Can Tourists File Injury Claims After an Accident in New Jersey?
Yes, tourists can file injury claims after harmful accidents that take place while visiting New Jersey. If you suffer an injury while in the state for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, know that you have the right to file a personal injury claim if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. You do not have to be a resident of New Jersey to file.
Factors Elevating Car Accident Risks in East Rutherford During the World Cup
If you will be in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals – which is scheduled to have eight matches at MetLife Stadium (NYNJ Stadium) – be prepared for elevated car accident risks. Traffic congestion near and around the Stadium is expected to be extreme, with warnings issued by New Jersey transportation officials to expect gridlock in the Meadowlands region.
An influx of hundreds of thousands of global soccer fans for the Final means a major upswing in the number of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, especially on match days. Extreme traffic surges on I-95, Route 3, Route 120 and other corridors increase the odds of related collisions, such as rear-end car accidents, lane-change accidents, sideswipes and chain-reaction crashes.
A vast number of pedestrians near the Stadium are also expected. Due to vehicle access restrictions, fans cannot get dropped off at the Stadium itself. They will instead be dropped about 1.3 miles away, at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, and have to walk. If you get struck by a car as a pedestrian on your way to MetLife Stadium, you have the right to file an injury claim.
How New Jersey No-Fault Insurance Laws Apply to Out-of-State Tourists
New Jersey is one of only 12 no-fault states in the country. Under this unique car insurance law, regardless of who is at fault for causing a car accident, each driver involved will seek compensation from his or her own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance benefits. Proving fault is not necessary to access this first-party coverage.
If you get hurt in a car accident while visiting from outside of New Jersey, the state’s no-fault law will apply to your claim. You may have multiple recovery options depending on the circumstances, such as whether you were a driver or pedestrian, whether you have your own car insurance policy, and whether the case involves complications such as a rideshare vehicle or rental car.
You can potentially file a claim in pursuit of financial compensation for your medical bills and lost wages from the at-fault driver’s PIP insurance, liability insurance, your own auto insurance policy, travel insurance, Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy, or rental car insurance. You may also have the right to file a lawsuit against one or more at-fault parties.
Critical Steps for Travelers Seeking Compensation After a Local Accident
If you become the victim of a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident in East Rutherford and you are not a New Jersey native, take these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Report the accident to local police by calling 911 immediately from your cell phone.
- Get medical care at a local hospital for any injuries. Do not delay in seeking treatment.
- Do your best to collect information about the incident, such as the other driver’s information, eyewitness names and phone numbers, and photos of the crash scene.
- If you have car insurance, notify your provider promptly of the accident.
- Before accepting a settlement, consult with an attorney.
When you’re ready to seek financial compensation for your injuries, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C.,for a free, zero-obligation consultation. Our local personal injury attorneys help visitors and tourists file injury claims in pursuit of justice. We don’t charge any fees unless we win.