We have done several blogs about the so-called verbal threshold.  This is a defense to personal injury lawsuits where the injured person is may only recover money damages for the most serious injuries.  It is more beneficial to a person injured in a motor vehicle accident if the verbal threshold does not apply to her or his case.  What if you’re a Lyft or Uber driver and you’re involved in an accident?  Does the verbal threshold apply? The attorneys at CourtLaw argue that it does not. The governing New Jersey law states that the verbal threshold defense “shall not be . . . asserted against any party not receiving personal injury protection benefits in any action for damages arising from…

On March 26, 2019, the New Jersey Supreme Court decided the case of Haines v. Taft. The Court had certified the following question: “Does N.J.S.A. 39:6A-12 preclude a plaintiff from recovering medical expenses above those collectible or paid under an insured’s PIP provision in a standard automobile insurance policy, including medical expenses exceeding any elected PIP option allowed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3(d)?” When the Court finally rendered its opinion, however, its decision did not cover the expanse of the certified question. Instead, Justice LaVecchia held together a three-justice majority by answering a narrower issue. Specifically, the Haines opinion did not concern all medical bills in excess of the plaintiff’s PIP option. Rather, Haines addressed only “stand-alone” suits exclusively for medical…

On March 26, 2019, the New Jersey Supreme Court decided the case of Haines v. Taft. The Court had certified the following question: “Does N.J.S.A. 39:6A-12 preclude a plaintiff from recovering medical expenses above those collectible or paid under an insured’s PIP provision in a standard automobile insurance policy, including medical expenses exceeding any elected PIP option allowed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3(d)?” When the Court finally rendered its opinion, however, its decision did not cover the expanse of the certified question. Instead, Justice LaVecchia, held together a three justice majority by answering a narrower issue. Specifically, the Haines opinion did not concern all medical bills in excess of the plaintiff’s PIP option. Rather, Haines addressed only “stand alone” suits exclusively…

At any given moment, there are a great many cars on the road. Some of those cars will be operated by drivers who have become complacent behind the wheel. Aside from driving, many motorists are texting, eating, listening to music, or engaging with passengers in their vehicle. Trying to multitask while driving has led to countless accidents and many injuries and deaths on the road. These distracted driving accidents can happen anytime, whether in heavy commuter traffic or during the late night hours. What Constitutes Distracted Driving in NJ? When people think of “distracted driving,” they tend to think about texting and driving. This is because cell phone use constitutes a large chunk of distracted driving-related car accidents, but they…

A car accident can be a harrowing experience for all involved. Even a simple “fender bender” can result in injuries that stick with you for the long term. And on the other end of the spectrum, there are accidents that may seem minor and after which you might feel perfectly fine and healthy. The spectrum of how you feel following a car accident likely plays a big role in your decision to see a doctor afterwards. But it is important to know that, sometimes, it is better for you to see a doctor regardless of how you feel — even if it was just a minor car accident. Adrenaline Can Mask Symptoms of a Car Crash Injury For starters, car…