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Bill > S960
NJ S960
NJ S960Provides that limitation on lawsuit option does not apply in accident caused by drunk driver.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that a person who has chosen the "verbal threshold," or limitation on lawsuit option, under his private passenger automobile insurance policy could nevertheless sue a tortfeasor for noneconomic damages when bodily injury is sustained in an accident if the tortfeasor is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, drunk driving or refusing to take a breathalyzer test in relation to that accident, even if the verbal threshold requirements have not been met with respect to that injury.
AI Summary
This bill amends New Jersey law concerning automobile insurance and lawsuits, specifically addressing the "limitation on lawsuit option," also known as the "verbal threshold." This option, chosen by policyholders, generally restricts their ability to sue for non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) unless their injuries meet certain severe criteria, such as death, dismemberment, or permanent injury. However, this bill creates an exception: if a person sustains bodily injury in an accident caused by a drunk driver, or someone who refused a breathalyzer test, they can still sue for non-economic damages even if their injuries don't meet the usual verbal threshold requirements. This change aims to hold drunk drivers more accountable for the harm they cause, regardless of the severity of the victim's injuries as defined by the standard insurance policy option.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S960 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/960_I1.HTM |
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