New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers
What To Do After A Car Accident
Of course, the first thing you should do after any auto accident is call the authorities and make sure everyone who needs medical attention is getting it. But after everyone is safe and getting help, it is common to wonder what you should do next. You may be in shock from the accident, injured, or just not very experienced with accidents. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you have protected yourself, your family and your legal rights.
At the scene of the vehicle accident, you should always stop. In New Jersey and every other state, it is illegal to flee the scene of any accident, even if the accident is relatively minor. If possible, you should pull your car out of the path of traffic. And of course, you should exchange names, driver's license numbers, phone numbers and insurance information with all of the other drivers involved. Do not take or assign any blame for the accident; even if you are just being polite. Any statement to other drivers at the scene of an accident may be used against you at a later time. Your statement may be used against you when the police arrive to investigate.
If you can, consider taking photos of the scene. Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. You may even want to write down what happened while it's still fresh in your mind. And even if the accident was minor, you should consider calling law enforcement, because the officers' accident report may help you prove that the accident happened the way you say it did. Stay at the scene to talk to the officers, so you're sure they have your information.
On the day of the accident, consider seeing a doctor if you think you may have been injured in any way. Most of us don't want to be seen as hypochondriacs, but some auto accident injuries are not apparent right away, especially if you're stressed or shocked by an accident. If you wait too long to see a doctor, you might be accused later of fabricating or magnifying your medical problems. This may impact your ability to have your treatment covered. For the same reasons, you should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible.
Keep all of the paperwork generated by the accident, no matter how unimportant it might seem. That can include the accident report, medical intake forms and bills, repair estimates, communications from insurance and any other documents -- even receipts for costs like a baby-sitter you needed because you had a medical appointment. All of these documents will help you prove the extent of your injuries to your insurance company, and to a jury, if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Finally, as soon as you begin thinking that you might want to file an auto accident lawsuit, you should contact an experienced Princeton auto accident lawyer. In New Jersey, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss that deadline -- called the statute of limitations -- you won't be able to sue at all. In certain instances you only have ninety days from the accident to file a Notice of Claim. Seek legal advice immediately if you have been involved in an accident. Seek legal advice even if this advice is for informational purposes only. Failure to consult with a car accident attorney in a timely fashion may prevent you from taking legal action at a later time.
If you need help after a serious auto accident, you should call Lependorf & Silverstein. After more than 15 years of practicing law in central New Jersey, we understand how devastating car crashes can be for our clients. We can help you get the money you need to pay for auto repairs, past and future medical bills, past and future lost wages, and any funeral costs. In many cases, we can also help you recover compensation for non-economic losses, such as a permanent disability, pain and suffering, or the loss of a loved-one's companionship.
If you or someone you care about has been in a serious car accident in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.
