5 Uncommon Actions You Must Take After a Car Accident Injury in New Jersey
Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience, especially if you sustain injuries. While most drivers are aware of the common steps to take after an accident—such as calling the police, seeking medical attention, and exchanging insurance information—there are several less-known but equally crucial actions you should take to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. In New Jersey, where car accident claims are governed by specific state laws, knowing these unusual steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, these lesser-known actions, coupled with the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you may be entitled to.
1. Secure Detailed Witness Statements
After an accident, it’s common to focus on gathering basic information from the other driver, but securing detailed witness statements is an often overlooked yet vital step. Witnesses who were not involved in the accident can provide objective accounts of what happened, which can be crucial in establishing fault and supporting your claim.
Why It’s Important:
In New Jersey, where the no-fault insurance system applies, establishing fault is still critical if your car accident injuries are severe enough to pursue a liability claim against the other driver. Witnesses can offer perspectives that might be missed by police reports or insurance adjusters.
How to Do It:
If possible, speak to witnesses at the scene and ask for their contact information. Request that they provide a written statement detailing what they saw. If they’re willing, record a video or audio statement on your phone. These statements can serve as valuable evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
2. Immediately Notify Your Insurance Company in Writing
After an accident, most people know they need to contact their insurance company, but doing so in writing is an unusual yet critical step. Verbal reports may not be enough if there’s a dispute later on about what was reported.
Why It’s Important:
New Jersey’s no-fault insurance laws require you to file a claim with your own insurance carrier first, regardless of who was at fault. Providing written notification creates a documented record of your report. This can prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications down the line.
How to Do It:
After notifying your insurance company over the phone, follow up with a written report. This can be done via email or a physical letter. Be sure to include all relevant details, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses.
3. Document Your Recovery Process
While it’s common to document the accident scene and your initial injuries, many people fail to continue documenting their recovery process. This is an unusual but essential step in ensuring that your car accident claims fully account for the extent of your injuries.
Why It’s Important:
Injuries often evolve over time, and your recovery process can have a significant impact on the amount of compensation you’re entitled to. Documenting your recovery can help demonstrate the long-term effects of your injuries, which is particularly important in New Jersey, where insurance companies might challenge their severity.
How to Do It:
Keep a daily journal documenting your pain levels, any limitations on your activities, and your emotional state. Take photos of your injuries as they heal, and keep records of all medical appointments, treatments, and medications. This ongoing documentation can be invaluable in supporting your claim for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
4. Review Your Accident Report for Errors
After a car accident, the police will typically file an accident report, which serves as an official record of the incident. However, most car accident victims fail to review this report thoroughly, which can be a costly mistake if it contains errors.
Why It’s Important:
The accident report is a critical piece of evidence in car accident claims. If the report contains inaccuracies—such as incorrect information about the weather, road conditions, or the events leading up to the accident—these errors could negatively impact your claim. In New Jersey, where fault can influence the outcome of your case, it’s crucial that this report is accurate.
How to Do It:
Request a copy of the accident report from the police department as soon as it’s available. Carefully review it for any errors or omissions. If you find any inaccuracies, notify the police department immediately and request that the report be amended. Your NJ car accident lawyer can assist with this process to ensure the report accurately reflects what happened.
5. Understand New Jersey’s Insurance Requirements and Options
New Jersey has specific insurance requirements that can significantly impact your ability to file a car accident claim. While most drivers are familiar with basic coverage options, few fully understand the nuances of New Jersey’s insurance system, which includes options for choosing between “verbal” and “full” tort thresholds.
Why It’s Important:
The type of insurance you carry can determine your ability to sue for pain and suffering. New Jersey’s “verbal threshold” (also known as the limited right to sue) limits your ability to pursue certain types of claims unless you’ve suffered specific, serious injuries. Understanding your insurance coverage is critical in determining your legal options after an accident.
How to Do It:
Review your insurance policy to understand the coverage you have. If you’re unsure about the implications of your policy, consult with an auto accident lawyer who can explain how your coverage affects your rights. If you’ve opted for the verbal threshold and your injuries are severe, your lawyer can help you pursue a claim under the exceptions allowed by New Jersey law.
Protect Your Rights by Taking Uncommon but Essential Steps After a NJ Car Accident
After a car accident in New Jersey, taking the usual steps of exchanging information, seeking medical attention, and contacting the police is vital. However, these less commonly known actions—securing detailed witness statements, notifying your insurance company in writing, documenting your recovery process, reviewing your accident report for errors, and understanding your insurance options—can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your car accident claim.
By taking these steps, you increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve and protecting your rights in the complex landscape of New Jersey auto accident laws.
Contact Bramnick Law for Guidance on Your New Jersey Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, don’t navigate the complex legal landscape alone. The experienced auto accident lawyers at Bramnick Law are here to help you every step of the way.
We specialize in handling car accident claims and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling 866-845-5571 or by filling out the online contact form on our website. Let Bramnick Law advocate for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your auto accident case.