How Soon Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident in New Jersey?

You just got into a car accident. You feel okay, maybe just a little sore. You think, "I'll wait and see how I feel tomorrow." But waiting could be one of the biggest mistakes you make.

In New Jersey, seeing a doctor right after a car accident is very important. Even if you think you're fine, you need to get checked out. Here's why it matters so much for your health and for any claim you might make later.

The Simple Answer: Go to the Doctor Right Away

You should see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after your car accident. The sooner, the better. If you have any pain, dizziness, or feel "off" in any way, go to the emergency room or urgent care right away.

Why? Because your body might be hiding injuries from you. And if you wait too long, the insurance company will say you weren't really hurt.

Hidden Injuries: You Might Be Hurt and Not Know It

Many car accident injuries don't show up right away. You might feel fine at first, but hours or days later, you start hurting. This happens because your body is in shock after an accident. Your adrenaline is high, and you might not feel pain right away.

Common hidden injuries include:

Injury

What Happens

Whiplash

Neck pain and stiffness that might not appear until the next day

Concussions

Brain injuries that cause headaches, confusion, or memory problems days later

Back Injuries

Herniated discs or spinal cord damage that gets worse over time

Internal Bleeding

Dangerous injuries inside your body that you can't see

A doctor can find these injuries before they get worse. Getting checked out protects your health and creates a record that you were hurt in the accident.

How Insurance Companies Use Delays Against You

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their job is to pay you as little money as possible. If you wait to see a doctor, they will use this against you.

Here's what they say when you delay treatment:

• "If you were really hurt, you would have gone to the doctor right away."

• "You must have hurt yourself doing something else, not in the accident."

• "Your injuries aren't serious because you waited so long to get help."

These arguments can destroy your claim. Even if you really are hurt, the insurance company will try to pay you nothing or very little money.

⚠ IMPORTANT: Under New Jersey law, you must report your accident to your insurance company quickly and begin treatment within a reasonable time to protect your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Don't wait!

New Jersey's Time Limits: The Clock Is Ticking

New Jersey law gives you only 2 years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. This is called the "statute of limitations" (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1).

If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue. Forever. You can't get any money for your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Timeline

Right After Accident

Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Get medical help immediately.

Within 24-48 Hours

See a doctor, even if you feel okay. Call a personal injury lawyer.

Within 90 Days

If a government vehicle was involved (police, bus, etc.), you MUST file a notice of claim within 90 days or lose your rights.

Within 2 Years

You must file a lawsuit by this deadline or lose your right to sue forever (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1).

What About Your Car Insurance (PIP)?

New Jersey is a "no-fault" state. This means your own car insurance (called Personal Injury Protection or PIP) pays for your medical bills after an accident, no matter who caused the crash.

But there's a catch: You must start treatment quickly. If you wait too long to see a doctor, your insurance company might refuse to pay your medical bills. They'll say the delay proves you weren't really hurt.

PIP coverage in New Jersey can range from $15,000 to $250,000, depending on what you chose when you bought your policy. This money is supposed to help you, but only if you follow the rules and get treatment right away.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away

Calling a personal injury lawyer soon after your accident is one of the smartest things you can do. Here's why:

1. Lawyers Know How Insurance Companies Think

Insurance companies have lawyers and trained adjusters whose job is to deny or reduce your claim. You need someone on your side who knows their tricks and can fight back.

2. Lawyers Protect Your Rights

A lawyer will make sure you don't miss important deadlines. They'll handle the paperwork, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you get all the money you deserve.

3. Lawyers Get You Better Medical Care

Many lawyers work with doctors who will treat you now and get paid later from your settlement. This means you can get the care you need without paying upfront.

4. Lawyers Get You More Money

Studies show that people with lawyers get much more money than people who try to handle claims themselves. A good lawyer knows how to value your claim and won't let the insurance company cheat you.

5. Most Personal Injury Lawyers Work for Free Until You Win

Most personal injury lawyers work on a "contingency fee." This means you don't pay anything unless they win money for you. The lawyer only gets paid if you get paid.

What to Do Right Now

If you've been in a car accident in New Jersey, follow these steps:

1. See a doctor immediately – Don't wait. Get checked out within 24-48 hours, even if you feel fine.

2. Report the accident to your insurance company – Do this right away to protect your PIP benefits.

3. Keep all your medical records – Save every receipt, bill, and doctor's note.

4. Don't talk to the other driver's insurance company – They will try to get you to say things that hurt your claim. Let your lawyer handle all communication.

5. Call a personal injury lawyer today – The sooner you call, the better. Your lawyer can start protecting your rights right away.

The Bottom Line

Time is not on your side after a car accident. Every day you wait to see a doctor or call a lawyer makes it harder to win your case. Insurance companies know this, and they count on you making mistakes.

Don't give them that chance. Protect your health and your rights by acting fast. See a doctor right away, and call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Remember: In New Jersey, you have only 2 years to file a lawsuit (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1), and insurance companies start working against you from day one. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of getting the money you need and deserve.

✓ Don't wait. Your health and your claim depend on fast action. If you've been hurt in a car accident in New Jersey, call a personal injury lawyer today for a free consultatio