Driving on NJ roads can be dangerous, whether it’s due to congested traffic during rush hour, inclement weather during the wintertime, or drunk motorists late at night. The best thing you can do to avoid an auto accident is to pay attention to the roadway at all times and exercise caution, regardless of the situation. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do. Sometimes, a serious car accident is unavoidable.
If you are involved in a car crash, then there are certain steps you should take to protect your health, your financial resources, and your rights:
- Remain Calm: No matter how frightening the collision may have been, do your best to remain calm. You will need to be thinking clearly.
- Dial 911: You need to alert law enforcement to the accident so that a police officer can come to the scene and officially document everything. Without a police report, you may be in a world of trouble later when the time comes to file a claim with your insurance company.
- Get the Other Motorist’s Information: You will need to get the other driver’s name, insurance information, mailing address, and phone number. You should also write down the other vehicle’s license plate number, as well as the make and model of the car.
- Take Photographs: The best, most objective “witness” to your car accident will be a photograph. Take photos of the accident scene and make sure to get pictures of any damage to your vehicle or the other vehicles involved in the crash.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Any delay in contacting your insurance company could prove fatal to your accident claim.
- Go to the Doctor: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need different types of medical care. For serious injuries, go to an emergency room. For injuries that do not require immediate medical attention, you should still see a doctor. Additionally, when you seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, or pain and suffering, full documentation of your hospital visits will be necessary.
- Maintain Records: In the days and weeks that follow your accident, keep a written record of your injuries, as well as any pain and suffering you endure. You should also maintain a record of all official documentation, including the police report and any communications you have with your insurance company. This will be useful if you have to recall certain details later.
Call a New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can handle your accident claim and negotiate with the auto insurance company to ensure that you get maximum compensation.
If you were involved in a car accident on a road or highway in New Jersey, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights. Contact the experienced NJ personal injury lawyers at Andres, Berger & Tran today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
