Car accidents tend to happen very suddenly, and it can be difficult for victims to pull themselves together and take action. Whatever happens, stay calm and focus on getting help. Once the dust has settled, call a lawyer for help.
Your top priority after a car accident is to call 911 and get help. If you or anyone else is injured, even a little, call 911 and ask for emergency medical personnel. You should also make sure the police are sent to the accident scene. While waiting for help, exchange information with everyone involved in the accident. You should even speak to witnesses if you can, as we may need them later. Once you have received medical care, speak to an attorney about the accident.
Receive a private, free case evaluation from our New Jersey car accident lawyer when you call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (551) 525-6465.
Calling for Help After a Car Accident in New Jersey
Again, call for help as soon as you can. You or others may be seriously hurt, and the accident scene must be reported so that the authorities can secure the scene and maintain safety on the road.
Call 911
The first thing you should do is call 911. If you or someone else at the scene has a cell phone, use it right away to call 911. This is crucial if the accident seems severe. Extensive damage, injuries, or inoperable vehicles necessitate a call to 911.
Contact the Police
When speaking to a 911 dispatcher, be sure to ask for the police. The dispatcher may automatically send the police, but it is a good idea to ask. The police can take control of the accident scene, redirect traffic, and de-escalate the situation if any drivers become irate or hostile. They should also investigate the accident if anyone is hurt or property damage is severe.
Get to Safety
If possible, go somewhere safe to wait for help to arrive. If your car is still operational, try to steer it to the shoulder of the road or highway. If you cannot safely exit your vehicle, wait where you are and wait for help. If you have road flares, set them up so that incoming traffic knows to avoid you.
What to Do at the Car Accident Scene
While waiting for help, there are things you can do to protect yourself and gather information to help you get compensation for the accident.
Document the Scene
Try to document the accident scene as best as you can. This may involve taking photos of the crash scene with a camera or cell phone. You can also record videos of the accident and surrounding area.
Even if you cannot record photos or videos, you should take note of the other vehicles, license plates, and who the other drivers are. Remember, their stories may clash with yours when it comes time to decide who pays compensation, and you need as much evidence and information as possible.
Exchange Information
Talk to all the other drivers involved in the accident and get their names, contact information, and insurance details. Our New Jersey car accident lawyers need this information to help you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Under the law, drivers are required to provide this information after a crash and should not refuse to do so. If they do, tell the police when they arrive.
Getting Financial Compensation After a Car Accident
How you obtain financial compensation may vary based on your circumstances. Speak to a lawyer about your options right away.
Insurance Claims
In New Jersey, drivers must select a limited or unlimited right to sue when purchasing car insurance. With a limited right to sue, drivers may only sue for car accidents if they experience one of the following injuries:
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of a fetus
- Displaced fracture
- Loss of a body part
- Permanent injuries
- Death (a family member may sue on the victim’s behalf)
With an unlimited right to sue, drivers are not restricted from suing based on the nature of their injuries.
Filing a Lawsuit
If insurance will not pay you the compensation you deserve, you do not have to accept an insurance settlement. You may sue the other driver for your damages and, if you win, their insurance must pay for your damages.
Again, whether you can sue may depend on whether you have a limited or unlimited right to sue and the nature of your injuries.
How Long Does it Take to Get Financial Compensation After a Car Accident?
Getting financial compensation after a car accident will take time, depending on which legal options you pursue. Insurance claims tend to be faster, especially if you have strong evidence and avoid procedural mistakes when filing your claim. A lawsuit can take time – a year or longer in some cases – but the time and effort are often worth it, as defendants and insurance companies may be legally obligated to pay if you win, even if they disagree with the outcome.
Should You Talk to the At-Fault Driver After a Car Accident?
You should exchange information immediately after the accident and get their name, contact information, and insurance details. Legally, drivers may not refuse to identify themselves after an accident.
Once you initiate legal action against the other driver, avoid contacting them directly. If you need to contact them, go through your lawyer.
How Soon After a Car Accident Should You Call a Lawyer for Help?
In New Jersey, car accident victims have no more than 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you choose to pursue an insurance claim, you may need to file rather quickly. The longer you wait, the more doubts the insurance company is likely to have about your claim. As such, you should call a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident Where the Other Driver Flees the Scene?
Call the police immediately. Provide a description of the other driver and their vehicle if you can. The police may use this information to quickly track down the driver. In many cases, law enforcement finds the other driver within a few hours. The other driver may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability for the accident.
Contact Our New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys for Legal Support Today
Receive a private, free case evaluation from our New Jersey personal injury lawyer when you call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (551) 525-6465.