Sherman "Tiger" Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), expressed concern over the "significant campaign contributions" from law firms to New Jersey legislators. He suggested that these donations could potentially influence policy in the state. Joyce's comments were part of a press release issued on March 21.
"The significant campaign contributions from plaintiffs' firms raise concerns about the potential influence on legislative and judicial decisions," said Joyce.
According to an ATRA report, the association analyzed political donations from New Jersey’s top twenty plaintiff’s law firms between 2017 and 2023. The most generous contributors to campaign committees were personal injury firm Malamut & Associates and Javerbaum, Wurgraft, et al, which specializes in cases including motor vehicle accidents. Over the last five years, Malamut & Associates contributed $278,875 and Javerbaum contributed $234,446. The analysis revealed that State Senate President Nicholas Scutari, a personal injury attorney himself, received $189,400 in political contributions from these firms during this period.
Among the bills introduced by Scutari this session is S2292. According to the bill's text, it would require low-speed e-bikes and electric scooters to be insured and registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The legislation would apply to class 1 and class 2 low-speed e-bikes that do not exceed speeds of 20 mph.
The Rothenberg Law Firm notes that individuals involved in an e-bike accident can engage a personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit over the incident. If an insurance company is involved, it will likely encourage the individual to accept a settlement. However, Rothenberg advises that individuals should consider pursuing legal action against their insurer.
According to Bankrate data, New Jersey drivers pay an average of $1,754 annually for full coverage car insurance. Various factors can lead to drivers paying even more for their insurance: New Jersey residents with poor credit pay approximately 121% more than the statewide average. Location also plays a role, with residents of Elizabeth paying an average of $3,050 each year.
As stated on its website, ATRA is a nationwide network of state-based legal reform groups. The American Council of Engineering Companies established ATRA in 1986 and was soon joined by the American Medical Association. ATRA operates at both state and federal levels to ensure fairness in the civil justice system.