New Jersey Car Accidents
Although they happen every day all around the United States, being in a car accident can be a scary and chaotic experience. Whether it is a minor fender bender or a major collision with injuries, knowing what to do after a car wreck can help keep you, emergency service members, the other driver, and all the passengers on the road safe. If you are in a car wreck in the state of New Jersey, here is what you should do in the immediate aftermath.
Assess The Situation And Call The Proper Authorities
Who to call first depends on the severity of the accident. If the crash seems severe and you think any of the drivers or passengers need medical attention, immediately call 911 and have an ambulance and the paramedics sent to your location. Be as specific as you can when describing your location; in serious cases it could make a real difference. If the accident appears to be a minor one that doesn’t require immediate medical assistance, call the non-emergency police line for the city or county where the accident happened.
Any accident that causes injury, death, or more than $500 in property damages requires a call to the police by New Jersey state law. You are also required by law to fill out a written report and submit it within 10 days.
Call Your Insurance Company
Next, contact your auto insurance carrier to notify them that you have been in an accident. Some companies have smart phone applications so that you can do this without having to make a phone call and allowing those involved to submit an accident report at any time of the day or night. The company’s representative will ask you about the details of the collision and talk you through what you need to do in terms of collecting evidence and how to submit a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits form to help pay your bills.
See A Doctor
Quite often, a person doesn’t begin to experience the effects of a car crash on their body until hours or days after it happens, unless the injuries are serious enough to warrant an ambulance ride to the ER. Even if a paramedic examined you and let you leave, you should still book an appointment with a doctor to check for any injuries that were not immediately noticeable. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash, back strains, and other internal injuries may take a little while to notice due to the shock of the accident. It is also important to not wait too long to do this. If you do, it could put your ability to collect from your or the other driver’s insurance company, and you could be left paying those future medical bills by yourself.
Seek Legal Help
If you are confused about the process or are having issues with insurance companies, call an experienced personal injury attorney. They will help you determine if you have a case against another driver, monitor your care, and gather further information to help determine the best way forward. An attorney will be your advocate in dealing with insurance companies to get you the most compensation possible and protecting your rights. Take care of your health first, then take care of your legal rights.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Crash Case Today!
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in NJ? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Andres, Berger & Tran represent clients injured in car accidents and other types of motor vehicle accidents in Lindenwold, Haddon Township, Collingswood, Haddonfield and throughout New Jersey. Call us today at 856-317-6558 or fill our out online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 264 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
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.
