Image credit: www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/simpson33
It can be a shocking and disorienting experience to be involved in any kind of accident including car, truck, bike and cycle. When faced with such a difficult situation, it is hard to know what to do.
It is imperative that you follow certain steps after an accident in New Jersey in order to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. To begin the insurance claims process, you must follow the law. Additionally, auto accident victims in New Jersey are generally allowed to sue two years after the accident under New Jersey’s statute of limitations.
You should do the following if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident:
1. Call 911
Right after an accident, you should call 911 as soon as possible. Calling 911 helps you to complete two important things: it informs the local police station about the accident and secondly it provides immediate medical assistance to the injured.
- If There Are Any Injuries: In the aftermath of an accident, physical health and safety should be your top priority to consider. Observe yourself and those around you. Call 911 immediately to request an ambulance if you suspect anyone is seriously injured. Whenever possible, first aid yourself or someone else who needs immediate care if you are able to perform it. If someone is unconscious or immobile, it is recommended not to move them unless it is crucial to protect them.
- Call The Police: If you’ve had an accident, you should always call the police. Regardless of how small the accident appears. You will be asked to file the report for a minor accident. In a more serious case, they will send a representative to the accident site themselves to conduct an investigation and to file the report. You should provide as much information as possible in either case. Additionally, do not forget to get the copy of the case after completing the process. Having the report on hand will be very beneficial in the courtroom.
2. Exchanging Information
Exchanging information with other drivers who are involved in accidents is extremely important. During the information exchange process, a driver’s name, telephone number, driver’s license number, and information about the insurer and policy must be acquired.
Do not forget to include the model, year, registration information and license plate number. It is generally advisable not to make extra statements including accident cause and insurance coverage etc.
3. Collect Evidence From The Scene In Detail
A thorough accident report is also essential. The scene of the accident should be photographed if you can do so safely and are physically able. You should take close-up images of damaged parts of the cars, skid marks, debris and the surroundings. Also keep the record of the direction and remember the name of the road you were traveling.
Make a note of everything you think might be important, like the current weather, the sun’s position, heavy or light traffic, etc. You should get a statement from the witnesses of the accident, as well as their contact information, if there were any.
4. Log Everything
It is suggested to maintain the record of everything after leaving the accident spot.
- Make sure you keep receipts for any car repairs.
- It is best to keep a copy of all receipts and medical bills.
- Make a note of every phone call and pass it on to your insurance company.
It is possible that the other driver’s insurance company will contact you. If so, it will smooth things over and you will be compensated soon.
5. Describe the Accident Accurately
In order to get the best investigation results, the police will need to know exactly what happened. So, ensure to explain exactly what happened. You should also disclose any information which you do not fully understand. I would advise you to be accurate and fair when sharing the facts and avoid speculating, guessing, or omitting any facts. A motor vehicle accident often leaves the injured person feeling pain and suffering after a number of hours. So if you are not sure about your injury or the injury of other persons let the police officer know about this as well.
6. Get In Touch With Your Insurance Provider
Any time you are involved in a car, bike or truck accident, your insurance company generally wants you to be notified as quickly as possible. A member of their team can help you begin the claim filing process. With their years of experience, they can also help you avoid making mistakes.
Whether the other driver’s insurance company handles your claim or your own, they will provide you legal defence in the court by protecting your rights and providing you the best possible coverage.
7. Get In Touch With An experienced New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer
In order to collect compensation for the loss of income, medical costs, and discomfort resulting from the accident, you must contact an experienced lawyer in New Jersey. Furthermore, having an attorney will make sure you do not give up valuable rights or do anything else that might harm your case. Always speak with an attorney before accepting or cashing a check.
Most of the time, the insurance company settles the claim after they determine who is at fault in an accident. In some cases, however, a court case might be necessary. Then consulting an experienced attorney would be helpful. Rosengard Law Group has experienced New Jersey Car Accident lawyers located at 496 Kings Highway North, Suite 220B, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 in New Jersey. In case of any difficulty regarding accident documentation, paperwork, investigation and court filing, the experienced injury lawyers will handle it wisely. To get an appointment, call at 856-284-6446.
Final Thoughts
It is advisable to drive carefully to avoid any kind of accident. But sometimes things get worse and an unfortunate accident happens. This article would help you to know what are the most important things you should do after being in an accident.
