|
Car Accident Lawyers Serving Ocean County, Monmouth County & All of New Jersey
After a crash, the insurance company's adjuster is already working to limit what they pay you. Mennie Heizler puts an attorney — not a case manager — on your side from the first call.
|
Car Accident
Proven Advocates Trusted by Clients Across New Jersey
What Our Clients Say
Why the Insurance Company's First Move Is Never Your Best Option
Car accidents in New Jersey rarely resolve the way injured people expect. The at-fault driver's insurer moves quickly to gather statements, assess liability, and close claims — often before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Medical bills arrive before a settlement. Lost wages accumulate. And the first offer rarely reflects what your case is actually worth.
Mennie Heizler represents car accident victims throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, and statewide New Jersey. Our attorneys have recovered over $200 million for injured clients, including a $9.6 million auto accident recovery. That record shapes how insurance companies respond when we make a demand.
We handle car accident cases from our
Toms River office, serving clients across
Ocean County — including Brick, Lakewood, and Toms River — and from our
Ocean Township office, serving clients throughout
Monmouth County, including Asbury Park, Neptune Township, and surrounding communities.
Car Accident Cases We Handle in New Jersey
Rear-End Collisions
Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft-tissue injuries are common outcomes of rear-end crashes. We know how to document these injuries and prevent insurers from minimizing them.
Drunk Driving Accidents
When a driver's recklessness causes serious injury, we pursue full compensation and, where applicable, punitive damages.
Hit-and-Run Crashes
Even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified, recovery options exist through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We know how to pursue them.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Crashes involving delivery vans, company cars, and fleet vehicles often involve employer liability and multiple insurance policies.
Intersection Accidents
Failure to yield, running red lights, and distracted driving at intersections are among the most litigated fault questions in NJ car accident cases.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
When multiple parties share fault, determining your recovery requires careful analysis of comparative negligence and each insurer's position.
How New Jersey Car Accident Law Affects Your Case
New Jersey has several insurance and liability rules that directly affect what you can recover — and how. Understanding these before you speak with an insurer can prevent costly mistakes.
New Jersey's No-Fault PIP System
New Jersey is a no-fault state for car insurance. After a crash, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your initial medical bills and lost wages — regardless of who caused the accident. PIP coverage is required under New Jersey law, but the limits vary by policy. If your medical costs exceed your PIP limit, or if your injuries are serious enough to meet the legal threshold for a lawsuit, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver directly.
Not sure what your policy covers? Call us — we'll review your policy for free.
The Verbal Threshold and Your Right to Sue
When you purchase auto insurance in New Jersey, you choose between two options: the "limitation on lawsuit" (verbal threshold) or the "no limitation on lawsuit" option. If you selected the verbal threshold, your right to sue for pain and suffering is limited. You can only pursue a lawsuit if your injury meets specific categories defined by New Jersey statute — including permanent injury, significant disfigurement, or displaced fractures. If you selected no limitation, you retain the full right to sue regardless of injury type. Many drivers do not know which option they selected. An attorney can review your policy and advise you on your options.
Comparative Negligence and Shared Fault
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partially responsible for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still recover as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. Insurance adjusters routinely look for evidence of shared fault to reduce payouts — do not give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
In most New Jersey car accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Accidents involving government vehicles or road conditions maintained by a public entity may carry shorter notice deadlines. The sooner you act, the more we can do to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Ocean County or Monmouth County
Step 1:
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Report the accident and seek medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel uninjured. Adrenaline often masks pain, and documented medical care establishes the connection between the crash and your injuries.
Step 2:
Document the Scene
Photograph both vehicles, the road conditions, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect the other driver's name, license number, insurance information, and contact details. Get witness names and phone numbers before they leave.
Step 3:
Do Not Admit Fault or Give a Recorded Statement
Do not apologize, speculate about fault, or agree to a recorded statement — to anyone, including your own insurer — before speaking with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce your recovery.
Step 4:
Contact Mennie Heizler Before the Insurance Company Contacts You
The at-fault driver's insurer may call within hours of the crash. Do not speak with them without legal representation. Call our Toms River office or Ocean Township office first — your consultation is free.
How We Handle Your Car Accident Case
Free Consultation With Your Attorney
You speak directly with John Mennie or Gregory Heizler. We review the facts, explain your options under New Jersey law, and tell you what your case may realistically be worth.
Investigation and Evidence Preservation
We gather the accident report, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions needed to document liability and the full extent of your damages — including future treatment costs and lost earning capacity.
Demand and Negotiation
We calculate your damages and submit a formal demand to the insurance carrier. Insurance companies know Mennie Heizler tries cases — that changes how they negotiate.
Litigation, If Necessary
If the insurer won't pay fair value, we file suit and take your case to court. Our attorneys have litigated car accident cases across Ocean County, Monmouth County, and throughout New Jersey.
Resolution
We pursue the result your case warrants and keep you informed at every stage. You don't pay anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Start With a Consultation
We get to know your situation, explain what probate involves, and answer your questions.
File in Probate Court
We handle all court submissions, deadlines, and communication.
Navigate Administration
We help with every legal and logistical step from opening to closing the estate.
Why Car Accident Victims Across New Jersey Choose This Firm
Your attorney answers your calls
John Mennie and Gregory Heizler handle client communication directly. No layers of staff. No waiting for a case manager to relay a message.
$200M+ recovered for NJ injury clients
Including a $9.6 million auto accident recovery and documented results across Ocean County and Monmouth County.
60+ years of combined courtroom experience
Insurers know we try cases. That position produces better settlements.
Two local offices
Our Ocean County car accident attorney office in Toms River and our Monmouth County office in Ocean Township serve clients across both counties and statewide.
Contingency fee — no recovery, no fee.
You pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we win your case.
|
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Cases in New Jersey
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in New Jersey?
Not every accident requires an attorney, but any accident involving injury, disputed fault, or an insurance offer does. Insurers are trained to minimize payouts. An attorney can evaluate whether the offer on the table reflects your actual damages — including future medical costs — before you accept anything and close your claim.
What should I do after a car accident in Ocean County, NJ?
Get medical attention first, then document the scene and exchange information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney. Call Mennie Heizler — your consultation is free and your attorney picks up.
What is the verbal threshold in NJ car accident cases?
The verbal threshold is a limitation on your right to sue for pain and suffering. If you selected this option on your auto policy, you can only bring a lawsuit if your injury meets specific statutory categories — such as permanent injury or significant disfigurement. Many drivers selected this option without fully understanding what it means. We can review your policy and advise you on your options.
How much is my car accident case worth in New Jersey?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, your insurance coverage, whether the at-fault driver is insured, and how fault is allocated. Cases involving permanent injuries, significant lost income, or long-term medical treatment typically recover substantially more than minor-injury claims. Call us and we'll give you an honest assessment based on the specific facts of your situation.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still recover under New Jersey's modified comparative negligence rule, provided your share of fault does not exceed 50%. Your total recovery is reduced proportionally. Do not assume shared fault ends your case — let us evaluate the facts first.
How long does a car accident case take in New Jersey?
Simple cases that settle before litigation may resolve in several months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or trial can take one to three years. Your attorney will give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your specific situation.
Ready to Talk?
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney in New Jersey Today
If you were injured in a crash in Ocean County, Monmouth County, or anywhere in New Jersey, your next call should be to an attorney — not an insurance company. Mennie Heizler offers free consultations, no upfront fees, and direct access to your attorney from the first conversation.
