The 10 Most Important Things to Do After a Car Accident

A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re driving along a quiet stretch of road somewhere in New Jersey; the next moment, you’re dealing with the aftermath of a rear-end collision that was impossible for you to avoid. The most important thing a car accident victim can do is remain calm. If you panic after a scary car crash, you might make a mistake that costs you dearly later on.
Here are 10 things you should do after being involved in a car accident:

1. Do Not Panic: Some motorists get scared after an accident and drive off. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in NJ, so do not expose yourself to criminal liability by fleeing. Stay calm and remain at the scene until police arrive. Speaking of which…
2. Contact the Police: You will need to inform law enforcement of the accident so that everything can be officially documented. You may also need to request emergency medical responders to provide medical treatment to anyone who was injured in the car crash.
3. Talk to the Other Driver: You are going to need the other motorist’s information, such as their name, insurance info, and contact information. This means you should avoid arguing with them about who caused the accident – let the police sort that out. Remain in control of your emotions and politely ask for the information you need from the other driver.
4. Speak with Witnesses: Witnesses don’t always want to stick around to speak with the police, so make sure that you get their contact information before they leave.
5. Take Pictures: When it comes to car accidents, a picture really is worth a thousand words. If your accident is disputed by the other motorist or by the insurance company, you may need photographs of the accident scene to support your claim.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company: You need to let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible.
7. Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company: Do not make any admissions to the other motorist’s insurance provider. This is especially important if your claim is likely to be contested.
8. See a Doctor: Do not let your accident-related injuries linger and potentially get worse. Go to a doctor and make sure that you are receiving the proper treatment and medication to alleviate your pain.
9. Keep Detailed Records: In addition to maintaining records of the police accident report and any medical bills, you should also consider keeping a journal that documents the details of your injuries and your recovery progress.
10. Call an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer: A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can examine the evidence, including the accident report, and speak with witnesses to bolster your case. If your case goes to trial, the work your attorney does to strengthen your claim could make all the difference.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a serious car accident, you need to talk to a qualified personal injury attorney immediately. The experienced trial attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. can assist you. Contact us now for a free initial consultation.
 
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.