Can You Be Compensated for an Accident That You Partially Caused?

The state of New Jersey uses a modified comparative negligence system when determining if you’re entitled to damages in a personal injury claim. Under this system, you can obtain damages even if an accident was partially your fault. However, you are not eligible to receive any type of financial award if you’re deemed to be more than 50% liable for your injuries.

Why Would You Be Partially Liable for Your Own Injuries?

The law requires that you take reasonable steps to keep yourself free of harm while using a product or while spending time on another person’s property. For instance, you are required to drive at a reasonable speed, obey traffic lights and wear a safety belt while operating a motor vehicle. Therefore, if you were speeding at the time of a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, the law may deem you partially responsible for the crash. The amount of compensation that you would ordinarily be entitled to receive would be reduced by the percentage for which you were deemed to be at fault.

What Types of Damages Might You Receive in a Personal Injury Case?

If you are injured in a motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to a financial award to pay medical bills, recoup lost wages or make up for lost future earnings. You may also receive compensation to pay for the cost of replacing any items that were damaged in an accident. These items may include your vehicle, electronics inside of the vehicle or expensive jewelry that had to be cut off of you by a paramedic.