If you or someone you know is hurt in a car accident, you have legal options to help put your life back together. While many drivers file insurance claims to get compensation, you might also have the option to sue the at-fault driver in court. An experienced attorney should help you decide what to do next.
We need evidence to support your car accident claims, and that evidence often comes straight from the crash scene. Testimony from witnesses, in addition to your own testimony, can help us piece together an accurate picture of how the crash happened. Video footage from security cameras or dashcams can help us show exactly how the other driver was negligent. In more complex accidents, accident reconstruction experts may testify and explain how the crash happened. It is best to get started soon, as you have limited time to take legal action.
Get a free, confidential legal assessment from our car accident attorneys by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.
How Do I Prove My Claims in a Car Accident Case in Mahwah?
Proving your claims will require proof of the other driver’s negligence and proof of your injuries and damages. In some cases, evidence can be difficult to obtain, and you should ask your lawyer for help as soon as possible.
Testimony
Testimony may be crucial in cases where there is little physical evidence to present to a jury. Testimony can be very powerful evidence when witnesses have clear memories of the accident and are confident in their claims on the witness stand.
Not only should our car accident attorneys interview other drivers and passengers to see if they might make good eyewitnesses, but your testimony may also be important. You can testify about what you saw during the accident and how your injuries have affected your life.
Video Footage
Video footage of the accident may be out there, and we must obtain it quickly before it can be erased or deleted. The accident may have occurred near a private home or business with exterior security cameras, and those cameras may have recorded it on video.
Another possibility is that you or another driver had a dashcam equipped at the time of the crash that recorded everything. If so, we must preserve the footage immediately.
Expert Testimony
Some accidents are so complicated that we might not be able to figure out exactly what happened and who is responsible on our own. In such cases, police officers are often trained in handling car accidents and may offer testimony.
We can also hire other accident reconstruction experts to scientifically recreate how the accident occurred based on the evidence.
What Should I Do Following a Car Accident in Mahwah?
The steps you take after a car accident may affect your legal claims and how we handle your case. It is best to seek help immediately and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Call for Help Immediately
The very first thing to do after a vehicle accident is to call for help. If you can, call 911 and ask for help. They may send an ambulance and the police to help you. If you are too injured to call for help, someone at the scene should do it for you.
Even if you do not feel like your injuries warrant the need for an ambulance, you should still go to the hospital as soon as possible to be checked out. You might have internal injuries that requirement treatment, and we need medical records about your injuries as proof of damages.
Exchange Information
If you can safely exit your vehicle, you should talk to any other drivers involved, check for injuries, and exchange information. You will need details about the other driver to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit later.
Even if other drivers were not involved in the accident, you should still talk to them. They might have stopped to help or must wait for your vehicle to be towed away before they can pass by safely. It is possible that they saw everything, and we should discuss potential testimony with them later.
Document the Accident Site
While waiting for help, document the accident scene the best way you can. If you have a camera, take photos of the crash site and be sure to include pictures of the vehicles, drivers, license plates, and the surrounding area. Your photos may preserve details that would otherwise be lost after the authorities clear away the accident.
FAQs About Legal Claims for Car Accidents in Mahwah
How Do I File an Insurance Claim for a Car Crash in Mahwah?
Since New Jersey requires drivers to have no-fault insurance, you will likely file a first-party claim with your own no-fault insurance policy. If this is not enough, you may file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, although you must be ready to prove how the other driver is responsible for the accident.
Should I Sue for Damages After a Car Accident?
You may have the option to file a lawsuit, which may be a good option for those whose insurance claims are denied or whose insurance is insufficient to cover all their damages. Remember, in New Jersey, drivers must elect a limited or unlimited right to sue when they purchase auto insurance. If you have a limited right to sue, you must prove you have a “serious injury.” With an unlimited right to sue, you may sue for any injury.
When Should I Call a Lawyer for Legal Help with My Car Accident Case?
You should call a lawyer to discuss your legal options as soon as possible. You may only have 2 years from the accident to file a lawsuit in court, and you may also need to navigate insurance claims and explore other legal options during that time. As such, it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
How Do I Collect Evidence for a Car Accident Case?
You may start collecting evidence at the scene of the accident while you wait for the police and medical responders to arrive. Many drivers photograph the accident and take pictures of the cars, drivers, license plates, and the surrounding area. You should also exchange information and contact details with everyone at the scene. Your attorney can help you decide what evidence you need and how to obtain it.
Are Car Accident Cases Worth a Lot of Money?
Sometimes, yes. Drivers may incur high costs from an accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages from being unable to work, and more. They may also claim significant damages for pain, suffering, and psychological injuries. It is not unusual for some claims to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Get Help Today from Our Car Accident Attorneys in Mahwah
Get a free, confidential legal assessment from our car accident attorneys by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.