Whether you’re on your way to work or running errands, the last thing you expect on a typical drive is to be hit by another car. Unfortunately, as nearly 36,000 car crashes happen daily in the United States, most people are involved in at least one accident in their lifetime. As such, it is imperative to understand what you should do if you find yourself the victim of a car accident in New Jersey. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to discover how Bergen County car accident lawyers can help you through these complicated legal matters to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident?
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, one of the most important things you can do is take a moment to collect yourself. The shock of being stuck by another vehicle can cause many to panic, making these situations even more confusing. Instead, take a few deep breaths before assessing yourself and checking on any passengers in the vehicle.
Next, you should contact emergency services to request a police presence and medical attention. Even if you feel okay, letting the emergency medical technicians on the scene examine you is critical, as adrenaline may mask injuries sustained in the accident.
While the police are taking statements from the other driver and investigating, you should begin taking photos and videos of the scene. You should capture the damage to both vehicles, property damage, visible injuries you’ve sustained, and anything else on the scene that may be pertinent.
When you leave the scene, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Generally, it’s best if your insurance company learns about the accident from you rather than hearing from the other party’s company.
What Are My Legal Options After a Collision?
When you are involved in a collision due to the actions of a negligent driver, it’s imperative to understand your legal options in these matters. Typically, you will be able to submit a claim to cover the cost of damages through your own insurance, as New Jersey is a no-fault accident state. Essentially, regardless of who is responsible for the collision, each driver must submit a claim through their own insurance coverage to pay for medical bills. However, any property damage to your vehicle will be covered by the insurance of the negligent party.
It’s important to understand that if you sustain serious injuries that exceed your PIP coverage, you can file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company for compensation. This can help you recover funds for pain and suffering, lost wages, and any medical bills not covered by your insurance policy.
New Jersey’s no-fault accident coverage can be complicated to navigate. That’s why it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney from Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC, who can examine the circumstances of your accident to fight for the compensation you deserve. When you’re hurt, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you during these matters.
