Car Accident Lawyers
Brick Car Accident Lawyers
A car accident can change a person’s life in seconds. Medical bills accumulate fast, and without income coming in, financial pressure builds quickly. New Jersey law allows injured motorists to pursue compensation for those losses, but the process requires evidence, deadlines, and legal knowledge that most people simply do not possess.
That is where a Brick car accident lawyer at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can make a real difference. Our firm represents injured drivers and passengers across Ocean County, including the heavily traveled corridors of Route 88 and Hooper Avenue, which rank among the township’s most congested and collision-prone roads. From gathering police reports to negotiating with insurance carriers, our legal team efficiently handles each step of the claims process on behalf of injured clients.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Brick, New Jersey
Certain roadways in Brick experience consistently high traffic volume and elevated collision risk due to congestion, signal timing, and heavy seasonal travel. The stretch of Route 70 running east-west through town is a frequent site of rear-end and intersection crashes, particularly near commercial shopping centers. Route 88 sees steady commuter traffic and complex turning patterns that increase the likelihood of side-impact collisions. The intersection of Brick Boulevard and Chambers Bridge Road is another heavily traveled area where merging and signal changes create accident risks.
During summer months, shore-bound traffic adds significant congestion throughout Brick Township, while winter weather can make already busy corridors slippery and hazardous. Drivers navigating these high-volume routes must remain especially alert to avoid serious crashes.
What Makes Car Accident Claims in Brick, New Jersey, So Challenging?
Brick Township’s geography creates distinctive legal challenges for accident survivors. The township spans roughly 32 square miles and is home to more than 75,000 residents, generating heavy commuter and seasonal traffic along its major corridors. Ocean County’s court system, insurance requirements under New Jersey’s “no-fault” laws, and the state’s “verbal threshold” rules all shape how a Brick accident claim proceeds. Our Brick car accident lawyers are closely familiar with this specific jurisdiction, and we handle those layers more effectively than an out-of-area firm.
What Determines Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident?
“Fault” is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and physical damage to the vehicles, along with the applicable laws. Insurance adjusters and our Brick car accident lawyers analyze whether a driver violated traffic laws, was distracted, or acted negligently. Also, in states like New Jersey, fault may be shared between multiple parties under “comparative negligence” rules, meaning more than one driver can bear responsibility for the same crash.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My New Jersey Car Accident Claim?
The Garden State follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule under the New Jersey Revised Statutes 2A:15-5.1. You can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible, you are barred from recovering anything. Our experienced Brick car accident lawyers can counter attempts by insurers to inflate your share of fault.
Does My Car Insurance Cover a Rental Vehicle After an Accident?
It depends on your policy. Rental reimbursement coverage is an optional add-on that pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. If the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance may cover your rental costs. However, if you only carry minimum liability coverage and no rental reimbursement, you may be responsible for rental expenses out of pocket while repairs are underway.
What Is an Uninsured Motorist Claim and When Can I File One?
An “Uninsured Motorist (UM)” claim is filed with your own insurance company when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Most states require insurers to offer UM coverage, though not all drivers purchase it. Similarly, “Underinsured Motorist (UIM)” coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover your losses. Both coverages are designed to protect you from gaps left by inadequately insured drivers.
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Car Accident Case?
Insurers and courts typically use one of two methods. The “multiplier” method multiplies your total “economic” damages — medical bills, lost wages — by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on injury severity. The “per diem” method assigns a daily dollar amount to your suffering for each day you experienced pain. No fixed formula exists, and factors like injury permanence, impact on daily life, and credibility all influence the final figure.
Can a Passenger File a Car Accident Claim Against Their Driver?
Yes. A passenger injured in an accident can file a claim against any negligent party, including the driver of the vehicle in which they were riding. If that driver caused the crash, the passenger could seek compensation through the driver’s bodily injury liability insurance. The passenger’s own relationship with the driver — friend, family member, or stranger — generally does not prevent them from pursuing a valid injury claim.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Not Wearing a Seatbelt?
In many states, yes, but your compensation may be reduced. Some states apply the “seatbelt defense,” allowing the at-fault driver to argue that your failure to buckle up worsened your injuries. A jury may then reduce your damages accordingly. A handful of states prohibit the seatbelt defense entirely, meaning your lack of a seatbelt cannot be used against you in civil litigation.
What Happens When Two Insurance Companies Disagree on Fault?
When insurers dispute liability, they often enter a process called “intercompany arbitration,” in which a neutral arbitrator reviews evidence from both sides and issues a binding decision on how fault is allocated between the carriers. This process primarily governs subrogation disputes between insurance companies and can cause delays in your own claim’s resolution. Our Brick car accident lawyers can apply pressure through direct negotiation or, if necessary, file suit to move your case forward independently of the insurers’ dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s “statute of limitations” for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, as established under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. Missing that deadline generally bars a person from recovering any compensation, which makes it important to consult with our legal team well before that window closes.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC, work on a “contingency fee” basis, meaning the lawyer collects a percentage of the settlement or verdict only if the case is won. There is no upfront cost, so injured parties can access legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.
What should I avoid saying to the insurance company after an accident?
Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offer before speaking with a lawyer, as early statements can be used to limit your claim.
Our Experienced Brick Car Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Can Explain Your Legal Options.
A prompt legal consultation with our team can start you on the path to pursuing fair compensation. To learn more, contact our Brick car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. For a free consultation, call today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. With office locations in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.
Brick, NJ
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Hours of Operation
Tuesday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: 8:30AM – 12:30PM
Sunday: CLOSED
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