What To Do If You're In A Car Accident In NJ

Car accidents happen suddenly and unexpectedly. But try not to let the intensity of the moment affect your better judgment.

Ensure Safety

Move to a safe location if possible and if you are in a heavy traffic area then stay in your car.

Turn on hazard lights so other drivers know that there is a problem and can go around you if necessary.

Check yourself and others for injuries and call for medical assistance if needed.

Call the Police

In New Jersey, it's advisable to contact the police regardless of the severity of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in you getting a traffic citation even if the accident wasn't your fault.

Make sure you talk to the police officer and tell them what happened. Ask them how you can obtain a copy of the police report. In most municipalities, you will have to get it from the police station at a later date.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other parties involved. If the police came to the scene and you're not comfortable talking directly to the other driver then this isn't completely necessary, but check to make sure the police are writing a report and that they have the other driver's information in the report.

Also, obtain contact information from any witnesses at the scene. They can be invaluable in proving that the accident wasn't your fault.

Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road signs or signals. But remember, when taking photos of the damage to your vehicle, don't only take close up photos. You need to back and and show the entire vehicle in some photos as well to give some perspective.

Also, take a video of the scene and walk around (to the extent that you can safely) so that someone watching it later on can have a good idea of what happened.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. You won't be any better off by trying to avoid involving the insurance company.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don't have visible injuries and didn't need an ambulance at the scene for any urgent injuries, it's a good idea to see a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries. You can go to the emergency room or see if you can get an appointment with your primary care doctor quickly.

Many injuries in car accidents don't even begin to reveal themselves until hours or even days after the accident because the adrenaline from being involved in a car accident and your body being in shock can mask the pain and other symptoms.

Consult with an Attorney

If you face challenges with insurance claims or legal matters, consider consulting with an attorney.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's crucial to consult with a legal professional to get advice tailored to your specific situation. Additionally, laws and procedures may change, so it's a good idea to check for any updates or changes to the regulations in New Jersey.