Top 10 Things to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident
When you get behind the wheel of a car, or when you get into the passenger seat of a car driven by someone else, you understand that there are certain risks. The truth is that even the safest driver can be involved in an auto accident that results in catastrophic injuries. This is especially true during the winter months in NJ, which feature some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the country.
If you are involved in a car accident while driving on a New Jersey road or highway, these are 10 things you should consider doing:
- Stay Calm: Car crashes can be scary. Your adrenaline may be rushing and you might not be thinking clearly. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm.
- Check for Injuries: Car accidents can cause severe injuries that may require urgent medical care. Make sure that you have not suffered any physical injuries, and then check on your passengers. If anyone is seriously hurt, you might need to use a first aid kit before an ambulance arrives.
- Call the Police: Contact the police as soon as possible so that they can send officers to file a report, as well as paramedics to take care of any injured drivers or passengers.
- Get the Other Driver’s Information: For insurance claim purposes, you are going to need the other motorist’s information. Try to get their name, car registration, and insurance info. If the other driver doesn’t want to provide you with any of this information, wait for the police to arrive and then make the request again.
- Talk to Witnesses: Although the other motorist may have been at fault for the accident, they might dispute your version of events. Speak with witnesses and make sure that you get their contact information just in case you need them to testify on your behalf later.
- Take Photos: The accident scene might not stay the same for very long, so take photographs before anything changes. Try to capture skid marks on the roadway, damage to your vehicle, damage to the other vehicle, and the position of the cars relative to traffic signs or stoplights.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: You will need to file a timely claim with your insurance company in order to get compensation.
- Seek Medical Attention: If your injuries are severe, you need to seek immediate medical treatment. Even if your injuries are not too serious, it is important for you to visit a doctor and get checked out. Some car accident injuries, such as whiplash, don’t manifest until days or even weeks after the accident.
- Keep Records: If your claim is disputed, you will likely be asked to provide documents such as the official police report, vehicle repair estimates, and hospital bills.
- Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney: A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complicated NJ legal system and maximize your compensation for medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Were you seriously injured in a car accident on a road in NJ? Experienced personal injury lawyer our firm founder of CourtLaw can help you. Karim and his legal team are some of the most highly qualified auto accident attorneys in New Jersey. Contact our offices today for a free initial consultation.
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.
