Injured in an Elizabeth, NJ Accident? Attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo Is Ready to Help

• Dan T. Matrafajlo
• Wed Jul 2025
• Accident,
• 0

If you’ve been injured in a crash or serious accident in Elizabeth, Woodbridge, or Edison, NJ—especially if it wasn’t your fault—you may be facing doctor visits, time out of work, and unexpected bills. That’s when having a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make all the difference.

Dan T. Matrafajlo of Beninato & Matrafajlo Law represents people just like you who’ve been hurt due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions. He knows New Jersey’s personal injury laws inside and out—and he’s ready to help.

Why Now Is the Time to Get Legal Help

Recently, several serious accidents have occurred in and around Elizabeth, NJ—highlighting just how quickly everyday travel can turn dangerous:

• May 2025 – A multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Elizabeth Avenue and Second Street sent several people to the hospital, including multiple police officers.
• May 2025 – A two-car collision on the NJ Turnpike Outer Road near the I‑278/Goethals Bridge left one person injured and caused significant traffic delays due to lane closures.
• August 2024 – A cyclist was fatally struck on North Avenue. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of the incident.
• April 2024 – A deadly accident involving a tanker truck and an SUV on Route 1 and 9 claimed two lives. Arrests were made in connection with the crash.

These tragic events are more than headlines—they’re reminders that lives can change in an instant. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash like these, it’s important to know that New Jersey law gives you the right to seek compensation—and that working with the right Elizabeth personal injury lawyer can make a major difference in how your case is handled.

What New Jersey Law Says About Personal Injury Cases

In New Jersey, you have the legal right to recover compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. That right is defined by several key laws:

No-Fault Auto Insurance

New Jersey follows a “no-fault” insurance system, which means your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses—known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—regardless of who caused the accident. This is established under N.J.S.A. § 39:6A-4. If, however, your injuries meet the legal threshold of “serious injury”—such as amputation, significant disfigurement, fractured bones, or loss of a bodily function—you may sue the at-fault driver. The right to sue under these circumstances is governed by N.J.S.A. § 39:6A-8(a).

Comparative Negligence

New Jersey uses a modified comparative negligence rule. According to N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. The amount of your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of negligence, as outlined in N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.2.

Time Limit to File

For most personal injury claims in New Jersey, the deadline to sue is two years from the date of the accident. This statute of limitation is established under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2(a). If you fail to file your claim within that period, you may be permanently barred from seeking recovery, regardless of the strength of your case.

What You Can Be Compensated For

Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages from missed work
• Reduced earning ability if you can’t return to work
• Pain and physical discomfort
• Emotional stress or mental health impacts
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
• Vehicle or property damage

These are known as “compensatory damages,” and they are intended to help you recover—not profit—from your injuries.

What to Do After a Crash or Injury

The steps you take after an accident can affect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been hurt:

1. Call 911: Make sure police respond and file a report. This creates an official record.
2. Get Medical Attention: Go to the ER or see your doctor, even if you think it’s “just soreness.” Your health comes first—and medical records are key evidence.
3. Document What Happened: Take photos of the scene, damage, and your injuries. Get names and contact info from witnesses if possible.
4. Don’t Give a Statement to Insurance: Insurance companies may try to record your statement or offer a fast payout. Don’t say anything until you speak with a lawyer.
5. Contact an Elizabeth Car Accident Lawyer: Call Attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo. He will review your case for free and explain your options under New Jersey law.

Why Dan Matrafajlo Is the Right Elizabeth Car Accident Attorney for You

Attorney Matrafajlo is based in Elizabeth and has built a reputation for standing up for accident victims in Union and Middlesex Counties. He’s been recognized by:

• Super Lawyers
• The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100

Dan takes a practical, no-nonsense approach. He works directly with his clients, listens to their concerns, and helps them understand what’s happening at every stage of the case.

Local Experience in Elizabeth That Makes a Difference

Dan knows the roads, traffic patterns, court systems, and insurance tactics that are specific to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Whether your car accident happened near the Goethals Bridge, along Route 1&9, on North Avenue, or on the NJ Turnpike by Interchange 13, he understands how to thoroughly investigate the scene, document key evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. His firm works with experts to analyze crash sites, evaluate medical records, and clearly explain the extent of your injuries to insurance companies—and in court, if needed.

The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side

Insurance companies are businesses. Their job is to pay as little as possible. That’s why they may delay your claim, ask for unnecessary paperwork, or suggest that your injuries aren’t serious.

Dan Matrafajlo knows how to deal with these tactics. He builds solid, fact-based cases designed to get you the full compensation you’re entitled to—either through settlement or, if needed, by taking your case to court.

Elizabeth Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a crash or serious accident in Elizabeth, you don’t need to handle this process alone. New Jersey law provides protection for people hurt by someone else’s carelessness—but you must act quickly to preserve your rights. Let an experienced Elizabeth personal injury lawyer help you understand what your case is worth—and what comes next. Contact Beninato & Matrafajlo Law by calling (908) 355-7100 or contacting us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.