If you’re involved in a New Jersey car accident, you should prioritize safety, call 911, document the scene, and report the collision to the insurance company. Because New Jersey is a no-fault accident state, 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 in Bergen County, whether you were struck on Route 17 or Downtown Hackensack, 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.
Immediate Actions to Take at the Scene
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries
- Call 911 to request police and medical assistance
- If they are drivable, move the vehicles from the roadway to a safe location
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details
- Take clear photos and videos of the scene, including the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and your visible injuries
- Do not discuss fault or admit responsibility at the scene of the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay or your injuries appear minor
Why Medical Attention is Critical After a Crash
- Adrenaline can mask injuries like internal bleeding or concussions
- Medical records serve as strong documentation of the injuries for insurance claims, linking your injuries to the accident
- Delayed treatment can negatively impact your legal case
- Some injuries can take hours, if not days, to appear
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.
Additionally, New Jersey drivers are required to choose between a ‘limited right to sue’ or ‘unlimited right to sue’ policy, which directly impacts the ability to seek compensation for pain and suffering.
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.
Understanding New Jersey’s No-Fault Insurance System
- New Jersey utilizes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
- This means that your own insurance is responsible for covering:
- Medical expenses
- Certain rehabilitation costs
- Fault does not determine whether or not you can seek initial treatment
- Property damage claims are still filed against the negligent driver
- Policy limits and coverage will vary considerably
When Can You Step Outside the No-Fault System
- You can pursue a lawsuit against the negligent driver if you meet New Jersey’s serious injury threshold, which generally means:
- Permanent injury
- Significant disfigurement
- Loss of bodily function
- You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Long-term medical care
- The type of insurance policy you selected will impact the compensation you recover
Contact an Experienced Bergen County Personal Injury Attorney
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 with these matters.
