Compare(0) firms picked
Guide · After a specific accident · New Jersey

What to do after a car accident in New Jersey

Updated By Spencer, editorEvery fact cites a source

In New Jersey, a driver in a crash that hurts someone must stop at the scene. Drivers must share their name, address, license and registration. Call the police if anyone is hurt or killed, or one person's property damage is over $500. Your own PIP then pays medical bills, whoever caused it. Checked October 9, 2026.

Sources: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(a), (c); N.J.S.A. 39:4-130; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

At the scene

  1. StopA driver knowingly involved in a crash that hurts or kills someone must stop at the scene, or as close to it as possible.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(a), (c); N.J.S.A. 39:4-130
  2. Share your detailsGive your name and address, and show your license and registration, to anyone hurt or whose car or property was damaged.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(a), (c); N.J.S.A. 39:4-130
  3. Call the policeIf anyone is hurt or killed, or one person's property damage is over $500, notify the police by the quickest means you can.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(a), (c); N.J.S.A. 39:4-130
Source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(a), (c); N.J.S.A. 39:4-130

Medical bills: your own PIP

Every standard New Jersey auto policy includes PIP, which pays medical bills without regard to fault, up to $250,000 per person per accident unless a lower amount was chosen in writing.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

When the insurers call

Insurers have deadlines too. Under state rules, an insurer must reply to your letters within 10 working days, and a PIP payment is overdue 60 days after written notice of the loss and its amount.

Source: N.J.A.C. 11:2-17.6(b), (e); N.J.A.C. 11:2-17.7(a), (b), (c)(2), (c)(3), (e), (f); N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

Deadlines that start now

  1. 2 years for most injury lawsuitsAn injury lawsuit generally must be filed within 2 years after the injury.Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)
  2. 90 days if a public entity is involvedA claim against a New Jersey public entity needs a written notice within 90 days.Source: N.J.S.A. 59:8-8; N.J.S.A. 59:8-9

Sources

General information, not legal advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.

Questions people ask

Do I have to call the police after a car accident in New Jersey?

Yes, if anyone is hurt or killed, or one person's property damage is over $500. Notify the police by the quickest means you can.

What information do I have to give after a crash in New Jersey?

Your name and address, plus your license and registration, to anyone hurt or whose car or property was damaged.

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in New Jersey?

Your own PIP coverage, without regard to who caused the crash, up to $250,000 per person per accident unless a lower amount was chosen in writing.

How long do I have to sue after a car accident in New Jersey?

Generally 2 years. If a public entity is involved, a written notice is due within 90 days.

More after a specific accident guides