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.
Recently, several serious accidents have occurred in and around Elizabeth, NJ—highlighting just how quickly everyday travel can turn dangerous:
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.
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.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
These are known as “compensatory damages,” and they are intended to help you recover—not profit—from your injuries.
The steps you take after an accident can affect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been hurt:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.