Yes — up to a point. How the 51% bar rule affects your right to recover. This guide explains what New Jersey injury victims should understand, why the details matter to your recovery, and how Injury Claim Team connects you with experienced attorneys who handle these cases across all 21 counties.
How Fault Is Allocated
New Jersey applies a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured person may recover compensation as long as they were not more than 50% at fault, and any award is reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility. In contested cases, insurers work hard to assign as much blame as possible to the victim, because every percentage point of fault reduces what they pay. An attorney counters that by marshalling evidence that accurately reflects what happened.
Why the 51% Bar Matters
Because recovery is barred once a victim is found more than 50% responsible, the difference between 50% and 51% fault can mean the difference between a substantial award and nothing at all. Building a clear, well-documented account of the incident is essential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Injured people often unknowingly weaken their own claims — by delaying medical care, giving recorded statements to the other side's insurer, posting about the incident on social media, or accepting a fast settlement before the full extent of their injuries is known. Each of these can reduce or eliminate a recovery that would otherwise be available.
How Injury Claim Team Helps
Injury Claim Team is not a law firm — we are a service that connects injured New Jerseyans with experienced, independent personal injury attorneys who handle cases like yours. There is no cost to speak with us, and our network attorneys work on contingency: no fee unless they win. Call 973-566-5599 or request a free, confidential review online, and a specialist will reach out within the hour.
Free case review: Questions about your New Jersey injury? Call 973-566-5599 for a free, confidential consultation. No fee unless you win.