Car accidents occur every day in New Jersey. Knowing what to do in the moments after a car accident in Cherry Hill, NJ can make the difference between you recovering fair compensation for your injuries or not. Here, Aronberg, Kouser, Snyder & Lindemann, P.A. provides a list of clear steps to take if you are involved in an accident.
Report the Accident
New Jersey law requires that you stop at any accident you are involved in that results in injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more and report it to the nearest law enforcement agency. When police respond to the scene of the accident, provide factual statements. Do not try to guess how the accident happened. Do not say anything that implies you are at fault for the crash.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured in the accident, request an ambulance when you call 911. If emergency technicians recommend going to the emergency room, follow their advice. If you didn’t notice any immediate injuries, seek medical attention if you begin experiencing pain or other symptoms in the hours or days after an accident.
Request Information
New Jersey law requires that drivers involved in car crashes give their name and address and exhibit their driver’s license and registration certificate for their vehicle. Also, ask for the driver’s insurance information.
Document the Scene
The accident will be quickly cleaned up so that it does not create hazards for other drivers, so you must try to document what you can while you have the opportunity. Take pictures of the following:
- The other vehicle and its damages
- The license plate number and VIN
- Your vehicle and its damages
- Any other property damage, such as marks showing the other driver went up on a curb or hit a guard rail.
- Any skid marks, tire treads, or debris on the roadway
- The accident scene with close-ups and wide-angle shots
- Road and weather conditions
- Nearby traffic signs and signs of street names
- Your injuries
Make a mental note of any nearby cameras.
If any witnesses stopped at the accident scene, ask them for their contact information.
Contact Your Insurance Company
New Jersey is a no-fault state for car insurance. To preserve your right to collect your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, you must report the accident promptly to your insurance company. The time limit is typically 30 days, but comply with the terms of your insurance policy.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
You may also be able to file a claim against the at-fault party if your insurance is insufficient to cover your damages or you suffered a serious injury. A car accident lawyer can help you with this process. Your lawyer can investigate the crash and gather evidence to establish liability. They can also ensure that all your accident-related injuries and losses are accounted for and inform you if a settlement offer is fair.
When you accept a settlement, you will sign a release of liability waiver, which permanently releases the at-fault party from any further financial responsibility related to the accident. You can’t reopen your claim or demand more compensation, so you want to ensure you obtain a fair settlement.
Contact Aronberg, Kouser, Snyder & Lindemann, P.A. to take advantage of a free case review.
