Does NJ PIP Cover Passengers in Car Accidents?
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Does NJ PIP Cover Passengers in Car Accidents?
Yes, in most cases, passengers are covered under a New Jersey PIP policy. However, determining which PIP policy applies can be a bit complex.
New Jersey is a no-fault state when it comes to car insurance. This means that, in the majority of situations, after an accident, you will file a claim with your own insurance company to seek reimbursement for your injuries. The primary mechanism for this is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
PIP coverage applies to the driver named on the policy, as well as their family members and household members. Under state law, the injured party’s policy is always the primary policy, meaning this is the first place to look for coverage. However, if the injured person does not have a PIP policy, the next place to look is to a family member’s policy. If you do not have a qualifying family member with a PIP policy, then the car insurance carrier for the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident would provide coverage. Below are a few examples of how this can play out.
You have a PIP policy and are injured as a passenger: If you own a car, you must have a PIP policy. So, in this situation, regardless of who was at fault, you will file a PIP claim with your insurance policy.
You do not have a PIP policy and are injured as a passenger: If you do not own a car, you may not have PIP coverage. Thus, if you are injured in an accident while riding as a passenger, the default is to file a claim with a family member’s PIP policy. If you do not have a family member with a PIP policy, you will file a claim with the driver’s PIP policy.
Your children are injured in an accident while you are driving: So, if you are driving your children and get into an accident, your children will file a claim through your policy.
As you can see, multiple PIP policies may apply after an accident. However, you can only file one PIP claim after an accident. So, it is imperative to understand how New Jersey car insurance laws work. If you fail to identify the correct policy, your claim will be denied, delaying your recovery.
If you have been injured in a New Jersey car accident and have questions about the availability of insurance coverage, reach out to the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm for immediate assistance. We offer free consultations to accident victims and will never bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. You can reach us at 973-920-7900 or through our online form.
Other Car Accident FAQs:
- Does NJ PIP Cover Passengers in Car Accidents?
- How Do I Know If I Have A Car Accident Case in New Jersey?
- How Do I Sue Someone After Being Injured in a Car Accident in New Jersey?
- How Long After A Car Accident Can You Sue Someone in New Jersey?
- How Long Do You Have to Go to the Doctor After A Car Accident?
- How Much Can You Sue For If You Are Hurt in a Car Accident?
- Is New Jersey A “No-Fault” State?
- What Car Accident Expenses Does PIP Cover?
- What Do I Do at a Car Accident Scene?
- What is the First Step to Take When Filing a Car Accident Claim?
- What is the Statute of Limitations For Car Accidents in New Jersey?
- What Types of Injuries Are Required to File A Lawsuit in New Jersey?
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