Car Accident Attorneys For Toms River, Brick And Ocean County
The time after a car accident is often one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. People often feel overwhelmed by pain and loss, angry at the situation and as if they will never get their lives back.
At R.C. Shea & Associates, Counsellors at Law, our Toms River car accident lawyers focus on helping injured people regain stability after a crash upends their lives. We step in to handle insurance disputes, liability questions and damage evaluations so you are not left navigating New Jersey’s no-fault system alone. Our attorneys understand how coverage limits, policy elections and fault determinations affect the outcome of a claim, and we use that knowledge to build cases designed for meaningful financial recovery.
Need A Car Accident Lawyer Near You?
Certified Trial Attorneys ready to fight for your full recovery.
Need A Car Accident Lawyer Near You?
Certified Trial Attorneys ready to fight for your full recovery.
Why Hire A Toms River Car Accident Lawyer From R.C. Shea & Associates, Counsellors at Law?
Choosing the right legal team after a serious crash can shape your financial recovery and peace of mind. Our firm has built a reputation in Ocean County for handling complex cases. Clients turn to us not only for results but also for the way we handle their cases.
Our value proposition includes:
- Decades of experience: Founded in 1979, our firm brings more than 35 years of combined experience handling serious personal injury claims.
- Proven results: We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients through settlements and jury verdicts.
- Recognized credentials: Members of our team are New Jersey Supreme Court certified attorneys and have earned recognition from Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
- Trial readiness: Insurance companies know we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position.
- Community connection: Many of our attorneys live in Toms River and Ocean County, giving us insight into local courts, roads and juries.
This combination allows us to pursue outcomes that reflect the true impact of a serious car accident.
Serious Toms River Car Accident Lawyers For Serious Injuries
Car accidents can cause serious damage. Many accident victims are left with catastrophic injuries that require repeated surgeries and ongoing physical therapy, and may result in a lifetime of pain and suffering.
At R.C. Shea & Associates, Counsellors at Law, we have handled many large, multimillion-dollar accident cases with great success. We are committed to helping our clients maximize their claims. We begin with a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident. Our Toms River car accident attorneys then build strong injury claims that maximize compensation.
Real Results For Car Accident Victims
Serious injuries require serious advocacy. Over the years, our Toms River car accident lawyers have secured substantial recoveries for clients facing long-term consequences.
Notable motor vehicle accident results include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Back Injury
Jury Verdict: $1.5 million
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Leg Injury
Settlement : $1 Million
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Neck injury
Settlement: $540,000
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Leg Injury
Settlement : $400,000
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Leg Injury
Settlement: $300,000
These outcomes demonstrate our focus on maximizing compensation based on medical needs, future limitations and overall quality of life.
What Clients Say About Working With Our Firm
When clients are dealing with trauma and loss, the way a firm handles communication matters just as much as legal skill.
“My husband and I needed to work with a lawyer due to the tragic loss of our daughter, who was involved in a car accident. We chose Bob Shea & Assoc.
What a good decision that was. Everyone involved in this Law Firm was wonderful. We worked closely with Bob Shea and Kathy Salvaggio. They are the warmest, most compassionate people to deal with. They did everything for us, we didn’t have to worry about anything.
When you’re grieving and in so much pain, you can’t think straight. Bob and Kathy made things go smoothly. Their encouragement and support was endless. Although the legal part of our situation has ended, we know that they would be there for us day or night.”
— Joe and Cheryl, Jackson, New Jersey
These experiences reflect our commitment to treating every client with dignity and respect.
Get The Maximum Compensation You Deserve
Don’t leave money on the table. We’ve recovered millions for clients.
Get The Maximum Compensation You Deserve
Don’t leave money on the table. We’ve recovered millions for clients.
Most Dangerous Roads And Intersections In The Toms River Area
Local knowledge matters when investigating crashes. Certain roads in and around Toms River see higher accident rates due to traffic volume, seasonal congestion and road design.
High-risk areas include:
- Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue: A well-known intersection with heavy shore traffic and complex signals.
- Garden State Parkway: Frequent rear-end and lane-change collisions, especially during summer months.
- Route 37: High congestion combined with retail access points increases crash risks.
- Route 9: Heavy local and commuter traffic with frequent turning movements.
Because our attorneys know these roads and traffic patterns, we can better analyze fault, roadway conditions and contributing factors.
Serious Injuries Commonly Caused By Car Accidents
Many collisions result in injuries that extend far beyond the initial hospital visit. Understanding the full scope of harm is critical to building a strong claim.
Common serious injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and long-term cognitive damage
- Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
- Neck and back injuries requiring surgery or ongoing treatment
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Permanent mobility limitations
Each injury requires careful documentation to pursue appropriate compensation.
Types Of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Not all crashes are the same. Our firm handles a wide range of accident scenarios, including:
This breadth allows us to apply the right strategy based on how and why the crash occurred.
New Jersey Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents
In New Jersey, most car accident injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery, regardless of injury severity. Early involvement allows evidence preservation and timely filing.
What To Do After A Car Accident In Toms River
After a car accident, taking the right steps is crucial for protecting your interests. The most critical tasks for you to complete include:
- Take photos of the scene and injuries: This evidence helps document the accident and provides valuable information for your legal team.
- Get contact information: Collect details from the other party and any eyewitnesses to assist in the investigation.
- Seek medical help: Immediate medical attention ensures your health and provides records for any claims.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly with basic facts. This step is vital for determining your coverage. Avoid accepting settlements before consulting a lawyer.
- Get a copy of the police report: This document offers essential details for your lawyer to analyze the incident thoroughly.
- Keep all records and evidence: Keep copies of medical bills, repair costs and other expenses. Also, save photos and eyewitness information.
- Write it down: Record everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your memory.
- Avoid social media: Refrain from discussing the accident online, as insurers may use your posts against you.
- Contact a lawyer: Legal guidance is crucial for navigating your case effectively.
Following these steps can help protect your rights and improve the outcome of your case. We are here to support you throughout this process.
Your Right To Compensation After A Car Accident
After a car accident, you can recover compensation for the following:
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Medical costs, including future medical needs
- Pain and suffering (subject to the verbal threshold)
It’s important to consult with a legal professional to understand the full scope of compensation available to you based on the specifics of your case.
Understanding Car Insurance Options In New Jersey
There are typically five types of coverage that car insurance policies offer:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses and more
- Liability: Covers damage you cause
- Uninsured motorist: Protects against drivers without insurance
- Underinsured motorist: Fills gaps in the at-fault driver’s insurance
- Collision and comprehensive: Covers vehicle damage and noncollision issues like theft
You have two primary car insurance policy options in New Jersey: standard and basic policies. With a standard policy, you receive:
- Bodily injury liability: Coverage from $15,000 to $250,000 per person and $30,000 to $500,000 per accident
- Property damage: Coverage from $5,000 to over $100,000
- Personal injury protection: Coverage from $15,000 to $250,000
- The choice between unlimited and limited right to sue impacts compensation for pain and suffering
A basic policy includes:
- Optional bodily injury liability: Up to $10,000 per accident
- Property damage: $5,000 per accident
- Personal injury protection: From $15,000 to $250,000 for certain injuries
- Limited right to sue option
If you selected limited right to sue when you purchased your insurance, it may be harder to obtain compensation for your noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering. In order to recover noneconomic damages, a doctor must provide a sworn statement that your injury is permanent and you must have medical records to back up that claim.
New Jersey’s No-Fault Auto Insurance Laws
New Jersey is among the few states with a “no-fault” insurance system, meaning you must first rely on your own insurance coverage for medical expenses and losses after a car accident. The advantage is that medical costs are covered quickly, reducing the wait for reimbursement. However, it limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless the injuries are severe.
To pursue compensation after a car accident in New Jersey, your first step is to file a personal injury protection claim. These benefits apply regardless of who caused the accident, earning the nickname “no-fault benefits.” Our firm can assist in filing this claim and address any issues with your insurance company.
Establishing fault is crucial for further compensation. We can help accomplish this by identifying factors that contributed to the accident, including:
- Unsafe speed
- Tailgating
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
We are here to help you understand your rights and work toward a fair resolution.
Modified Comparative Negligence Standard In New Jersey
New Jersey applies the modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases, which means you can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault. Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. If you’re over 50% at fault, you can’t receive any compensation.
For example, if a jury decides your damages total $100,000 and you’re 20% at fault, while the other party is 80% at fault, you can recover 80% of the damages, equaling $80,000. But if you’re found to be 60% at fault, you won’t get any compensation, as you’re more than 50% at fault.
Understanding this standard is crucial because it directly impacts your case and potential settlement amounts. We are here to help you assess your situation and work toward achieving the best possible outcome under New Jersey law.
Why Hire An Attorney After A Car Accident In Toms River?
After a car accident in New Jersey, hiring a lawyer can be crucial. Insurance laws are complex, making it difficult to know what you can sue for and the compensation you might receive. A study by the Insurance Research Council shows that victims with legal representation often get payouts 3.5 times higher than those without a lawyer. Plus, 85% of all bodily injury claim payouts go to those with an attorney, highlighting the benefits of having legal help.
Our firm, in particular, can help you in numerous valuable ways by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy and explaining your rights
- Investigating the crash thoroughly
- Assessing physical, emotional and financial harm
- Reviewing your case and filing necessary reports
- Preparing for your accident statement
- Taking your case to trial if needed
We are committed to helping you understand your options and handling your case effectively.
If You Were Injured In A Car Accident, Contact Our Law Firm
If you were injured in a car accident, contact our firm at 732-573-6370. Our Toms River car accident lawyers are skilled injury advocates. We handle complex car accident claims that other firms do not. We will fight to get you the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Consultations are free, and cases are taken on a contingency basis. We advance all the costs of your case, and you won’t pay us a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Our offices are conveniently located in Toms River and Berkeley Township.
Toms River Office:
244 Main Street
Toms River, NJ 08754
Berkeley Township Office:
600 Mule Road
Berkeley Township, NJ 08757
Recommended Reading
- Why your degree of fault in a car accident claim matters
- Useful evidence for your personal injury claim
- The 2 keys to defensive driving
- Why do people run red lights?
- Why a two-second following distance isn’t safe
Resources For Motorists Involved In Car Accidents
New Jersey State Police (NJSP)
NJSP Troop C (Toms River)
Provides information on accident reporting, traffic services and safety tips.
Ocean County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Traffic Safety Unit
Offers accident reporting, traffic incident information and safety resources.
Local Police Departments
Each department provides information on accident reporting and traffic safety programs.
Ocean County Superior Court
Traffic Court Information
Gives details on navigating traffic citations and accident-related legal matters.
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)
MVC Accident Reporting
Offers guidance on how to report accidents and what to do after a car crash.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
NJDOT Traffic Safety
Provides information on road safety, traffic laws and accident prevention.