Injured in a New Jersey Car Accident? How To Protect Your Rights in a Claim
Car crashes are common in New Jersey and often result from other drivers’ reckless behavior. In the aftermath, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
Unfortunately, decisions you make in the hours and days that follow can negatively impact your rights to compensation. Our experienced Red Bank personal injury lawyer explains what to do after a crash or collision to protect yourself and your legal claim.
Immediate Steps To Protect Yourself After New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accidents
Statistics from the New Jersey Department of Transportation indicate that nearly 300,000 car accidents happen throughout the state each year. It’s common for victims to be overwhelmed and in a state of shock afterward.
However, whether it was a minor collision or a more serious crash, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath are critical. Steps to take as soon as possible include:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Get a police report listing the names, contact information, and insurance numbers of everyone involved.
- If you can, take photos or videos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Get names and contact information from any witnesses present.
- Get medical care, explain how your injuries happened, and follow all doctor instructions regarding treatment.
Delaying medical treatment is one of the most common mistakes crash victims make, and insurers use this to deny or dispute claims. A prompt evaluation creates a documented record that links your injuries directly to the crash.
What Not To Do After a New Jersey Car Accident
When car accidents happen due to the recklessness of other motorists, you have the right to hold them liable for your losses under the New Jersey Statutes. Knowing what to do after a crash or collision is important, but you also need to know what to avoid. Common mistakes that can weaken your claim include:
- Giving recorded statements to your own or the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Accepting a quick settlement offer before doctors determine the full extent of your injuries.
- Posting about what happened and the impact on social media.
- Missing follow-up medical appointments or stopping treatment too soon.
- Waiting too long to get legal help.
You have one chance to get compensation after a crash or collision. To protect your rights in a claim, get an experienced New Jersey injury lawyer on your side right away.
Request a Consultation Today With Our Experienced Red Bank Personal Injury Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents in New Jersey can change your life in an instant. Be aware that the actions you take in the immediate aftermath directly impact your rights to compensation.
At Sanvenero & Cittadino Law Office, our Red Bank personal injury lawyer works with crash victims to protect their rights and fights for the maximum compensation they are entitled to under New Jersey law. Call or contact our office online today to request a consultation. We represent clients in Shrewsbury, NJ; Monmouth County, NJ; Central New Jersey; and throughout New Jersey.
Sources:
dot.nj.gov/transportation/refdata/accident/pdf/TotalCrashesbyCountyStatewide.pdf
lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu