Every day, New Jersey citizens put themselves in harm’s way when they travel the state’s many roadways. On New Jersey’s municipal, county, and state roads to interstate highways and toll roads, in 2021 alone, there were 221,259 car accidents, according to New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) data.
Anybody who has ever been involved in a motor vehicle accident knows that the moments following a crash can be quite chaotic. While the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, it is important to remember that those first few moments can be crucial for accident victims, especially if another party is liable for the crash.
Read on as we outline seven important steps everyone should take if they are involved in a New Jersey car accident. By taking these steps, you can remain safe while ensuring you can successfully file your insurance claim and hold negligent parties responsible in a court of law, if necessary.
1. Do not leave the scene of the accident
In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident can be illegal. Therefore, following the accident, the first step is to move to a safe location whenever possible. That means moving your car away from traffic. If that is not possible, exit the vehicle and move to a safe area near the crash scene. In some cases, when injuries are too severe, this may not be possible. Be sure that you and any passengers proceed with caution, particularly on busy roadways.
2. Seek medical attention
No matter how minor your injuries may appear at the time, it is always best to seek medical attention immediately following an accident. Whether you call 911 to the scene or you go directly to a primary care doctor, a medical evaluation is crucial. Having a clear record of any injuries will be beneficial moving forward. Minor injuries can often develop into serious problems, and your medical history will play a crucial role in any claim filing or future lawsuit.
3. Capture the scene using photos and/or videos
These days, most cell phones can take high-quality pictures and videos. So, as long as it is safe, take photos and videos at the crash scene. If you cannot do this yourself, have a passenger or a witness do it. When taking accident scene pictures, focus on any visible damage your vehicle has suffered and its position related to other cars, sidewalks, buildings, and obstacles, like lamp posts or trash cans. If there is any crash debris or skid marks in the road, photograph those too. All of this documentation can be used as evidence moving forward.
4. Contact the authorities and file a police report
It is always a good idea to contact the police following a New Jersey car accident, no matter how minor the crash may seem. You ensure an accident report is filed by giving law enforcement a detailed account of the incident. If you cannot make a statement at the scene, you must contact the agency with jurisdiction and make a statement as soon as possible because police reports are often a critical piece of any car accident claim. In addition, you should always request an official copy of the accident report as soon as it is available and check for any inaccuracies.
5. Exchange contact information with witnesses and others involved in the accident
When possible, you must obtain the contact information of any other drivers involved in the accident and from any witnesses, including passengers.
Be sure to gather the following:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle license plate numbers
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle owner’s name, if it is not the driver
- Driver’s insurance information, including policy number
Gathering this information in the immediate aftermath of a car crash can be challenging. Sometimes, the other driver may resist your efforts to collect this information. That is why it is always important to call the police to the scene, no matter how minor the accident might seem. As for any witnesses, names and contact information will usually suffice.
6. Contact your insurance company and report the accident.
It is important to report the accident to your insurance provider sooner rather than later because the waiting can make it more difficult to submit your claim and collect any reimbursement owed to you. Whether the claim is processed through your insurance company or the other driver’s, or even if it ends up in court, you must follow the rules and procedures outlined in your insurance policy to protect your rights and get the compensation you are entitled to.
7. Call a New Jersey personal injury lawyer
There are many reasons to contact a personal injury lawyer following a New Jersey car accident. Insurance companies often try to get you to accept a reimbursement amount that is hardly enough to cover your medical bills, vehicle repairs, income losses, and other expenses. In some cases, what seems like a minor injury becomes a more serious problem, and your medical costs skyrocket. Having a personal injury attorney by your side is your best course of action in these situations.
The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney after a New Jersey car accident, the sooner you can file your claim and receive compensation for medical expenses, pain & suffering, lost income, or other damages. An attorney will ensure you don’t waive any important rights or make errors that could harm your claim.
If you or a loved one was involved in a New Jersey car accident, call the team of professionals at Richard J. Hollawell at 1-800-681-3550 or click here for a free case evaluation.