The moments immediately following a car accident in New Jersey can be chaotic and overwhelming for the victims involved. These crucial moments can also greatly impact any future motor vehicle accident claims. To ensure accident victims protect their rights and receive the compensation they deserve, the experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at Richard Hollawell & Associates have compiled a comprehensive list of six essential steps to take immediately after a car accident.
1. Ensure Safety
Firstly, it is important to remain calm and prioritize everyone’s safety. Calling 911 and requesting an ambulance for any injured individuals is crucial. However, it is essential to refrain from moving immobile or unconscious victims unless necessary.
2. Exchange Information
it is necessary to exchange personal information with the other parties involved in the accident. Collecting names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license numbers is important. However, it is advisable to avoid discussing the cause of the accident or revealing additional details about insurance policies, as this could potentially affect future claims.
3. Take Pictures, Gather Evidence
Whenever possible, gathering evidence from the accident scene is the third step. Taking photographs of the vehicles involved, and documenting any damages, skid marks, road debris, and relevant surroundings is vital. It is also helpful to write down additional information such as weather conditions, traffic details, and the position of the sun. Gathering witness statements and contact information should also be a priority. Write your own experience of the crash down as soon as possible before you forget, and write down any pain or other problems you are having physically. Many car accident injuries take days to develop, and early evidence is important if you want to get insurance money for your medical treatment.
4. Call the Police
Providing a detailed statement to law enforcement is the fourth step. It is essential to ensure that the police receive an accurate account of the accident. If injuries prevent giving a statement at the scene, it is crucial to visit the police station as soon as possible to provide a statement. Requesting an official copy of the police report and reviewing it for inaccuracies is also advisable.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Timely notification to the insurance company is typically required in motor vehicle accidents. Following the procedures outlined in the insurance policy is crucial, regardless of whether the claim will be processed by the victim’s insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company.
6. Call an NJ Car Accident Lawyer
Lastly, contacting a New Jersey car accident lawyer is imperative before taking any further action regarding the claim. Seeking legal representation promptly allows for the timely filing of the claim and the potential receipt of compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages. With injuries such as whiplash which often develop a week after the accident and take months to resolve, an NJ personal Injury lawyer is imperative. An experienced attorney can handle communication with the other driver’s insurance company, prevent the signing of statements or waivers, and ensure the protection of the victim’s rights.
In conclusion, following these six essential steps can significantly impact a car accident claim in New Jersey. By remaining calm, prioritizing safety, collecting information, gathering evidence, providing accurate statements, contacting the insurance company, and seeking legal representation, accident victims can protect their rights and increase their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.
