How long does the personal injury process take in New Jersey?

The timeline depends on your injuries, how long treatment lasts, and how hard the insurance company fights. Some New Jersey claims settle in a few months when fault is clear, and treatment is short, but more serious cases can take a year or longer, especially if you need ongoing care or a lawsuit becomes necessary. If the case goes into litigation, it can take many months or even years because of discovery, motions, and court scheduling.

Are personal injury settlements taxable?

Often, no, at least for the parts tied to a physical injury or physical sickness. The IRS generally excludes settlement money received for personal physical injuries or physical sickness from taxable income, but some parts can be taxable, such as punitive damages and interest. Taxes can also get complicated if you previously deducted medical expenses related to the injury in an earlier year. Because every settlement is different, it helps to have your lawyer and a tax professional review how the settlement is written and allocated.

What if the at-fault party is uninsured?

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may be able to make an uninsured motorist claim through your own auto policy. New Jersey requires uninsured motorist coverage in most auto liability policies, with an exception for certain basic policies, so many drivers have this protection. Your insurer "stands in the shoes" of the uninsured driver, which means you still must prove the other driver caused the crash, and the insurer may still dispute fault or damages.

How long will it take to get my settlement check?

After a case settles, you usually have to sign release paperwork, and the insurer then issues the check. Many people receive the settlement check within a few weeks to about a month after signing, but the timing can stretch if there are medical liens, payoff letters, or other required deductions that must be resolved before funds can be distributed. If you want a clearer estimate, your lawyer can explain what steps are left in your specific case and what might slow things down.

Washington Personal Injury Lawyers | Injury Attorneys Washington NJ

Washington Personal Injury Lawyers

Injury Attorneys in Washington, NJ, Providing Strong Legal Guidance for Injury Victims in Washington and Throughout New Jersey

In Washington, NJ, an injury can disrupt everything, from work schedules to family routines, and the bills can pile up before you have answers. That is why contacting Washington personal injury lawyers early is so important, especially before you accept any quick settlement talk. We move fast to gather the key records that support your claim, including medical notes, accident reports, and proof of lost income. Meanwhile, we take over communication with the insurance company so you do not feel pressured or blamed. Our firm stays focused on protecting clients' rights and records in Washington because every case deserves individual attention. Contact our dedicated injury attorneys in Washington, NJ, at our firm today for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

Understanding Personal Injury Cases

News does not have to be dramatic for an injury to change your life in Washington, NJ. Under NJ law, personal injury cases usually depend on negligence, which is a failure to use reasonable care that leads to harm. We often prove these cases by showing duty, breach, causation, and damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Because NJ uses comparative fault rules, defendants may argue you contributed to the accident, so we rely on documents and witness details to keep the story accurate. Common causes in Washington, NJ, include car crashes, falls on unsafe property, dog bites, and accidents tied to careless maintenance.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Washington, NJ

In Washington, NJ, busy roads and active commercial areas can lead to serious injuries when safety gets ignored. Since we appear in NJ courts, we understand how local court practices and ordinances can shape a case, especially when it comes to documentation, filings, and the presentation of facts. For that reason, we act early, then we prepare each case with the expectation that the insurer may fight back.

Washington car accidents: Collisions caused by distracted driving, unsafe merges, and failure to yield
Washington truck accidents: Commercial crashes that may involve company policies, driver records, and multiple defendants
Washington motorcycle accidents: Impacts that often lead to major injuries because riders have less protection
Washington pedestrian accidents: Crosswalk and parking lot crashes where drivers fail to watch for people walking
Washington bicycle accidents: Injuries from unsafe passing, dooring, and turning vehicles at intersections
Washington Uber accidents: Claims that may depend on app status and layered insurance coverage
Washington Lyft accidents: Cases that can involve coverage disputes and shared fault arguments
Washington catastrophic injuries: Severe injuries that can change work, mobility, and daily life long-term
Washington construction accidents: Falls, struck by objects, and equipment failures tied to unsafe sites
Washington dog bite accidents: Injuries that may involve scarring, infection risk, and strict liability issues
Washington medical malpractice: Harm caused by preventable medical mistakes and poor follow-up care
Washington nursing home abuse: Neglect and mistreatment concerns, such as falls, bedsores, and unsafe supervision
Washington product liability: Injuries linked to defective products, including design flaws and missing warnings
Washington premises liability: Unsafe conditions on property that cause injury to visitors
Washington slip and fall accidents: Falls caused by wet floors, ice, uneven surfaces, and broken steps
Washington workplace accidents: On-the-job injuries that may also support a third-party injury claim
Washington workers' compensation: Claims for wage and medical benefits after a workplace injury

Our team at Cohen & Riechelson has the trial-ready approach and local experience to pursue full compensation for your injuries and recovery.

Common Injuries in Personal Injury Cases in Washington

The hardest part of an accident is often what happens after the shock wears off and the pain becomes real. People often call Washington personal injury lawyers after traumatic brain injuries that interfere with focus, sleep, and memory. We also handle cases involving spinal cord injuries and paralysis, which can require long-term medical support and major lifestyle changes. Fractures and orthopedic trauma can also be severe, leading to surgery, physical therapy, and lost time at work. If you are searching for types of injuries after a car accident or common injuries in slip and fall cases, you will often see soft tissue injuries like whiplash and torn ligaments, plus burns or disfigurement that may cause permanent scarring. Emotional harm matters too, and anxiety or PTSD can make it hard to return to normal routines and feel safe again.

How Pain and Suffering Are Calculated

What surprises many people in Washington, NJ, is how quickly pain turns into missed work, missed plans, and constant stress. New Jersey does not provide a fixed formula for pain and suffering, so we focus on a set of practical factors: injury severity, recovery time, permanent limitations, and how much the injury disrupts your everyday routine. If the case comes from a car accident, the NJ verbal threshold limitation may apply, which can restrict non-economic damages unless the injury qualifies under the law. Adjusters often reach for the multiplier method, multiplying medical bills by a number they claim fits the injury, even when that number feels unfair. They may also argue the per diem approach, assigning a daily amount to your pain and multiplying it by the days you deal with it. Injury attorneys in Washington, NJ, can explain what those approaches mean for your claim.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

If you are hurt in Washington, NJ, you may worry that a claim means you will automatically end up in court. In reality, most cases settle. Our Morris County personal injury lawyers focus on preparing your case strongly so the insurer has a reason to make a fair offer.

Most Cases Settle Before Trial

Statistically, about 90-95% of personal injury cases settle out of court. When fault and damages are clear, insurers may offer a fair settlement early because they want to avoid trial costs and uncertainty.

When a Trial Becomes Necessary

A trial may become necessary when there is a dispute over fault or when the insurer undervalues the damages. It can also happen when settlement offers remain unreasonably low and negotiations stop moving forward. In some cases, going to court is the best strategic path to pursue full compensation.

We Prepare Every Case as if It Will Go to Court

That is why Washington personal injury lawyers at our firm prepare every case as if it will go to court, because real preparation encourages good faith negotiations. Most importantly, you will never be forced into court; we will advise you clearly and proceed only with your consent.

How Insurance Companies Undervalue Claims

Right after an accident in Washington, NJ, you may hear from an insurer before you even have a clear treatment plan. A quick lowball settlement offer can be used to lock you into an amount that does not reflect the real cost of recovery. Adjusters may also request recorded statements and ask leading questions, then use your answers later to argue your injuries are minor or unrelated. In many cases, delays show up next, including slow claim handling, repeated paperwork requests, or denial of legitimate claims to pressure you into settling. They may also push the idea that you should avoid lawyers, hoping you will accept less without realizing it. We know how to negotiate with insurers, and we are not afraid to take your case to court.

How Our Washington Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

When an accident happens, it is easy to feel pressured into quick decisions that do not protect your future. At Cohen & Riechelson, we do not run a settlement mill, and we do not push cases through just to close them, because every client deserves individual attention and careful case building. We begin with a consultation and case evaluation where we review what happened, what the law requires, and what compensation may be available. Next, we take over negotiations with the insurance company, handle deadlines and paperwork, and present a clear demand supported by strong records. If the insurer stays unreasonable, we can provide litigation support and take the case to court, using preparation to strengthen your leverage. Just as important, we keep you informed so you feel confident in each decision along the way.

About Personal Injury Accidents in Washington

In Washington, NJ, accidents often happen where daily life concentrates: downtown streets, parks, and local athletic areas. Washington Borough's Main Street runs along Route 57, and Route 31 crosses near the center of the borough, which can create a higher crash risk at busy intersections and during peak travel times. Injuries can also occur in community recreation areas with fields, playgrounds, and a pool, particularly when surfaces are wet or crowded. Workplaces, parking lots, and retail properties can add slip and fall hazards when maintenance is delayed. If you want help showing why the setting matters to your claim, injury attorneys in Washington, NJ, can help document conditions and pursue accountability.

Contact the Experienced Washington Personal Injury Lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson for a Free Consultation About Your Case

Bills and paperwork can arrive fast after an injury in Washington, NJ, and insurance companies often act before you have time to catch your breath. With the right legal support, you can protect your claim, avoid common traps, and pursue compensation that reflects medical care, lost income, and daily pain. Many people searching for Washington personal injury lawyers want a firm that will not accept "good enough" offers, and that same commitment supports our work for injury victims in Washington, NJ. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future through careful case building and strong advocacy. Call us today or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Washington, NJ

The timeline depends on your injuries, how long treatment lasts, and how hard the insurance company fights. Some New Jersey claims settle in a few months when fault is clear, and treatment is short, but more serious cases can take a year or longer, especially if you need ongoing care or a lawsuit becomes necessary. If the case goes into litigation, it can take many months or even years because of discovery, motions, and court scheduling.
Often, no, at least for the parts tied to a physical injury or physical sickness. The IRS generally excludes settlement money received for personal physical injuries or physical sickness from taxable income, but some parts can be taxable, such as punitive damages and interest. Taxes can also get complicated if you previously deducted medical expenses related to the injury in an earlier year. Because every settlement is different, it helps to have your lawyer and a tax professional review how the settlement is written and allocated.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may be able to make an uninsured motorist claim through your own auto policy. New Jersey requires uninsured motorist coverage in most auto liability policies, with an exception for certain basic policies, so many drivers have this protection. Your insurer "stands in the shoes" of the uninsured driver, which means you still must prove the other driver caused the crash, and the insurer may still dispute fault or damages.
After a case settles, you usually have to sign release paperwork, and the insurer then issues the check. Many people receive the settlement check within a few weeks to about a month after signing, but the timing can stretch if there are medical liens, payoff letters, or other required deductions that must be resolved before funds can be distributed. If you want a clearer estimate, your lawyer can explain what steps are left in your specific case and what might slow things down.