can take months or even years, but the legal deadline continues running. According to the New Jersey Courts website, understanding these timelines is essential for protecting your legal rights after any motor vehicle accident.
Why Should You Act Quickly After a Car Accident?
Beyond legal deadlines, early action strengthens your claim in several ways. Fresh evidence is more reliable, witnesses have clearer memories, and prompt medical treatment establishes a direct link between the accident and your injuries. Insurance companies also take claims more seriously when you demonstrate immediate attention to your case.
Starting the process early gives your attorney enough time to investigate the accident scene, review police reports, and build a compelling case for liability and damages. This preparation becomes increasingly difficult as months pass and evidence disappears or becomes unreliable.
Take Action Today to Protect Your Rights After a New Jersey Car Accident
Understanding New Jersey’s statute of limitations is crucial for protecting your right to compensation. Though two years may seem distant, building a strong case requires timely action. Delays shorten the time your attorney has to investigate and prepare.Jae Lee Law serves clients throughout New Jersey with the aggressive representation car accident victims need. As one of only 3% of New Jersey attorneys certified by the Supreme Court, attorney Jae Lee brings unmatched credentials and commitment to every case.Complete a contact form to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how our team can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.