If you’ve just been in a car accident in New Jersey, the moments after the crash can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Knowing exactly what steps to take can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover full compensation. Here is what you should do immediately following a car accident in New Jersey.
Step 1 — Check for Injuries
Your health comes first. Check yourself and all passengers for injuries before doing anything else. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, do not skip this step — some injuries like whiplash and concussions may not be immediately obvious.
Step 2 — Move to Safety
If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Step 3 — Call the Police
Always call the police after a car accident in New Jersey, even if the accident seems minor. A police report creates an official record of the accident which is crucial for your insurance claim and any future legal action. Never agree to handle things privately without a police report.
Step 4 — Exchange Information
Exchange the following information with all other drivers involved in the accident. Get their full name and contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company name and policy number, and vehicle make and model.
Step 5 — Document the Scene
Use your phone to photograph everything at the scene. Take photos of all vehicles involved and the damage to each, the accident location and road conditions, any visible injuries, traffic signs or signals nearby, and skid marks or debris on the road.
Step 6 — Gather Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the accident get their name and contact information. Witness testimony can be invaluable if the other driver disputes what happened.
Step 7 — Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine after the accident see a doctor as soon as possible. Many serious injuries including internal bleeding, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries do not show symptoms right away. Delaying medical treatment can also hurt your legal case as insurance companies will use any gap in treatment against you.
Step 8 — Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Stick to the basic facts of what happened and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries until you have spoken with an attorney.
Step 9 — Do Not Admit Fault
Never admit fault at the scene of the accident, even if you think you may have contributed to the crash. Fault is a legal determination that depends on many factors. Anything you say at the scene can be used against you later.
Step 10 — Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company contact an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to get you to accept a quick settlement that is far less than what you deserve. An attorney can protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.
How Blaise Injury Law Can Help
At Blaise Injury Law we represent car accident victims across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Attorney Blaise Richards spent over 5 years working for a major insurance company and knows exactly how insurers try to minimize claims. That inside knowledge gives our clients a powerful advantage.
If you have been injured in a car accident in New Jersey contact Blaise Injury Law today for a free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call (856) 340-5685 or visit our contact page to get started today.