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…

With the fall season almost in the rearview mirror and winter right around the corner, it is time to gear up for the change in temperature. For those die-hard, year-round motorcycle riders, the winter season presents a whole new set of safety challenges that need to be addressed. Cold temperatures, aggressive wind chill, and slippery and icy roads are just a few of the hazards that hit New Jersey motorcyclists hard in the winter. The good news is that there is plenty of gear out there to help keep you safe for winter riding. That way, you can still enjoy the thrill of the ride and the beautiful views that come with a fresh snowfall. Stay Warm, Stay Safe While…

As a parent, the safety of your child or children is something you will worry about forever. They will be full-blown adults at some point, and you will still be thinking about keeping them safe. Many might see this as overprotective, but that is not the case. It is your job to protect your children from the dangers of the world as they grow and learn to handle those dangers on their own. Kids like to run without a care, and, unfortunately, that can lead to a pedestrian accident at the hands of a distracted or negligent driver. Read on to learn about some important tips to keep your child pedestrian safe from harm. Practice What You Teach When It…