Accidents are an unfortunate reality of life. This is why it is important to know what to do in these situations so that you are prepared. The scene of a car accident can be very frightening. However, it is important to try and stay calm during this time. This allows you to focus on the problem at hand to ensure the best outcome possible.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident in Bergen County?
Following a collision in Bergen County, it’s important to remain calm. Though this can be a stressful and scary situation, there are critical steps you’ll need to take to protect your right to compensation.
Call the Police
It is crucial to contact law enforcement after an accident, even if the other party involved tells you otherwise. When law enforcement is on the scene, they can ensure your safety as well as that of others by directing traffic around the wreckage. In addition to this, they can draft an official police report of the accident, which is beneficial for your claim and insurance report. Similarly, they will take statements from witnesses and conduct any necessary chemical tests.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After an accident, medical attention should be sought immediately. This is even the case if you feel fine at the moment. This is because it is possible to sustain an injury without realizing it and experience symptoms at a later time. While emergency responders sometimes conduct examinations on the scene, it is important to still see a doctor for an official diagnosis. This can document all important information regarding your injuries.
Gather and Preserve Evidence at the Scene
Collecting information at the scene of the accident is critical. If you choose to pursue a claim for compensation, you’ll find that the burden of proof falls on you. As such, you’ll need evidence to help support your claim that the other driver was negligent.
Photo or Video of the Wreck
If the scene of the accident is secure and safe to walk around, taking pictures and videos of the wreckage can be beneficial. You should capture the following:
- Damage to all of the vehicles involved
- Any visible injuries you have sustained
- The location of the crash
- Road conditions and contributing hazards
Record Important Details
It is crucial that you gather all important pieces of information before leaving the scene of an accident. You should not assume that this will be done by law enforcement. Instead, be proactive and collect it on your own. This can consist of:
- The insurance and contact information of the drivers involved
- Witness contact information
- A copy of the police report
What Actions Should I Avoid After a Crash?
While there are a number of steps that you should take, there are quite a few actions you should avoid following an accident. This can help protect your rights and your claim if you choose to file.
Do Not Apologize
Often, it’s an instinct to apologize to someone after a collision, even if you were not at fault. However, it is important to avoid doing so. This is because an apology can sometimes be seen as an admission of fault for your involvement in the accident. Instead of apologizing, it is important to remain polite, ask if they are okay, and contact the necessary emergency services. This ensures that you avoid discussing liability altogether.
Do Not Refuse Medical Care
Though you may feel okay, as mentioned, you should still seek medical care following an accident. Failure to do so can weaken your claim. The negligent party and their insurer may allege that your injuries must not be serious if you failed to seek treatment, or that you are responsible for your injuries since you delayed medical care.
Do Not Leave the Scene Early
It’s important to understand that you should not leave the accident scene before you are instructed to by the police. Doing so can result in a hit-and-run offense, which is considered a crime under NJ Rev Stat § 39:4-129.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?
If you have been injured in an accident in Hackensack, Ridgewood, or the surrounding towns, it’s important to take action quickly. In New Jersey, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the driver responsible. While this may seem like a long time, the sooner you file a claim, the better it can be for your case.
Contact Our Bergen County Personal Injury Law Firm
If you or someone you know was involved in an accident in Bergen County and wishes to speak with an experienced attorney, the legal team at McNerny & McAuliffe is here to help. We understand how devastating these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you through these difficult times. Contact our firm today to discuss your legal options.