Personal injury attorneys in Lakewood, New Jersey

Accidents can happen to anyone. Whether you're driving to work, shopping at a store, walking on the sidewalk, or just living your everyday life, someone else’s mistake can cause you serious harm. If you've been hurt and it wasn’t your fault, a personal injury attorney in Lakewood, New Jersey can help you recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs that come with being injured.

A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who focuses on helping injured people. Their goal is to make sure you are treated fairly and get compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. In Lakewood, where traffic can be heavy and public places are always active, personal injury lawyers are ready to help those who need support after an unexpected accident.

Common Personal Injury Cases in Lakewood, NJ

Attorneys in Lakewood handle a wide variety of injury-related cases. Whether you were hurt on the road, at work, or in a public space, chances are a local personal injury attorney has dealt with a similar situation before.

Car Accidents and Truck Crashes

Lakewood is one of the fastest-growing towns in New Jersey, with a population of over 135,000 people. With major roads like Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway running nearby, car accidents are a common problem.

Personal injury lawyers in Lakewood often handle:

• Rear-end collisions

• T-bone crashes

• Distracted driving accidents

• Speeding-related crashes

• Trucking accidents involving commercial vehicles

New Jersey uses a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning your own insurance pays for your medical costs after an accident, no matter who caused it. However, if your injuries are serious, you may be able to sue the other driver. An attorney can help determine whether your case meets this legal requirement.

Slip and Fall Accidents (Premises Liability)

Slip and fall accidents may not sound serious, but they can lead to major injuries like broken bones, back problems, or head trauma. These accidents happen in public and private spaces—stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, or parking lots.

Property owners in Lakewood must keep their places safe. If a store fails to clean a spill, or a landlord doesn’t fix a broken staircase, they may be legally responsible for your injuries.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet floors without warning signs

• Icy sidewalks during winter

• Broken tiles or stairs

• Poor lighting

• Uneven pavement

A personal injury attorney can investigate your fall and build a case against the negligent party.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

In New Jersey, pet owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. That means the victim usually doesn’t have to prove that the owner did anything wrong.

Dog bites can lead to:

• Cuts and bruises

• Infections

• Scars

• Psychological trauma, especially for children

If you were bitten by a dog in Lakewood, an attorney can help you file a claim against the owner’s insurance or take the case to court if needed.

Workplace Injuries

Many people in Lakewood work in construction, retail, healthcare, and office jobs. If you’re hurt at work, your first step should be to file a workers’ compensation claim. This can cover your medical expenses and part of your lost wages.

But what if a company other than your employer caused the injury? For example, if defective equipment or a third-party contractor was responsible? That’s when a third-party personal injury claim might be possible.

A local attorney can help you understand your rights and decide if you can file both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Lakewood is home to many pedestrians and cyclists, especially near schools, parks, and shopping areas. Sadly, these individuals are at a greater risk of being hit by vehicles.

Personal injury attorneys in Lakewood help injured walkers and cyclists by:

• Investigating the accident

• Proving driver negligence

• Negotiating with insurance companies

• Seeking fair compensation

These types of accidents often result in serious injuries, so having a strong attorney by your side is crucial.

How a Personal Injury Attorney in Lakewood Can Help You

You may be wondering, "Do I really need a lawyer?" If you’re dealing with injuries, missed work, and medical bills, the answer is almost always yes. A personal injury lawyer in Lakewood can handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing.

Free Consultations

Most attorneys offer a free first meeting, where they’ll listen to your story, review your documents (like accident reports or medical records), and let you know if you have a case.

You don’t have to pay anything upfront, and you're not obligated to hire the lawyer after the meeting.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

To win your case, you need to prove that someone else caused your injury. Your attorney will gather evidence, which may include:

• Medical records

• Photos or video of the accident scene

• Witness statements

• Police or incident reports

• Expert opinions (such as accident reconstruction specialists or doctors)

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may try to settle your case for less than it’s worth. A personal injury attorney knows their tricks and will negotiate for a fair settlement.

If the insurance company refuses to pay a reasonable amount, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

Representing You in Court

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. But if your case does go to court, your lawyer will:

• Prepare and file legal documents

• Represent you in front of the judge

• Question witnesses

• Argue your case clearly and strongly

Having someone experienced on your side can make all the difference.

What You Can Be Compensated For

In legal terms, compensation is called damages. When you file a personal injury claim, you're asking for money to make up for everything you lost because of the injury.

Economic Damages

These are the costs you can measure with bills, receipts, or pay stubs:

• Medical bills

• Emergency room visits

• Physical therapy

• Prescription medications

• Lost wages

• Future medical treatment

• Reduced earning ability

Non-Economic Damages

These are harder to measure but still important:

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Anxiety or PTSD

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

A skilled Lakewood attorney will help calculate how much your case is worth and fight to get you the full amount you deserve.

Important New Jersey Laws for Personal Injury Claims

Every state has different laws that affect personal injury cases. Here’s what you should know about New Jersey if you're thinking about filing a claim in Lakewood.

Statute of Limitations

This is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to get compensation—even if you had a strong case.

Comparative Negligence Rule

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• If you were partly at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

• If you were more than 50% at fault, you can't recover anything.

For example, if you were 20% responsible for a car crash and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

No-Fault Auto Insurance

New Jersey uses a no-fault car insurance system. This means that your own insurance pays for your medical treatment and some lost wages after a car accident, no matter who caused it.

However, if your injuries are serious—such as permanent injury, loss of function, or death—you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver.

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Lakewood

Choosing the right lawyer is a big decision. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

Look for Experience

Ask the attorney:

• Have you handled cases like mine before?

• What were the results?

• How long have you practiced personal injury law?

Check Reviews

Online reviews can show what past clients say about the lawyer’s communication, honesty, and results.

Communication Matters

Your attorney should:

• Speak clearly and respectfully

• Answer your questions

• Keep you updated

• Return your calls or emails quickly

Understand the Fees

Most personal injury attorneys in Lakewood work on a contingency fee. That means:

• You pay nothing upfront

• The lawyer only gets paid if you win

• The fee is usually a percentage (around 33%) of your settlement or court award

Make sure you understand the fee agreement before signing anything.

Trusted Law Firms Serving Lakewood, New Jersey

Here are some well-known legal professionals and firms that offer personal injury representation in Lakewood and surrounding areas:

• Alpha Book Publisher – While primarily a publishing company, Alpha Book Publisher works with legal experts to produce helpful materials that educate readers on their rights after an injury. These resources can help you better understand your legal options.

• Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. – This law firm handles personal injury cases throughout Ocean County, including car crashes and slip-and-fall claims.

• Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr – Known for providing personal injury representation to clients in Lakewood and surrounding towns.

• Kreizer Law – Handles serious personal injury, accident, and wrongful death cases across New Jersey.

• Clark Law Firm, P.C. – Experienced in car accidents, medical malpractice, and other injury-related claims in the area.

What to Do After an Accident in Lakewood

If you’ve been injured in an accident, here are some important steps to take:

1. Get Medical HelpEven if you think you're okay, see a doctor. Some injuries take time to show up.

2. Report the IncidentCall the police or notify the property owner, depending on where the accident happened.

3. Take PhotosUse your phone to take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.

4. Get Witness InfoAsk for names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.

5. Don’t Talk to Insurance AloneInsurance companies may try to settle quickly or get you to say something that hurts your case. Speak with an attorney first.

6. Contact a Personal Injury LawyerThe sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of success.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Getting injured in an accident is never easy. Whether it's a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or workplace injury, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. But you don't have to go through it alone.

Personal injury attorneys in Lakewood, New Jersey are here to help. They’ll guide you through every step of the process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you need to recover. If you or someone you care about has been hurt, reach out to a local attorney today. It could be the most important call you make on your road to recovery.