The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey S 4847 clarifies admissibility of future medical expenses in car crash lawsuits
Last action · October 19, 2026: Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce CommitteeSponsor: Joseph A. Lagana
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What This Bill Would Do
This bill allows injured motorists to introduce evidence of future medical treatment expenses in civil lawsuits for bodily injury, clarifying that such expenses are not "collectible" merely because insurance coverage limits remain theoretically available.
The measure determines whether auto accident victims can present future medical cost estimates to a jury in negligence trials, directly affecting what financial evidence is admissible when seeking damages from an at-fault driver.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
injured motorists
Motorists involved in automobile negligence actions are permitted to introduce evidence of unrendered future medical treatment expenses in civil court.
automobile insurance carriers
Insurers providing personal injury protection coverage may assert an offset or credit against future benefit applications if an injured person recovers compensation for future medical expenses in a civil action.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this bill change about car accident lawsuits?
When is a medical expense considered collectible under the bill?
Does the bill allow a person to collect twice for the same medical expenses?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Oct 19, 2026SenateIntroducedIntroduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy35Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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