A car accident can happen in seconds, but the decisions you make in the hours immediately following can have a lasting impact on your health, your insurance claim, and your legal rights. New Jersey has specific rules that apply to auto accidents, and knowing them in advance can protect you.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your first priority is safety. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not move injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger. Turn on your hazard lights and, if vehicles can be safely moved from traffic, do so.
Step 2: Call the Police
In New Jersey, you are required to report an accident to police if it involves injury, death, or property damage over $500. Even in minor accidents, a police report is valuable documentation for any future claim or lawsuit. Request the report number at the scene.
Step 3: Exchange Information
- Full name, address, and phone number of all drivers
- Driver’s license numbers and vehicle registration
- Insurance information from all involved parties
- License plate numbers
- Names and contact information of witnesses
Step 4: Document Everything
Use your phone to photograph the scene thoroughly: vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. This evidence is often irreplaceable and can be critical in establishing fault.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24 hours. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash, concussion, or internal trauma. In New Jersey’s no-fault auto insurance system, prompt medical treatment is also important to preserve your right to make a claim.
Step 6: Do Not Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurer is not on your side. Do not give a recorded statement, accept a quick settlement offer, or discuss fault with their adjuster before consulting an attorney. Quick settlement offers are almost always far below the true value of your claim.
Step 7: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Bruno Law Group handles personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Attorney Paolo Bruno and our team investigate the accident, deal with insurers, and fight for full compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Injured in a NJ car accident? Contact Bruno Law Group for a free consultation.
Call: (201) 720-9972 | Email: info@brunolawgroup.com | Visit: brunolawgroup.com
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Contact Bruno Law Group for advice specific to your situation.
