Uninsured Motorists in New Jersey
Liability insurance is a requirement on all registered vehicles in the state of New Jersey. However, many drivers either ignore this requirement and drive illegally without insurance, or they purchase the bare minimum required by state law. This can be frustrating for someone who is injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
When your life has been shaken by a motor vehicle accident, you don’t need the added stress of attempting to obtain compensation for damages from an uninsured driver. The experienced attorneys at The Reinartz Law Firm can help you navigate the steps of recovering after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Insurance Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey requires liability insurance on every vehicle registered in the state, and also requires that every insured driver has uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This means that your own auto insurance company is potentially required to pay you compensation if you suffer damage or injury from an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Uninsured Vs. Underinsured
An uninsured driver is someone who has no liability insurance on their vehicle. This is not only illegal, but if discovered through an accident or otherwise, they may be subject to hefty penalties and fines, including license suspension and jail, depending on the case. In addition, if an uninsured driver is injured in an accident, they may be precluded from recovering compensation for damages.
An underinsured driver, on the other hand, is someone whose insurance provides less in liability coverage than is necessary to adequately compensate another injured motorist. The legal minimum amount of liability insurance required by law in NJ is quite low, at $15,000 per person and $30,000 in the aggregate per accident. If a negligent driver only has the statutory minimum coverage, but your damages and injuries exceed their coverage limits, you may be entitled to additional compensation from your own insurance company if you have sufficient underinsured coverage.
Insurance Companies Respond Best to Lawyers
At the Reinartz Law Firm, we frequently deal with insurance companies on uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. These cases are complex, typically involving review of multiple insurance policies, disputes on issues of liability and damages, expert witnesses and voluminous medical records. Don't spend another minute dealing with the aftermath of your accident because a negligent driver was uninsured or underinsured. Put us to work for you.
Contact the Reinartz Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation, and begin the recovery process.
