Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers
Serious Injury Cases Require Serious Legal Representation
A serious injury does more than cause temporary disruption. It can affect your health, your ability to work, your financial stability, and your family’s future. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, insurance companies begin investigating — not to determine what is fair, but to limit what they must pay.
You deserve legal counsel that prepares just as quickly and just as thoroughly.
For over twenty years, the personal injury lawyers at Keefe Law Firm have fought for the rights of victims who have been harmed by negligence, unsafe conditions, and corporate misconduct. We have recovered over $100 million for people who were injured and for families who lost a loved one in motor vehicle, worksite, slip and fall accidents, as well as from the use of a bad medical implant, defective drug or dangerous product.
We do not see cases as files. We see people navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That perspective shapes how we prepare, how we communicate, and how we advocate.
We approach every case with the discipline, strategic preparation, and litigation experience necessary to pursue full and fair compensation.
Our entire team of lawyers, paralegals and investigators understand how the victim, their family and friends’ lives are affected by these catastrophic events. We are not only dedicated to providing aggressive and relentless legal representation but also wrangle daily with insurance companies, Medicaid and other third parties to get victims the maximum restitution possible.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim arises when someone suffers harm because another individual, business, or entity failed to exercise reasonable care. That failure — whether through reckless driving, unsafe property maintenance, or workplace negligence — can create legal responsibility for the damages that follow.
A successful injury claim typically requires proving:
- A duty of care existed
- That duty was breached
- The breach caused injury
- The injury resulted in measurable damages
While this framework may sound straightforward, personal injury litigation is often complex. Insurance companies challenge liability, question medical treatment, and attempt to minimize the long-term impact of injuries.
Preparation and experience matter.
While many personal injury and accident cases are settled out of court, there are times when a case will have to go to trial. In this event, the best outcome is only attained when your case is handled by a tough, experienced litigator that knows the ins and outs of the court system. At Keefe Law Firm, litigation is our strong suit. Our New Jersey Certified Civil Attorneys are highly skilled and relentless when arguing for our clients in the courtroom. Fewer than two percent of lawyers achieved this distinction, which requires demonstration of significant experience, education, knowledge, and expertise in trial practice.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Our firm represents clients in a wide range of serious injury matters throughout Monmouth County and across New Jersey.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions remain one of the most common causes of serious injury statewide. According to publicly available data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, thousands of injury-producing crashes occur each year on state and local roadways.
We represent victims injured in:
- Car accidents
- Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
- Motorcycle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rideshare-related crashes
- Multi-vehicle highway accidents
Many of these incidents involve distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, or intoxicated driving.
Motor vehicle cases require immediate evidence preservation, including crash reports, vehicle damage analysis, surveillance footage, and witness statements. In more complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be necessary to establish fault clearly and persuasively.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving tractor-trailers, delivery vehicles, and commercial fleets often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity between vehicles.
These cases frequently involve:
- Federal safety regulations
- Driver logbook analysis
- Maintenance records
- Corporate liability issues
Commercial carriers and their insurers deploy rapid-response teams immediately after serious crashes. Having experienced injury attorneys who understand how to counter these tactics can significantly affect case outcomes.
Slip, Trip & Fall (Premises Liability) Claims
Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors. When unsafe hazards — such as wet floors, broken staircases, inadequate lighting, or icy walkways — cause serious injuries, a slip and fall premises liability claim may arise.
Common fall-related injuries include:
- Hip fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Shoulder and knee damage
These cases often hinge on proving the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. Surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and inspection records are often critical.
Construction and Workplace Injuries
Construction sites remain among the most dangerous workplaces in New Jersey. Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, unsecured scaffolding, and contractor negligence frequently lead to devastating injuries.
While workers’ compensation provides certain benefits, injured workers may also have third-party claims against negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners.
We analyze each case carefully to determine whether additional avenues of recovery exist beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Catastrophic and Permanent Injuries
Some injuries permanently alter a person’s ability to work, live independently, or maintain their prior quality of life. These cases demand comprehensive evaluation of:
- Future medical expenses
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Home modifications
- Loss of earning capacity
- Life-care planning needs
Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and permanent orthopedic damage require a litigation strategy that accounts for decades — not just months — of consequences.
Wrongful Death Claims
When negligence results in fatal injury, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under New Jersey law.
These cases seek compensation for:
- Loss of financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and guidance
Wrongful death matters require both legal precision and a deep understanding of the emotional toll on families. We approach these cases with seriousness and respect.
How Much Is a Personal Injury Case Worth?
This is one of the most common questions we receive — and the most nuanced to answer.
There is no universal formula. The value of a case depends on factors such as:
- Severity and permanence of injury
- Required medical treatment
- Impact on earning capacity
- Degree of fault
- Available insurance coverage
- Long-term care needs
Insurance carriers often focus narrowly on immediate medical expenses. We focus on the total impact of the injury — including future consequences that may not yet be fully visible.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in New Jersey
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured person may recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident.
If a jury determines a plaintiff was partially responsible, compensation may be reduced proportionally. Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to minimize payouts. Careful investigation and evidence presentation are essential.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Most personal injury claims in New Jersey must be filed within two years from the date of injury. Claims involving public entities — such as municipalities or state agencies — may require formal notice within a significantly shorter period.
Failure to comply with these deadlines can bar recovery entirely.
Early consultation helps preserve legal rights and ensure critical evidence is secured.
Why Experience and Litigation Preparation Matter
Not all personal injury firms approach cases the same way.
Some focus primarily on rapid settlements. Others prepare every case as though it may proceed to trial.
At Keefe Law Firm, our background in complex litigation and corporate accountability informs how we handle injury cases. We are accustomed to analyzing large volumes of evidence, confronting sophisticated defense strategies, and working with expert witnesses.
Preparing a case thoroughly — from day one — often strengthens settlement leverage and positions clients more effectively if litigation becomes necessary.
Serving Monmouth County and Communities Across New Jersey
While we represent clients nationwide in complex environmental and mass tort matters, our injury attorneys maintain strong ties to Monmouth County and communities throughout New Jersey.
We regularly represent clients in:
- Red Bank
- Middletown
- Freehold
- Toms River
- Asbury Park
- Long Branch
- Newark and surrounding areas
Familiarity with local court systems, judges, and procedural nuances can influence litigation strategy and case progression.
Talk to A Skilled Attorney About Your Injury
Our case evaluations are free. Find out what yours is worth.
What To Do After an Accident
The steps taken immediately after an accident can significantly affect the strength of a future claim.
If possible:
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Report the accident to appropriate authorities.
- Document the scene with photographs.
- Collect witness information.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without counsel.
Even seemingly minor injuries can evolve into more serious medical conditions. Early medical evaluation also creates an important record connecting the injury to the accident.
Personal Injury and Accident Lawsuit FAQs
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer when they have been hurt in an accident because they think that it will be expensive, they don’t know where to start, an insurance company told them not to or they are not aware of their rights. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand how personal injury claims work.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer after a car accident?
If injuries are significant, liability is disputed, or insurance coverage is complex, legal representation can protect your ability to recover full compensation.
Will my case go to trial?
Many cases resolve through negotiated settlement. However, preparing for trial strengthens negotiating position and ensures readiness if litigation becomes necessary.
What is a personal injury lawsuit?
People file personal injury claims or lawsuits to protect their legal rights when they have been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident that resulted from the negligence of another party. The defendant in a personal injury matter can be a person or an entity such as a business, corporation or government agency. A personal injury case can be litigated and decided in civil court; however most personal injury disputes are settled out of court and the settlement terms are negotiated by the lawyers for the plaintiff and defendant.
How do I know if a lawyer is the right one to handle my case?
Always thoroughly investigate the qualifications, reputation and track record of any lawyer you are considering to represent you in a personal injury or accident lawsuit. In addition, the lawyer is not the only person that will handling your matter–their paralegal is very instrumental in managing your case. Here are a few tips to help you select the best personal injury lawyer for your specific case:
- Make careful note of how you were treated when you first contacted the prospective lawyer/law firm. Was your call answered promptly and politely? Was the person who took your call knowledgeable? Did he or she answer your questions thoroughly and patiently?
- Does the lawyer have a solid track record of successfully representing clients in personal injury and accident cases? He or she should be able to easily and quickly provide you with settlements and verdicts in cases similar to yours.
- When interacting with the lawyer and his/her team, do you get the sense that they will provide the appropriate level of attention to your case?
- Were details regarding the contingency fee arrangement spelled out clearly and provided in a retainer agreement?
- Make sure you check the attorney’s credentials. Your state bar association is an excellent place to start and will confirm that the attorney is in good standing. You can find out if an attorney has been disciplined via your state’s judicial website. In New Jersey, you can check for notices of discipline by the Disciplinary Review Board here.
- If you know any attorneys that practice in other areas, ask them about any lawyer you are considering for your personal injury matter. Good lawyers are an excellent source of information about other lawyers.
What does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Many people perceive that legal fees are expensive. In some instances, this is true. However, personal injury law works on a contingency basis. This means that your lawyer or law firm pays all case expenses throughout the process. Then, when your case settles, the lawyer’s fee is taken from the awarded amount. So, personal injury plaintiffs do not have to pay for anything up front or during the legal proceedings. At Keefe Law Firm, we go over all financial arrangement details with all of our prospective clients. Everything is spelled out in plain English and in writing before we accept a case.
How much money is my injury lawsuit worth?
This is big question that very much depends on many factors, such as the extent of your injuries, damage to your property, financial damage from present and future lost wages and benefits, the extent of the defendant’s negligence, etc. This is why it is critical to work with an experienced injury attorney and litigator who has the skill and dedication to relentlessly pursue your matter and get the best possible outcome.
The Personal Injury Legal Process
When you decide to legally pursue a personal injury or accident claim, specific legal steps will be set in motion. Here is a synopsis:
1. Check the Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a legal rule defining the maximum amount of time allowed to bring legal proceedings from the date of an alleged accident, offense or event. This can vary from one jurisdiction to another.
Personal injury cases often have a two year statute of limitations; the clock starts ticking from the date the injury or incident occurred. If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit be sure to consult with an attorney to determine the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction.
2. Select the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
To find a great lawyer begin by asking colleagues, friends and family members if they have worked with or know of a good personal injury or accident attorney. If you know an excellent attorney in any other practice area, ask him/her to recommend a personal injury lawyer. Good attorneys typically know who prevails in different practice areas. Also, check your state bar association’s website for a list of the association’s leaders. These attorneys are often very highly regarded within the legal community and for good reason. Be sure to check for litigation and trial experience. Develop a short list of attorneys that meet your requirements and then begin by calling or emailing their firm. If you don’t receive a quick and professional response, keep moving down your list.
When you make phone contact, a paralegal will do an “intake”. This is a series of questions about your matter as well as general information about you. This conversation may take up to an hour. Be sure to have all of your information handy before you call.
The attorney then reviews this information. If he/she would like to proceed, a conflict check is done to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest. If everything checks out and the lawyer agrees to take your case, you will then sign a retainer agreement.
3. Information Gathering
You attorney will collect all of the information relevant to your case. This includes medical records and documentation of lost work, wages, etc. Your lawyer will also consult with experts such as physicians, investigators and traffic specialists who may also testify should your case go to trial.
4. Settlement Negotiation
In many—if not most situations, your attorney will negotiate a settlement amenable to both parties. The settlement amount should be based on the extent of your injuries, treatment, and length of recovery plus your monetary losses.
5. If a settlement cannot be reached, you may then, upon your attorney’s advice, file a lawsuit. Your personal injury lawyer will prepare you and the evidence to litigate the best case possible in front of a judge and jury. This is why it is critical that you hire a skilled litigation or trial attorney from the very beginning.
6. Discovery and Depositions
After your lawsuit is filed, the discovery process begins and depositions are taken. A deposition is simply a Q & A session in which the lawyers on both sides question any witnesses, who must answer under oath. Think of it as information gathering in preparation for the trial. Your lawyer will thoroughly prepare and rehearse with you before it is your turn to be deposed.
7. The Trial
The trial can last anywhere from two to five days; however it can take more than a year to get a trial date and obtain a decision and award. Be aware that the defendant may also appeal the decision, which can delay payment.
A Strategic, Client-Focused Approach
Personal injury law is not simply about compensation. It is about accountability.
Negligent conduct — whether by a distracted driver, a careless property owner, or a corporation cutting corners — has consequences. Legal action can help injured individuals recover financially and reinforce safety standards within the community.
Our firm combines individualized client attention with the resources necessary to confront large insurers and corporate defendants.
We believe clients deserve:
- Clear communication
- Honest case evaluation
- Strategic litigation planning
- Respect throughout the process
Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to negligence, do not wait to understand your legal options.
Evidence can disappear. Witness memories fade. Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately.
Contact Keefe Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights under New Jersey law, and outline the next steps clearly and directly.
Protecting your future begins with informed action.