How Long After an Accident Can You Sue For Your Injuries?

Jeff Varcadipane

March 25, 2024

Many victims of New Jersey car accidents obtain compensation after an insurance claim. However, some insurers deny insurance claims or make lowball offers, forcing the victim to file a lawsuit to pursue a fair settlement offer.

However, you must adhere to the New Jersey statute of limitations, which requires injured car accident victims to file a lawsuit within two years of the injury. If you fail to file the claim within two years, you may lose your right to obtain compensation.

The clock starts ticking from the date the car accident incident took place.

Consider speaking to a trusted NJ car accident attorney about the following steps if you’ve sustained an injury in a vehicle crash that’s not your fault.

Exceptions to the New Jersey Car Accident Statute of Limitations

There are several exceptions to New Jersey’s statute of limitations, which can give you more time to file a lawsuit. Some examples are:

Injured Minor: New Jersey has a special rule for minors who sustain injuries in car accidents. If the injured victim was below 18 years old at the time of the accident, they have an additional two years after their 18th birthday. The exception allows injured minors to file a car accident lawsuit until age 20.
Discovery rule: Some injuries take several months to discover from the incident date. The discovery rule allows the injured victim to file a personal injury lawsuit two years after knowing about the injury. However, the victim must bring a lawsuit within four years from the day of the accident.
Mentally Disabled: Mentally disabled people might not understand their situation or their right to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations only applies once their health improves, allowing them to file a claim.

What to Do If You Are in a Car Accident

It may be challenging to think clearly after being involved in a car accident. While you may be overwhelmed by the physical pain and distress, taking proper steps after a car accident can protect your legal right to compensation.

Here are some key steps to protect your rights as an injured victim:

Contact 911 if anyone has sustained an injury
Notify the police about the incident
Get medical attention
Gather as much information as possible
Contact a car accident attorney
Notify your insurance company about the accident
Consider suing the at-fault driver insurance provider

While many people obtain compensation through an insurance claim, working with an attorney enhances the chances of a better outcome. Beyond answering questions about your car accident, a car accident attorney has the skills to build a strong case against the at-fault party.

They can also litigate your matter in court if an insurer refuses to settle or offer a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses.

Types of Damages You Can Claim

Victims of car accidents who sustain injuries are entitled to damages to facilitate their recovery from the incident. The value of the damages depends on various factors and circumstances in each case.

A personal injury award may include two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages aim to compensate the victim for the financial losses they have suffered or anticipate suffering from the car accident.

Examples of economic damages include:

Medical bills
Lost income
Loss of earning capacity
Funeral expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages aim to compensate injured victims for the intangible losses they sustain due to a car accident. You can claim various non-economic losses depending on your circumstances, including:

Emotional anguish
Pain and suffering
Loss of companionship
Permanent disability
Reduced quality of life

It is often difficult to put a dollar value on non-economic damages. Even so, a car accident attorney must estimate your losses’ value to obtain a fair settlement value from the at-fault party’s insurer.

For instance, the multiplier method which involves multiplying the economic losses by a set number that can vary from 1.5 to 5 based on the severity or permanence of your injury; those who sustained life-long injuries qualify for a higher multiplier.

Get Legal Advice from an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you sustained an injury in a car accident, you’ll endure hefty medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. You, therefore, deserve representation from an experienced attorney who’ll take the proper steps to protect your right to compensation.

At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC, we’ve highly qualified attorneys with decades of combined litigation experience, which gives us an edge to represent you.

Jeffrey W. Varcadipane

Jeffrey W. Varcadipane is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey and a Founding Partner of the Firm. He handles a variety of matters including civil and commercial litigation, appellate practice, real estate, and business law.

University: J.D. Fordham Law School

Bar Number: 29472005

Locations: New Jersey, New York, and Florida.

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"A terrific firm that helped my family to successfully litigate a complex real estate fraud case. Great communication from the team throughout the entire process. Everyone involved was highly skilled, explained things clearly and appe..."

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"Varcadipane & Pinnisi were incredible to work with. Their attention to detail, knowledge, and responsiveness go unmatched. I highly recommend!!! "

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"My nearly 8 year long relationship with Varcadipane & Pinnisi as my legal counsel was nothing short of outstanding. Their dedication and hard work shone through every step of the way. Simply put, I was represented by my legal dre..."

Daniel S. Client
"Jeff Varcadipane did an excellent job winning my case, despite the constant hurdles and excess motions of the defense. His knowledge of every part of the law was very impressive. He and Dawn really cared about my case and constantly ..."

Scott H.
"I had a great experience with Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC law firm and would like to express my gratitude specifically to Ms. Sophia Soraya for her excellent legal assistance. I appreciate their professionalism and highly recommend..."

Shirin G. Client
"Attorney Sophia Soraya and her firm were incredible. We couldn’t have been more impressed with their knowledge, care and attention to detail. Your legal needs are in great hands with Varcadipane & Pinnisi. "

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"Varcadipane & Pinnisi PC has been an incredible partner in navigating risk and advising on the commercial structure of multiple businesses, while providing personal counsel for the last 15 years. "

Mike C. Client
"The entire team at VARCADIPANE & PINNISI were fantastic to work with and achieved way more than expected. I had such a hard time finding and trusting a firm to work with based on the complexity of my case. The team at VARCADIPANE..."

Thomas W. Client
"We are extremely pleased with the exceptional legal services provided by Varcdipane & Pinnisi. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication were evident throughout the entire process. I highly recommend their services to anyo..."

Amah H. Client
"Choosing this firm to represent my family and I was the best decision I could have made! They walked us through the process and were very professional, accessible and always explained everything in detail. Dawn and her team listened,..."

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"I cannot praise Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC enough for their exceptional legal support, especially Mr. Varcadipane’s instrumental role in safeguarding my business. Before engaging their services, my business was operating wit..."

Michael G. Client
"Thank you to Dawn who work tirelessly throughout the time that we have the case open. She even helped to find ways to reduce the cost. She is very knowledgeable and easy to reach out to. Very fair and logical by providing whats best ..."

Candra M. Client
"My name is John and my experience with Varcadipane & Pinnisi was amazing from day one. The firm is very professional and very informative. Not all law firms are honest or easy to work with. With that said , once become a client you..."

Koby Y. Client
"They say the reward is exponentially greater if you receive it when you least expect it. It sounds like a fairy tale happy ending, but it was made possible for my wife and me by the team at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC. What started..."

Danny Y. Client
"I would highly recommend Varcadipane & Pinnisi for the dedication to your individual case and your needs. They’re timely in response to your questions, they get you the answers you need, they are honest and reliable. We all n..."

Korean M. Client
"They are very good lawyers and they are very kind thanks for everything 😊😊 "

Gustavo R. Client
"It has truly been an incredible experience working with Ms. Sophia Soraya and the Varcadipane & Pinnisi Law Firm. They have been extremely professional, diligent, and committed. Despite any challenges that appeared along the road..."

Anthony G. Client
"We Hired Varcadipane & Pinnisi for a situation we had back In NJ last year with a moving company that did not do right by us, they were supposed to deliver our household goods from NJ to our new home in FL and instead took all of..."

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"Sophia was amazing, as was her team. She was there for me through everything; super supportive and ensured I felt comfortable with every decision made. She never gave up and ultimately made a very challenging life event much easier t..."

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"Jeff and his team were so helpful in solving our legal issue. Everyone was thorough and communicated every step of the process to us. We really appreciate everything they did and would highly recommend!! "

Justin L. Client
"I was very satisfied with Varcadipane & Pinnisi. They were professional and courteous in handling my case., which they handled with speed and brought a very favorable outcome to my case. I would Whole heartily recommend to anyone..."

Vincent H. Client
"Everyone at this law office is very courteous and professional. I was being kept in the loop at every step in the process, and we reached a satisfactory outcome. "

Boris S. Client
"The law firm lead by Mr. Varcadipane provided service that was first rate. From our first conversation, till the final settlement, this firm provided me a level of comfort and expertise which was second to none. I would surely recomm..."

Bruce H. Client
"Dawn Pinnisi is a caring and responsible attorney who worked assiduously on my behalf. Highly recommend. "

Michele A. Client
"To be successful in a matter involving a business dispute requires an attorney who not only knows the law but who has spent significant time in the courtroom dealing with complex business litigation. Varcadipane & Pinnisi is that..."

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"Varcadipane & Pinnisi were successful in negotiating our claim. Professional and knowledgeable "

E.C.M. Business Client
"They were outstanding in every way and I couldn’t be more pleased! "

Ana R. Client
"I would like to start off by telling everyone at the firm how thankful I am for all who were involved in my case. I was always treated professionally, like family, kind, and considerate and with a friendly smile. Moreover, my experie..."

Cheri C. Client
"Words can’t adequately express my gratitude to Dawn for taking on my medical malpractice case. At our first meeting Dawn had compassion for I went through and took the time to listen to everything I had to say. Throughout the e..."

Rick P. Client
"Dawn Pinnisi was recommended to me from another lawyer. From the moment I spoke with her, I left it all in her hands. I live 2 hours away and I never had to go to her office! She settled my lawsuit so fast and for more that I ever ex..."

Jennifer S. Client
"I would like to start off by telling everyone at the firm how thankful I am for all of you who were involved in my case. I was always treated professionally, with a friendly smile and greeting anytime I was at the office. Moreover, m..."

Kenneth K. Client
"I have known Jeff Varcadipane for over 7 years, during which time he has advised me on several real estate and civil claims issues. Most recently, he assisted with my complicated real estate transaction in NYC. He was very responsive..."

Andrew L. Client
"The best way to describe Dawn is if you are looking for a person that will go to bat for you, to fight for your cause, that puts in the energy, research, and effort that is required to get you the settlement that you deserve, then lo..."

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"Great law firm! Dawn Pinnisi is a great lawyer, very easy to work with, and got me a more than fair settlement on my case. Highly recommend this law firm. "

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"The legal process is complicated and at times frustrating but Jeff has managed to translate this process so it is clear to me. He has been patient in walking me through this step by step. Jeff has been timely in providing me with upd..."

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"Dawn is the best she won 2 cases for me for over $300,000. The first one was very difficult being that the company had no insurance, but Dawn handled it with such persistence and professionalism that we won. If you want a lawyer who ..."

Anonymous Client
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Dawn is smart and personable. She is known to be a great litigator and she is extremely knowledgeable about the law as well as being fiercely defensive of her clients. I have attended many court appearan..."

Peer Review Birth Injury Attorney
"I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Pinnisi for 14 years. She is one of the most outstanding attorneys with whom I have dealt. Ms. Pinnisi meticulously prepares and researches cases and advocates zealously on behalf of her clients..."

Peer Review Personal Injury Attorney
"Dawn Pinnisi is a fantastic attorney with whom I have worked on numerous cases. Dawn is someone I am proud to call a friend. Over the years I have seen how personally invested she becomes in each of her cases, stopping at nothing to ..."

Peer Review Car Accident Attorney
"Dawn really helped me out in a time of need after my accident. I wasn’t sure if I had a case or not but after my consultation, she gave me hope. I felt like I could trust her and she always returned my phone calls after reachin..."

Anonymous Client
"I highly recommend Dawn Pinnisi for medical malpractice, car accident, and personal injury cases. Not only is she one of the most experienced attorneys in the field she’s an honest, trustworthy, and caring person in the litigat..."

Peer Review Criminal Defense Attorney
"I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Pinnisi for 14 years. She is one of the most outstanding attorneys with whom I have dealt. Ms. Pinnisi meticulously prepares and researches cases and advocates zealously on behalf of her clients..."

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Cases We Handle

How Long After an Accident Can You Sue For Your Injuries?

Exceptions to the New Jersey Car Accident Statute of Limitations

What to Do If You Are in a Car Accident

Types of Damages You Can Claim

Economic Damages

Non-economic Damages

Get Legal Advice from an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Jeffrey W. Varcadipane

Let Us Fight For You

Categories

Request Your Free Consultation

"A terrific firm that helped my family to successfully litigate a complex real estate fraud case. Great communication from the team throughout the entire process. Everyone involved was highly skilled, explained things clearly and appe..."

"Varcadipane & Pinnisi were incredible to work with. Their attention to detail, knowledge, and responsiveness go unmatched. I highly recommend!!! "

"My nearly 8 year long relationship with Varcadipane & Pinnisi as my legal counsel was nothing short of outstanding. Their dedication and hard work shone through every step of the way. Simply put, I was represented by my legal dre..."

"Jeff Varcadipane did an excellent job winning my case, despite the constant hurdles and excess motions of the defense. His knowledge of every part of the law was very impressive. He and Dawn really cared about my case and constantly ..."

"I had a great experience with Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC law firm and would like to express my gratitude specifically to Ms. Sophia Soraya for her excellent legal assistance. I appreciate their professionalism and highly recommend..."

"Attorney Sophia Soraya and her firm were incredible. We couldn’t have been more impressed with their knowledge, care and attention to detail. Your legal needs are in great hands with Varcadipane & Pinnisi. "

"Varcadipane & Pinnisi PC has been an incredible partner in navigating risk and advising on the commercial structure of multiple businesses, while providing personal counsel for the last 15 years. "

"The entire team at VARCADIPANE & PINNISI were fantastic to work with and achieved way more than expected. I had such a hard time finding and trusting a firm to work with based on the complexity of my case. The team at VARCADIPANE..."

"We are extremely pleased with the exceptional legal services provided by Varcdipane & Pinnisi. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication were evident throughout the entire process. I highly recommend their services to anyo..."

"Choosing this firm to represent my family and I was the best decision I could have made! They walked us through the process and were very professional, accessible and always explained everything in detail. Dawn and her team listened,..."

"I cannot praise Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC enough for their exceptional legal support, especially Mr. Varcadipane’s instrumental role in safeguarding my business. Before engaging their services, my business was operating wit..."

"Thank you to Dawn who work tirelessly throughout the time that we have the case open. She even helped to find ways to reduce the cost. She is very knowledgeable and easy to reach out to. Very fair and logical by providing whats best ..."

"My name is John and my experience with Varcadipane & Pinnisi was amazing from day one. The firm is very professional and very informative. Not all law firms are honest or easy to work with. With that said , once become a client you..."

"They say the reward is exponentially greater if you receive it when you least expect it. It sounds like a fairy tale happy ending, but it was made possible for my wife and me by the team at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, PC. What started..."

"I would highly recommend Varcadipane & Pinnisi for the dedication to your individual case and your needs. They’re timely in response to your questions, they get you the answers you need, they are honest and reliable. We all n..."

"They are very good lawyers and they are very kind thanks for everything 😊😊 "

"It has truly been an incredible experience working with Ms. Sophia Soraya and the Varcadipane & Pinnisi Law Firm. They have been extremely professional, diligent, and committed. Despite any challenges that appeared along the road..."

"We Hired Varcadipane & Pinnisi for a situation we had back In NJ last year with a moving company that did not do right by us, they were supposed to deliver our household goods from NJ to our new home in FL and instead took all of..."

"Sophia was amazing, as was her team. She was there for me through everything; super supportive and ensured I felt comfortable with every decision made. She never gave up and ultimately made a very challenging life event much easier t..."

"Jeff and his team were so helpful in solving our legal issue. Everyone was thorough and communicated every step of the process to us. We really appreciate everything they did and would highly recommend!! "

"I was very satisfied with Varcadipane & Pinnisi. They were professional and courteous in handling my case., which they handled with speed and brought a very favorable outcome to my case. I would Whole heartily recommend to anyone..."

"Everyone at this law office is very courteous and professional. I was being kept in the loop at every step in the process, and we reached a satisfactory outcome. "

"The law firm lead by Mr. Varcadipane provided service that was first rate. From our first conversation, till the final settlement, this firm provided me a level of comfort and expertise which was second to none. I would surely recomm..."

"Dawn Pinnisi is a caring and responsible attorney who worked assiduously on my behalf. Highly recommend. "

"To be successful in a matter involving a business dispute requires an attorney who not only knows the law but who has spent significant time in the courtroom dealing with complex business litigation. Varcadipane & Pinnisi is that..."

"Varcadipane & Pinnisi were successful in negotiating our claim. Professional and knowledgeable "

"They were outstanding in every way and I couldn’t be more pleased! "

"I would like to start off by telling everyone at the firm how thankful I am for all who were involved in my case. I was always treated professionally, like family, kind, and considerate and with a friendly smile. Moreover, my experie..."

"Words can’t adequately express my gratitude to Dawn for taking on my medical malpractice case. At our first meeting Dawn had compassion for I went through and took the time to listen to everything I had to say. Throughout the e..."

"Dawn Pinnisi was recommended to me from another lawyer. From the moment I spoke with her, I left it all in her hands. I live 2 hours away and I never had to go to her office! She settled my lawsuit so fast and for more that I ever ex..."

"I would like to start off by telling everyone at the firm how thankful I am for all of you who were involved in my case. I was always treated professionally, with a friendly smile and greeting anytime I was at the office. Moreover, m..."

"I have known Jeff Varcadipane for over 7 years, during which time he has advised me on several real estate and civil claims issues. Most recently, he assisted with my complicated real estate transaction in NYC. He was very responsive..."

"The best way to describe Dawn is if you are looking for a person that will go to bat for you, to fight for your cause, that puts in the energy, research, and effort that is required to get you the settlement that you deserve, then lo..."

"Great law firm! Dawn Pinnisi is a great lawyer, very easy to work with, and got me a more than fair settlement on my case. Highly recommend this law firm. "

"When forming my business, it was important that I started with the right structure. Jeff took the time to explain the pros and cons from a legal perspective and I was able to make a confident decision. Varcadipane & Pinnisi got m..."

"The legal process is complicated and at times frustrating but Jeff has managed to translate this process so it is clear to me. He has been patient in walking me through this step by step. Jeff has been timely in providing me with upd..."

"Dawn is the best she won 2 cases for me for over $300,000. The first one was very difficult being that the company had no insurance, but Dawn handled it with such persistence and professionalism that we won. If you want a lawyer who ..."

"I highly endorse this lawyer. Dawn is smart and personable. She is known to be a great litigator and she is extremely knowledgeable about the law as well as being fiercely defensive of her clients. I have attended many court appearan..."

"I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Pinnisi for 14 years. She is one of the most outstanding attorneys with whom I have dealt. Ms. Pinnisi meticulously prepares and researches cases and advocates zealously on behalf of her clients..."

"Dawn Pinnisi is a fantastic attorney with whom I have worked on numerous cases. Dawn is someone I am proud to call a friend. Over the years I have seen how personally invested she becomes in each of her cases, stopping at nothing to ..."

"Dawn really helped me out in a time of need after my accident. I wasn’t sure if I had a case or not but after my consultation, she gave me hope. I felt like I could trust her and she always returned my phone calls after reachin..."

"I highly recommend Dawn Pinnisi for medical malpractice, car accident, and personal injury cases. Not only is she one of the most experienced attorneys in the field she’s an honest, trustworthy, and caring person in the litigat..."

"I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Pinnisi for 14 years. She is one of the most outstanding attorneys with whom I have dealt. Ms. Pinnisi meticulously prepares and researches cases and advocates zealously on behalf of her clients..."

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