Explore settlements and court awards paid to real New Jersey car accident victims. Look for cases similar to yours.

More than 60,000 accidents with injuries occur on New Jersey roadways in a normal year.¹ If you or a loved one are injured in a crash, you are entitled to pursue compensation.

The average car accident settlement for a moderate injury claim in New Jersey is $45,100. Average payouts range from $12,333 for minor injuries to $484,816 for severe injuries.

Average New Jersey Settlement Amounts

We analyzed a collection of actual New Jersey lawsuits filed by plaintiffs injured in vehicle accidents. Each plaintiff received a court award or settled their case before trial.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$12,333
Moderate Injury	$45,100
Severe Injury	$484,816
Payout Range by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$5,000 - $25,000
Moderate Injury	$25,000 - $76,000
Severe Injury	$78,240 - $2,600,000

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

The most common type of motor vehicle accidents nationwide are side-impact collisions, including sideswipes, followed by rear-end collisions.²

Average Side-Impact Collision Settlements
Minor Injury	$9,167
Moderate Injury	$46,667
Severe Injury	$300,000
Average Rear-End Accident Settlements
Minor Injury	$12,278
Moderate Injury	$45,813
Severe Injury	$642,224

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Our New Jersey case group includes injuries ranging from soft-tissue sprains to severe permanent brain injuries. Neck and back injuries are the most common injuries from all kinds of vehicle accidents, followed by head injuries.

Victims of serious accidents often suffer multiple injuries, including bone fractures and internal injuries. Payouts are intended to compensate for all the victim’s injuries, not just the most severe injury. Most accident victims can expect to settle in the moderate payout range.

Average Neck and Back Injury Settlements
Minor Injury	$12,321
Moderate Injury	$42,958
Severe Injury	$138,840
Average Head Injury Settlements
Minor Injury	$1,000
Moderate Injury	$27,750
Severe Injury	$1,412,500

How Car Accident Settlements Are Calculated

New Jersey is a no-fault state. Most car accident victims will rely on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under their own auto insurance to settle their claims, no matter who caused the accident.

Injured victims are prohibited from seeking compensation, including pain and suffering, directly from the at-fault driver unless they have exceeded the serious injury threshold.

Qualifying Serious Injuries include:

• Wrongful death
• Amputations
• Significant disfigurement/scarring
• Broken bones
• Loss of an unborn child
• Permanent injuries, like spinal cord damage and brain trauma

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

New Jersey requires auto policies to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, ranging from $15,000 to $150,000 per person. The benefits rise to $250,000 for permanent brain damage or spinal cord injuries. New Jersey residents have PIP options.

Policyholders may choose to purchase “additional” PIP coverage. Additional PIP covers lost wages and replacement services. PIP coverage does not pay for pain and suffering.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in New Jersey:

• Shared Fault – New Jersey is a 51 percent modified comparative fault state. This means you can still seek compensation so long are you are not more than 50 percent to blame. Your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
• Auto Policy Limits – In addition to PIP coverage, New Jersey requires all vehicles to have liability limits of at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. The minimum limits may not be enough to cover severe injuries.
• Multiple Claimants – If there are multiple claimants with severe injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage may not be enough to fully cover everyone’s damages.
• Uninsured/Underinsured – New Jersey does not require policyholders to have uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage. Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage in amounts up to the liability limits on the policy.
• Punitive Damages – New Jersey allows punitive damages only when the court finds the defendant’s negligence was malicious or a wanton disregard for the victim’s safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor car accident injuries include soft-tissue bumps, cuts, bruises, strains and sprains. The victim may be stiff and sore enough to miss work for for a few days. Most victims are fully recovered within a month.

Soft-Tissue Neck Injury Claim Settles

Type of Injury: Back injury- Cervical spine injury
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident with the co -plaintiff who was a passenger in her car when a vehicle owned by the Defendant and driven by the co-defendant collided with their vehicle. First plaintiff sustained cervical spine injury and second plaintiff suffered unspecified personal injuries. Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant operated the vehicle carelessly and negligently and that he was acting as an agent of Co-defendant. The parties reached a settlement.
Location: Westfield, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Lee v. Russo, UNNL-001571-17

Jury Award for Disputed Neck Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by the defendant. Plaintiff suffered disc herniations at C4-5, C7-T1 and L4-5 and a bulging disc at C6-7. The plaintiff contended that the defendant was negligent in failing to; maintain proper control of his vehicle, make proper observations, and drive in a careful and prudent manner. Defendant denied liability and claimed that plaintiff’s injuries were from a prior accident. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Bergen County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Monsur v. Perrez, BERL-005126-18

Injured Passenger Collects Damages from Both Drivers

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Disc protrusion, Disc bulge
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle which got involved in a collision with two vehicles operated by the two defendants. Plaintiff suffered a disc protrusion at L5-S1 and a disc bulge at C3-C4. Plaintiff sued both defendants claiming they were negligent in maintenance and operation of their vehicles. Defendants denied liability asserted cross claims against each other and asserted contributory negligence against plaintiff. The parties reached a settlement. 1st defendant contributed $2,500 and 2nd defendant contributed $3,000.
Location: Camden County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Shinn v. Richards, CAML-004013-12

Verdict for Disputed Neck and Shoulder Sprains

Type of Injury: Cervical and Shoulder sprains
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped in traffic when she was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff suffered cervical and shoulder sprains and strains. She was treated with a cortisone injection for shoulder inflammation and pain. Plaintiff sued Defendant for negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Defendant admitted liability but claimed that Plaintiff’s injury was degenerative in nature and not caused by the accident. Jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Ewing Township, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Baldwin v. Williams , MER-L-2386-05

Child Injury Case Settled by Parties

Type of Injury: General injuries to head, neck, body and extremities
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a vehicle operated by Defendant and owned by co-defendant. Plaintiff suffered injuries to her head, neck, body and extremities as a result of the collision. Plaintiff’s guardian sued Defendant for failing to make proper road observations and asserted vicarious liability against the co-defendant. Plaintiff sought compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Defendants admitted liability and parties reached a settlement.
Location: Trenton, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Martinez v. Rodriguez, MERL-000265-17

Award for Rear-End Crash Disputed as Low-Impact

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Cervical disc herniation
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff slowed down to stop when the Defendant’s car struck his car from behind. Plaintiff sustained disk herniation at C5-C6 vertebra resulting in permanent injury. He was treated by a chiropractor for several months. Plaintiff sued Defendant for negligence. Defendant denied liability and contended that the impact between the vehicles was de minimus and was an unintentional touching rather than an “accident.” The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Hudson County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Gieruszcak v. Hernandez, HUD-L-6049-07

Verdict for Plaintiff with Pre-existing Disc Bulges

Type of Injury: “Back Injuries- discopathy, disc herniation, disc bulge and
whiplash dynamic injuries to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine”
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by a vehicle operated by the defendant. Plaintiff suffered aggravated injury to preexisting lumbar disk bulges, new discopathy, disk herniations at L4- L5 and a disk bulge at C5-C6 and whiplash injuries to cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Plaintiff contended that the defendant was negligent in the operation of his vehicle. Defendant denied liability and claimed plaintiff’s injuries were from a prior accident. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Middlesex County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Martins v. Colaianni, MIDL-001952-11

Pedestrian Shares Fault for Collision with Car

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Lumbar bulge, Lower back pain
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff stepped from the curb at an intersection to cross a street. Defendant’s car, turning right at a stop sign struck Plaintiff. Plaintiff sustained a lumbar bulge that led to permanent injury. Plaintiff claimed that defendant failed to exercise due caution at an intersection. Defendant maintained that he came to a complete stop at the stop sign. The jury returned a verdict finding the defendant was 60% negligent and plaintiff was 40% comparatively negligent and the gross damage award of $20,000 was reduced accordingly.
Location: Union County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Bierstein v. Decker, UNN-L-3745-03

Child Passenger Suffers Broken Collar Bone

Type of Injury: Shoulder Injury- Fractured clavicle
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,500
Case Summary: The plaintiff, a minor, was a passenger in a motor vehicle travelling north which collided with a vehicle driven by the defendant and owned by co-defendant. The plaintiff sustained a closed clavicle fracture. Plaintiff through his guardian sued the defendants for operating the vehicle negligently, carelessly and recklessly. Plaintiff sought compensation for scarring, displaced fractures, disability, pain and suffering. The parties reached a settlement.
Location: Belleville, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Y.A. v. Dimodia, ESXL-082760-15

Multiple Disc Herniations from Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc, Radiculopathy; Shoulder Injury- Right shoulder impingement, Leg injury- right hip bursitis
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Defendant’s vehicle collided with the rear of plaintiff’s’ vehicle as they travelled the same route. 1st Plaintiff sustained disk herniations at C5-C6, disk bulges at C3-C4, C5-C6, and L4-L5, radiculopathy at C5 and L5, right shoulder impingement, right hip bursitis and partial tear of the right hamstring. 2nd plaintiff sustained bulging spinal discs. Plaintiffs sued the defendant for failing to make proper observations, operating vehicle at an excessive speed and failing to keep proper lookout. The defendant denied liability. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Middlesex County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Omolola v. Gorski, MIDL-005231-12

Jury Award for Motorcyclist Rear-Ended by Automobile

Type of Injury: Back Injuries- Bulging lumbar disc; Cervical radiculopathy
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s motorcycle was struck from behind by a motor vehicle driven by the defendant. The impact flipped plaintiff over the handlebars and he fell on the roadway. Plaintiff suffered a bulging lumbar disk at L5-S1 and cervical radiculopathy at C8. Plaintiff sued defendant, alleging negligence. The defendant admitted liability but disputed the extent of Plaintiff’s injuries. The jury was left to assess damages and it determined that some of plaintiff’s injuries were casually related to the accident.
Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Mottola v. Barsnica, MON-L-2411-05

Plaintiff Settles Neck and Shoulder Injury Claims

Type of Injury: Back Injuries- Disc herniation, L4-L5 hypertrophic changes; Other – Shoulder Injury
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiffs, a driver and his passenger were involved in a motor vehicle accident when they collided with a vehicle operated by the Defendant. First plaintiff suffered a C5-C6 disc herniation, bilateral shoulder injuries and L4-L5 hypertrophic changes with central canal stenosis. Second plaintiff suffered a C5-C6 disk herniation and a right shoulder injury. Plaintiffs contended that Defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of the accident. Defendant admitted liability and the parties reached a settlement.
Location: Long Branch, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Gonzalez-Silva v. Williams, MIDL-007260-17

Jury Award Reduced by Pre-Trial Cap Agreement

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Disc bulge, Facet syndrome
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff slowed down for traffic when a vehicle operated by the defendant collided with the rear of her car. Plaintiff sustained a bulging disc at L4-L5 and facet syndrome which resulted in permanent spinal impairment. Plaintiff claimed defendant failed to maintain adequate control of his vehicle and failed to allow proper stopping distances between the vehicles. Defendant denied liability and asserted contributory negligence. The jury’s award of $104,000 was reduced to $15,000, pursuant to the parties’ pre-trial agreement capping damages at $15,000.
Location: Camden County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Taggart v. Hallowell, CAML-001185-11

Jury Award for Football Player Injured in Car Crash

Type of Injury: General Injuries; Back, neck and knee injuries
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving southbound when an oncoming car driven by the defendant from the opposite direction made an abrupt turn in front of her vehicle, causing a collision. Plaintiff suffered a meniscus tear, neck and lower back pains and a knee injury. At trial, defense admitted liability and the case was tried on damages only. The defendant asserted that the plaintiff injuries were sports related as the plaintiff was a college footballer at the time of the accident. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Bayonne, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Villaplana v. Nunez, ESX-L-3847-06

Jury Award for Pain, Suffering, and Disability

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Spinal Nerve with disc injury, Herniated disc, Bulging disc, Bilateral carpal tunnel
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Defendant’s vehicle collided with the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle as both parties drove eastbound. Plaintiff suffered disk herniation at C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, a L4-L5 radiculopathy, disk bulge at L5-S1 and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Plaintiff sued defendant for negligence. Defendant denied liability, asserted contributory negligence and denied the plaintiff suffered a permanent injury. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict and awarded damages for pain and suffering, disability, impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Location: Middlesex County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Perez v. Sasson, MIDL-005045-13

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate car accident injuries include more extensive soft tissue injuries, slipped or herniated discs, simple bone fractures, brain concussions, and whiplash. Victims may be out of work for weeks or months after the crash. Some victims are left with residual impairments.

Plaintiff Verdict for Rear-End Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Bulging Disc
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle driven by the defendant at an intersection. Plaintiff reportedly sustained a disk bulge at C6-C7 vertebrae. Plaintiff contended that the Defendant failed to operate his vehicle safely and failed to keep it in good repair. The defendant contended that the impact was mild and disputed the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Hudson County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Marrero v. Leary, HUD-L-1580-09

Disc Injuries from a Parking Lot Accident

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Cervical Strain, Bulging Disc, Herniated Disc
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped in a parking lot to wait for a parking spot when Defendant’s vehicle backed out of a parking spot and collided with Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered a disc bulge at C5-C6, an L4-L5 annular tear and disc herniation, and cervical and lumbosacral strains, resulting in permanent disability. Plaintiff contended that Defendant was negligent and careless in the operation of his vehicle. Defendant admitted liability for the accident but denied that Plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the accident. The Jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Bergen County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Lopez v. Park, BERL-009879-13

Plaintiff Award Despite Challenge to Injury Severity

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Lumbar Injury, Disc Herniation
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by the Defendant when Plaintiff stopped at an intersection. Plaintiff sustained a lumbar injury and disc herniation at L4-5 and L5-S1. Plaintiff contended that defendant failed to operate his vehicle safely. Plaintiff further claimed the injury sustained was serious and permanent. Defendant admitted liability but challenged the severity and permanency of the Plaintiff’s injury. The jury was left to assess damages.
Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Sotto v. Sass, MID-L-1898-06

Plaintiff Suffers Skull Fracture in Chain-Collision Crash

Type of Injury: Head injury- Depressed skull fracture; General injury- Neck and low back pain
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff and his three minor children were involved in a chain reaction collision with three vehicles. The 1st minor suffered a depressed skull fracture and developed secondary seizure disorder. The 2nd minor sustained neck and low back pain and the 3rd minor suffered unspecified personal injuries. Plaintiff contended the defendant denied their claim for uninsured and underinsured motorist benefit. Defendant disputed the nature of injuries. The parties reached a settlement, which was approved by the court.
Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Collado v. 21st Cent. Ins. Co., MONL-002771-16

Lower Back Injury from Side-Impact Crash Results in Loss of Ability

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Low back injury
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $30,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle operated by the defendant at an intersection. Plaintiff sustained low back injuries. Plaintiff contended that defendant operated his vehicle at excessive speed, failed to make proper observations and drove without due care and caution. Plaintiff sought damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses and loss of ability to attend her normal duties. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff injuries. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Portella v. Delesandro, CAML-004515-12

Head-On Crash Caused Cognitive Problems, TMJ

Type of Injury: Head Injury- temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Headaches
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $30,000
Case Summary: Defendant’s motor vehicle crossed the center line and struck Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered temporomandibular joint dysfunction and developed headaches and cognitive problems. The Plaintiff contended that the Defendant was negligent in driving his vehicle across the center line. Parties reached a pretrial agreement setting the plaintiff’s gross damages at $60,000, less any contributory negligence. The case was tried on the issue of liability only, and the jury allocated 50% of the fault to Plaintiff and 50% to defendant.
Location: Lindenwold, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Khan v. Lever, CAML-001846-13

Head, Back, and Shoulder Injuries from Broadside Collision

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Disc bulges, Disc herniation; Shoulder injury- Rotator cuff tear; Head injury-Closed head Injury, Migraines; Other-Neck injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $45,000
Case Summary: Defendant’s vehicle failed to yield the right way and broadsided the plaintiff’s car. Plaintiff reportedly sustained disk bulges at C2-C6, rotator cuff tear, disk herniation at L5-S1, closed head injury, migraines and neck injury. Plaintiff contended the defendant was negligent in operating his vehicle. Defendant admitted liability but disputed nature and extent of plaintiff injuries, claiming her injuries were from prior accidents. The jury’s award of $10,000 was increased to $45,000 due to a high low agreement of $100,000 high and $45,000 low.
Location: Middlesex County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Paikarovski v. Youn, L-5301-04

Disc Damage, Torn Rotator Cuff from Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Back Injuries- Rotator Cuff, Aggravated Disc Damage, Cervical/Lumbar Strain, Disc herniation
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle driven by the Defendant at a stop sign. Plaintiff sustained a right shoulder rotator cuff tear, herniated discs at L4-L5, C5-C7, exacerbation of pre-existing cervical and lumbar disc herniations and bulges, and cervical and lumbar sprains. The Plaintiff underwent surgery to treat the injuries. Plaintiff claimed the Defendant operated his vehicle negligently and carelessly. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of Plaintiff injuries. Jury returned Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Bergen County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Kim v. Jung, BERL-004087-12

Defendant Blames Plaintiff’s Injuries on Three Prior Accidents

Type of Injury: Back Injuries- Cervical radiculopathy, Disc bulge;
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle driven by the Defendant when she stopped in traffic. Plaintiff sustained right-side cervical radiculopathy superimposed on a cervical sprain at C6 and C4-C5 disc bulge. Plaintiff sued the Defendant for careless driving. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of the alleged injuries. Defendant claimed Plaintiff’s injuries were preexisting and were likely to have been caused by three prior motor vehicle accidents. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Mercer County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Conklin v. Horan, L-000604-03

T-Bone Collision Causes Lumbar and Knee Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniated disc, Lumbar radiculopathy; Others- Knee contusion, Soft tissue injuries to neck
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was T-boned by a vehicle driven by the defendant at a stop sign. Plaintiff sustained herniated disk at L4-5, lumbar radiculopathy, a knee contusion and soft tissue injuries to his neck. Plaintiff was treated by an orthopedist and received four or five epidural injections. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, asserting they were degenerative and resulted from a prior motor vehicle accident. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Woodbury, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Hossain v. Reid, L-000833-05

Plaintiff Sues His Insurer for Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniated disc, Disc bulge
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended as he slowed to make a turn by a vehicle driven by the defendant. Plaintiff sustained multi-level lumbar disk herniations and bulges. Plaintiff sued the defendant for recklessness in driving. Plaintiff also put his insurance carrier on notice for uninsured motorist benefits. Defendant denied liability asserting plaintiff’s injuries were pre-existing and degenerative. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict. The Plaintiff received $15,000 in uninsured motorist benefits and recovered the rest from defendant.
Location: Camden County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Simpson v. Talley, CAM-L-6160-07

Van Driver Liable for Passenger Knee Injuries

Type of Injury: Other- torn medial meniscus, Internal derangement of the left knee, Soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $55,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle operated by the Defendant when it lost control, struck a van and some trees before coming to a rest on the side of the roadway. Plaintiff suffered torn medial meniscus, internal derangement of left knee and soft tissue injuries on his back and knees. He underwent arthroscopic surgery and physical therapy. Plaintiff sued the Defendant, contending that Defendant was negligent in the operation of the motor vehicle in which Plaintiff was a passenger. Defendant denied liability. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Neptune, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Davion v. Rojas, L-005894-04

Insurance Company Forced to Pay Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Type of Injury: Back Injuries- Cervical and lumbar spine injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $65,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged to have been involved in a rear end collision while at work. Plaintiff suffered cervical and lumbar spine injury as a result of the collision. Plaintiff claimed the defendant had insured his vehicle at the time of the accident and that he was entitled to uninsured motorist benefits. Plaintiff’s spouse sought damages for loss of consortium. Defendant disputed the connection between the accident and plaintiff’s injuries. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict but declined to award damages for loss of consortium.
Location: Burlington County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Fenimore v. Allstate Ins. Co., BURL-000710-14

New Mom Wins Jury Verdict for Back Injury

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniations of the lumbar spine; Other- Chronic sprain of the talofibular ligament
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $75,000
Case Summary: Defendant’s car broadsided a car being operated by the plaintiff at an intersection. Plaintiff sustained lumbar spine herniations at L4-5, and L5-S1. Plaintiff claimed that defendant ran a stop sign at an intersection, causing the collision. Plaintiff testified that she experienced pain performing her daily activities and the injuries affected her ability to take care of her infant. Defendant denied liability and asserted that plaintiff’s injuries were caused by congenital variations and degenerative disk disease. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Mercer County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: English v. Massaquoi, MER-L-2649-05

Jury Award for Fractured Sternum and Internal Bleeding

Type of Injury: Fractured sternum; Internal hemorrhaging
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $76,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that Defendant made a sudden left turn behind the Plaintiff’s vehicle and struck it from the rear. Plaintiff suffered a displaced fracture of his sternum and internal hemorrhaging as a result of the collision. Plaintiff contended that Defendant was negligent in the ownership, operation, maintenance, supervision, repair, inspection and control of the vehicle. Defendant denied the allegations, asserting contributory negligence and negligence of third parties as affirmative defenses. The court entered judgment in favor of the plaintiff after a bench trial.
Location: South Brunswick, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Kher v. Snyder, MIDL-007064-12

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe crash injuries can include multiple complicated fractures, internal injuries, disabling neck and back injuries, and serious traumatic brain injuries. Severe injury victims often lose the ability to resume employment or pre-crash activities, and some require lifetime care.

Plaintiff Award for Extensive Chiropractic Treatment

Type of Injury: Back Injuries-Herniated Lumbar Disc; Other- Neck and knee injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $78,240
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving on the highway when he was struck in the rear by a car driven by the Defendant. Plaintiff suffered injuries to his back, neck and knee and was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. He was treated by a chiropractor, who he saw 70 to 80 times over a one-year period. Plaintiff sued defendant for negligence. The Defendant admitted liability but disputed the extent of injuries suffered by the Plaintiff. He claimed that the herniated disc was due to a degenerative condition and not proximately caused by the accident. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Parsippany, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Arancibia v. Duraikannu, MRS-L-1876-06

Defendant Blamed Phantom Driver in Snow Storm

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniated disc, Bulging disc, Cervical radiculitis
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $89,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was seated in a parked car during a snowstorm when she was struck by a car driven by the defendant. Plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries and sued the defendant for negligence in operating his vehicle. Defendant denied liability claiming the plaintiff was outside the car when the alleged accident occurred. Defense counsel asserted phantom vehicle defense, claiming unidentified vehicle had cut in front of the defendant’s vehicle causing the defendant to hit the parked vehicle. Jury allocated 100% liability to defendant and returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Pittman, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Nishida v. Petrusky, L-2204-05

Crash Injury Award Reduced Pursuant to Hi/Low Agreement

Type of Injury: Back Injuries- Herniated disc, Bulging Disc,Thoracic Strain; Other- Knee strain
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle operated by Defendant at an intersection. Plaintiff sustained herniated disks at C6-C7 and L3-L4, disc bulges at C4-C5 and L5-S1, and thoracic and knee strains. Plaintiff contended that defendant operated his vehicle in a careless, reckless and dangerous manner, causing the collision. Defendant admitted liability for the accident but disputed that Plaintiff’s injuries resulted from the accident. The jury set damages at $368,000. The judge reduced the award to $100,000, pursuant to the parties’ pretrial high/low agreement.
Location: Middlesex County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Dressel v. Sullivan, MIDL-000554-13

Plaintiff Alleges Disability from Head-On Collision

Type of Injury: General Injury- Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving Westbound when he collided with Defendant’s vehicle which was Eastbound on the same road. Plaintiff suffered neck and back injuries in the crash. Plaintiff filed suit, claiming that Defendant operated his vehicle in a negligent, careless and reckless manner. Plaintiff sought awards for his medical expenses, disability, pain and suffering and loss of the ability to perform his usual functions. Defendant denied both liability and that plaintiff suffered a permanent injury. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Clark, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Lowe v. Garcia, UNNL-001230-14

Award for High-Impact Rear-End Collision Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc; Other- Knee dislocation, Multiple Strains
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle operated by Defendant and the impact pushed Plaintiff’s vehicle into another vehicle in front of him. Plaintiff suffered disk herniation at C4-C5, disc bulges at T8-T9, cervical radiculopathy, lumbar radiculitis, cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains and internal derangement of the left knee. Plaintiff contended that Defendant was negligent, careless and reckless in ownership and maintenance of the vehicle. Defendant denied liability and asserted contributory negligence. Jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Essex County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Lumley v. Diviney, ESXL-001567-12

Spinal Injury Payout Reduced by Hi-Low Agreement

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Disc protrusion, Disc bulge, Cervical spinal stenosis
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving West when a northbound vehicle driven by defendant failed to stop for a stop sign and collided with plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff sustained permanent spinal injuries including C2-C4 disc protrusions and C5-C7 disc bulges leading to cervical spinal stenosis. Plaintiff claimed defendant was negligent, careless and reckless in the operation of his motor vehicle. Defendant denied liability and contended the plaintiff did not suffer permanent injury. Jury awarded $210,000 in damages, which was reduced based on a pretrial high low agreement between the parties.
Location: Ocean County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Spader v. Messina, OCNL-002182-11

Bad Faith Case Against UM/UIM Insurance Carrier

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Cervical disc herniations; Leg Injury- avulsion fracture of fibula, right anterior talofibular ligament tear
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $110,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff slowed down with traffic when his vehicle was rear-ended by defendant. Plaintiff suffered cervical disk herniations, an avulsion fracture of his fibula and a right anterior talofibular ligament tear. The plaintiff contended that the defendant issued a policy of insurance under which he was entitled to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and that it failed to honor the provisions of that policy. Defendant disputed plaintiff’s injuries claiming they had resulted from a prior accident. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Bergen County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Son v. Allstate New Jersey Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co., BERL-001918-17

Both Drivers Liable for Passenger’s Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Herniated disc
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $125,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in 1st Defendant’s vehicle, which collided with a vehicle operated by the 2nd Defendant. Plaintiff suffered a herniated spinal disk and aggravation of a pre- existing disk bulge resulting in a permanent injury. Plaintiff claimed both defendants were negligent for allowing their vehicles to enter the path of other vehicles on the roadway. Defendants denied liability and brought negligence cross claims against each other. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict and allocated 75% of fault to 1st defendant and 25% to 2nd Defendant.
Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Cooper v. Derechailo, MONL-003475-12

Permanent Nerve Injury from Parking Lot Accident

Type of Injury: Back Injuries-Herniated Lumbar Disc, Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $175,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended in a parking lot by Defendant who had mistakenly hit his gas pedal instead of his brake. Plaintiff suffered lumbar disc herniation and both cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. The plaintiff suffered permanent nerve damage and was at risk for foot drop and muscle atrophy. Plaintiff sued defendant for negligence. The Defendant admitted liability for the accident but claimed plaintiff’s injuries were degenerative and age related and not from the motor vehicle accident. The Parties reached a settlement.
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Nammoura v. Balch, MON-L-2895-08

Pedestrian Struck by Car Suffers Open Head Injury

Type of Injury: Head Injury- Open head injury
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $225,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle operated by Defendant at an intersection. Plaintiff sustained an open head injury. Plaintiff contended that Defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident and sought damages for her personal injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. Defendant denied liability and all Plaintiff’s allegations in the matter. After a bench trial, the court apportioned liability at 25% to 75% in favor of Plaintiff. The court entered a final judgment in the amount of $225,000, per application of the Plaintiff’s fault apportionment.
Location: Bayonne, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Madden v. Mohammed, HUDL-002967-15

Award for Minor Passenger with Fractured Vertebra

Type of Injury: 1st Plaintiff; Back Injury- C6 vertebral fracture; 2nd Plaintiff -Unspecified personal injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $250,000
Case Summary: Minor plaintiffs were passengers in a vehicle that was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by defendant and owned by co-defendant. 1st plaintiff sustained a C6 vertebral fracture and 2nd plaintiff suffered unspecified personal injuries. The plaintiffs’ guardian sued defendants for negligence in operating, maintenance, ownership and control of their vehicle. Defendants admitted the accident occurred but denied liability, asserting contributory and comparative negligence. The jury awarded $250,000 to first plaintiff and $25,000 to second plaintiff.
Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Mosquera v. Nolan, MONL-005831-10

Side-Impact Crash Verdict for Plaintiff’s Back and Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Bulging Disc; Shoulder Injury- Shoulder Impingement
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $300,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was struck by a vehicle driven by the Defendant when Defendant failed to stop, pulled into traffic and made a left turn. Plaintiff sustained right shoulder impingement syndrome and disc bulge at C3-C4 as a result of the collision. Plaintiff contended the Defendant drove his vehicle in a negligent, careless, and reckless manner. Defendant denied liability and contended that there was a traffic light at the intersection and that she had proceeded into the intersection on a green light. Jury returned a Plaintiff verdict.
Location: Middlesex County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Khattri v. Patel, MIDL-007461-10

Judge Reduces Award for Bilateral Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: Shoulder Injury- Bilateral shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $420,000
Case Summary: On two separate occasions, Plaintiff got involved in motor vehicle accidents with vehicles operated by the Defendants when she stopped in traffic at different intersections. Plaintiff suffered injuries on both shoulders and underwent five surgeries. Plaintiff and her spouse sued the Defendants for negligence. Plaintiff sought damages for injuries suffered while her spouse sought an award for loss of consortium. Both Defendants denied liability. The jury awarded $825,000 to the Plaintiff and $15,000 to spouse for loss of consortium. The judge reduced the award to $420,000.00.
Location: Hazlet, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Dubrowa v. Martin, MONL-003020-12

Mediated Settlement for Construction Zone Collision Injuries

Type of Injury: Multiple fractures to pelvis, right femur and tibia, right forearm, right foot and right clavicle
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,500,000
Case Summary: Plaintiffs were driving and had entered a construction zone when a caterpillar backhoe pulled into their path and the plaintiffs rear-ended it. Plaintiffs suffered multiple fractures to pelvis, right femur, right arm, right clavicle and facial scarring. Plaintiffs sued the contractor for failing to adhere to a state required traffic control plan which called for a caterpillar to have proper warning markings on its body. Plaintiff also sued the state of New Jersey for failing to ensure its contractor adhered to the regulations. Parties reached a mediated settlement.
Location: Somerset County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Shankman v. Conti Enterprises,, L 1978-98

Victim Left in Permanent Coma by Drunk Driver

Type of Injury: Head Injury- Traumatic brain injury, permanent coma
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,600,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by the 1st defendant, who was intoxicated. Plaintiff suffered traumatic brain injury resulting in a permanent comatose state. Plaintiff contended that 1st defendant was served with alcohol by the 2nd defendant. Plaintiff claimed the defendant had an intent to harm. Plaintiff asserted that 2nd defendant served underage drinkers. Jury assigned 50% liability to 1st defendant, 15% to 2nd defendant and 35% attributed to plaintiff for comparative negligence. Plaintiff’s award of $4,000,000 was reduced accordingly.
Location: Atlantic County, New Jersey
Case Name and Docket Number: Muniz v. Torres, ATL-L-118-09

Methodology

We gathered and analyzed New Jersey lawsuits filed by car accident victims who claimed to meet the serious injury threshold. All the plaintiffs in our group received compensation from a court award or by settling with the defendant before trial.

In cases with more than one plaintiff, the Award/Settlement Amount reflects the highest payout to an individual. Payouts also reflect any reduction for contributory negligence.

Averages are calculated by adding the payouts for a group of cases, then dividing by the total number of cases in that group.