Auto Insurance Reform on The Horizon For New Jersey

Auto insurance is generally intended to provide policy holders with the coverage they need to replace vehicles damaged in an auto accident and cover medical bills if injured in a car crash. Unfortunately, some government officials within the state of New Jersey are voicing concerns that these safeguards are being abused.
These concerns are supported by a recent report from the Property Casualty Insurance Association of America. According to this group of over 1,000 insurance companies from across the nation, the average claim for personal injuries in auto accidents for New Jersey was $16,397 in 2010. That rate was double those paid in other states.
Government officials specifically accuse medical professionals for these high numbers. They claim physicians are taking advantage of insurance protections by overbilling victims of car accidents for medical care.

Capping Medical Procedure Costs

In an attempt to stop these alleged abuses, the Insurance Commissioner introduced a wide array of tough rules. Many of these rules centered on price caps for various forms of treatment used for auto accident victims.
Medical professionals argued that these rules would negatively impact those involved in auto accidents who suffer personal injuries, since doctors would be less likely to treat car crash victims if price caps were in place.

Accidents Involving Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists

Another attempt to squash potential insurance abuse was highlighted in a recent Supreme Court hearing. The court ruled that uninsured motorists cannot sue for injuries, even if they were only a passenger in their uninsured vehicle. Current law clearly states uninsured motorists cannot bring a lawsuit if they are operating their own uninsured vehicle. Essentially, the court expanded this law to include being a passenger in the vehicle.
This holding highlights the move toward a crackdown on insurance abuse. Regardless of your insurance status, receiving compensation in New Jersey for injuries received in an auto accident can be difficult. As a result, if you or a loved one is injured in a car accident it is important to contact an experienced Toms River personal injury claims lawyer to better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.