What to Do After a Car Accident in New Jersey: Step-by-Step Legal Guide
Being involved in a car accident can leave you shaken, confused, and uncertain of what steps to take next. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more serious crash, knowing how to respond in the immediate aftermath can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to pursue compensation.
This step-by-step guide explains what to do after a car accident in New Jersey, so you can stay focused, protect your well-being, and make confident choices about what comes next.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety—and the safety of everyone involved—comes first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even minor injuries should be treated as serious until you are checked by a medical professional.
If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic. New Jersey law requires drivers to remain at the scene of any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
2. Report the Accident to the Police
In New Jersey, you are legally required to report an accident to the police if there is injury, death, or property damage over $500. When officers arrive, they’ll prepare a formal crash report—a key piece of documentation that may later support your insurance claim or legal case.
When speaking with the officer, be honest and cooperative, but don’t admit fault or speculate about who caused the crash.
3. Exchange Information
Collect the following from all involved drivers:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle registration and license plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their statements may be helpful in determining liability.
4. Document the Scene
If it’s safe to do so and you’re physically able, use your phone to take photos or video of:
- All vehicles involved and their positions
- Visible damage
- Road conditions, debris, or skid marks
- Traffic signs or signals nearby
- Any visible injuries
These images can serve as vital evidence later, especially if there are disputes about what happened.
5. Get Medical Attention, Even if You Feel Okay
Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma aren’t always obvious right away. Delayed symptoms can show up hours—or even days—after a crash. A prompt medical exam helps protect your health and creates a record linking the crash to your injuries.
This step is essential for both insurance and legal claims, especially if you intend to pursue compensation under New Jersey’s personal injury laws.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies in New Jersey require you to report an accident promptly—often within a few days. Failing to do so could lead to a denial of coverage, so it’s important to notify your insurer as soon as possible.
When reporting the crash, stick to the basics: time, location, vehicles involved, and contact details. Avoid making recorded statements or accepting blame until you’ve spoken with a qualified attorney. Even innocent-sounding remarks can be used against you later.
New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurer may cover initial medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—regardless of who caused the accident.
That said, if your car accident injuries meet certain legal thresholds, you may still have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering or other damages not covered by PIP.
7. Understand Your Rights Under New Jersey Law
New Jersey’s auto insurance system can be confusing, especially when it comes to your right to sue. Whether you carry a Basic or Standard policy, the type of coverage you selected can affect your legal options.
If you chose a Limitation on Lawsuit threshold to save on premiums, your ability to seek pain and suffering damages may be restricted unless your injuries qualify as “serious” under New Jersey law.
These serious injuries include:
- A displaced fracture
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent injury
- Loss of a body part or bodily function
- Loss of a fetus
- Death (in wrongful death cases)
If your injuries fall into one of these categories, you may be eligible to pursue compensation beyond what’s covered by no-fault benefits. Understanding what to do after a car accident in New Jersey also means knowing when to assert your legal rights—and when to get help.
8. Don’t Rush Into a Settlement
Insurance companies often reach out quickly with a settlement offer—especially when the crash involved serious injury. These early offers may seem appealing but often fail to cover long-term costs like future medical care or lost income.
Before signing anything, consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who understands what to do after a car accident in New Jersey and can help you assess the full value of your claim.
9. Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer Before Making Major Decisions
Legal guidance can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. A qualified attorney can help you:
- Investigate the accident
- Handle communications with insurers
- Determine whether you can file a lawsuit
- Pursue maximum compensation for your injuries
Even if you’re unsure whether legal action is necessary, a consultation can give you peace of mind—and a plan.
Why Knowing What to Do After a Car Accident in New Jersey Matters
The hours and days after a crash are critical. Taking the right steps can protect your physical health and your ability to recover financially. This is especially important in New Jersey, where auto insurance laws can limit your options depending on your coverage and the severity of your injuries.
Understanding what to do after a car accident in New Jersey isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about protecting yourself and your future.
At Bramnick Law, we help individuals and families across New Jersey navigate this process with clarity and confidence. With decades of experience handling motor vehicle accident claims, our team understands how insurance companies operate—and how to ensure your voice is heard. If you’re overwhelmed by paperwork, unsure about your legal rights, or just need guidance, we’re here to support you.
Injured in a Car Accident in New Jersey? Bramnick Law Is Here to Help
At Bramnick Law, we’ve been representing car accident victims across New Jersey for decades. If you were injured in a crash in Union, Westfield, Newark, East Brunswick, Cherry Hill, Clifton, in Union County, Middlesex County, Essex County, or anywhere across the state our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us walk you through your legal options and guide you every step of the way.
Contact Bramnick Law today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery—because after a crash, your next move matters.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Every case is different, and legal outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. If you have questions about your legal rights after an accident, consider speaking with a licensed attorney.