Union County Personal Injury Attorneys Protect The Rights Of Those Injured In Car Accidents And Hold At-Fault Parties Accountable For Their Negligence
The moments after a car accident can be a blur of activity. Naturally, the most important issue is whether anyone involved in the accident has been hurt. After addressing any physical injuries, your mind may be racing, uncertain as to where to go from there.
Knowing what to do after an auto accident in New Jersey can have a real impact on the strength of your accident claim and the outcome of your case. At Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, our knowledgeable accident attorneys are experienced and knowledgeable — we have been advocating on behalf of injured victims since 1984. Our dedicated team protects the rights of those injured in car accidents and holds at-fault parties accountable for their negligence.
What You Say And Do After A Car Accident Can Have A Negative Impact On A Car Accident Injury Claim
It may be natural for you to want to tell your friends all about your car accident, down to the last detail. You may even want to reach for your cell phone after your accident to post on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or another social media platform. Don’t.
What you say and what you do after a car accident can have a negative impact on your car accident injury claim. Sharing a photo of the accident scene may raise questions regarding the seriousness of your injuries if you felt well enough to take the time to take pictures and post when perhaps you should have been receiving medical attention. Even muttering something as generic as “I’m sorry…” can be viewed as a statement of responsibility and admittance of fault for the accident. When there is a car accident, all parties involved are looking for someone to blame and hold accountable.
Negligence is at the center of all personal injury claims and — unless negligence can be proven — there is no basis for a claim. Negligent actions include any of the following and more:
distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, using GPS)
driving aggressively
driving over the speed limit
running through stop signs
If you have been hurt in a car accident due to negligence, you may recover damages by filing a personal injury claim. New Jersey’s statute of limitations states that injured victims have a period of two years from the time of the car accident to file a claim in New Jersey’s civil courts.
Important Actions To Take After You Have Been Injured In A New Jersey Car Accident
The first step to take if you have been injured in a car accident is to call 911. Law enforcement will alert emergency medical personnel to the scene, who will address any injuries. Police officers will secure the scene of the accident, and generate a formal police report with accident details. Once injuries have been tended to and anyone involved is out of harm’s way, there are a few actions to take after you are injured in a car accident that can be helpful when filing a personal injury claim. These measures include the following:
Use your cell phone to take photos of the scene of the accident, including road conditions, the position of the vehicles involved, damage to the cars, and traffic signs. If you are able, take photos of your physical injuries
Collect the contact information for the other driver(s) and anyone else involved in the accident
Look at your surroundings for possible witnesses to the accident. Obtain their contact information if they are unwilling or unable to remain at the scene until law enforcement officers arrive
Have Questions Regarding Your New Jersey Car Accident Claim? Schedule A Free Consultation With A Knowledgeable New Jersey Car Accident Attorney
At Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, we believe that the best decision you can make is an informed decision. And that is why our knowledgeable car accident attorneys offer a free consultation for accident victims. Find out what to do after an auto accident, get answers to your questions, learn what to expect during the injury claims process, and receive an estimate on the level of compensation you can expect to recover for your accident injuries. Schedule your free case evaluation with our office today.
Frequently Asked Questions About What To Do After A Car Accident In New Jersey
FAQ: I was in a car accident and a paramedic tended to my injuries at the scene. Do I still need to go to my doctor after the accident?
Yes. It is critical that you visit your doctor as soon as possible after your car accident so that they can provide a timely assessment of your accident injuries. Sometimes car accident victims wait to see a medical professional and — when you are filing a personal injury claim for your accident — this delay raises questions regarding the seriousness of your injuries if you waited to see a doctor. It also raises doubt as to whether the injuries were, in fact, a result of the car accident. So it is best to consult with a physician regarding your injuries, which will provide critical documentation of the state of your injuries shortly after the car accident.
FAQ: What should I do if I am in a car accident and the other driver asks that I don’t report the accident to the police, and we just “settle” the accident ourselves?
If you are in a car accident and the other driver asks that you don’t report the accident, it is your clear signal to make sure you call the police right away. When another driver does not want an accident reported, there can be several explanations, including: they recognize that they are at fault for the accident, they already have another accident on their driving record, they are uninsured or underinsured, they have been driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, or another concerning reason. Promptly call 911 and make note of the license plate on the car in the event they try to flee the scene of the accident.
