What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident in New Jersey?
Accidents happen every day in the Garden State. Whether someone is commuting to work or working on a construction site an accident can occur. No one is ever prepared for an accident to happen to them and that’s why when it does happen it can be a very stressful situation to be in. It is important to know what you should do immediately after an accident in New Jersey. A Newark NJ injury lawyer explains the steps you need to take if you have been injured in NJ.
Get to a Safe Location and Ask for Assistance if Needed!
If you were involved in a car accident make sure that you can get to a safe location that is not in the flow of traffic. If you are not able to do so safely on your own, make sure that a friend or bystander can call first responders for you.
Tip: If you are someone who witnesses an accident on the New Jersey Turnpike call 911 so that first responders can come to the accident scene to help those involved. Pay attention to the street location markers as the emergency dispatchers will need that information to locate the accident scene.
Go to the Emergency Room or Your Primary Care Physician to Get Checked Out
Whether you’re injured at work or were involved in a car accident it’s important to get checked out by a doctor or go to the emergency room. In many cases, injuries do not surface until days or even weeks later, so it is best to get checked out by a doctor to make sure that you are okay. Furthermore, if you were to file a claim for your injuries, the doctor’s assessment will come in handy to strengthen your case.
Make Sure That You Document the Accident Scene
Documenting the scene of the accident involves capturing any video footage as well as photographs of your injuries and your surroundings. For example, if you’re involved in an automobile accident you’ll want to make sure that you also get pictures of the other vehicle as well as your vehicle. If you are not able to capture evidence, you can always ask a witness to help you or the first responders.
File a Police or Incident Report
It is important to file a police and/or incident report. If you are injured in New Jersey it is imperative to have a written record of the incident. If you were injured on a job site, at a construction zone, or in the workplace; your manager or HR supervisor should help you to fill out an incident report.
Notify Your Insurance Provider of the Accident
It is important to notify your insurance provider, especially if your vehicle is damaged. However, keep in mind that it is best to consult a New Jersey injury lawyer before speaking to your insurance company about any type of settlement or admitting fault. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can guide you on how to deal with the insurance company and help you get justice for your injuries.
Do Not Admit Fault
If you were involved in an accident an investigation will be conducted to determine who was at fault; so, do not admit fault on your own as it may hinder your case. All the facts and evidence need to be gathered before fault can be determined in New Jersey.
Remember to Stay Calm
Being involved in an automobile accident or a work-related accident may cause you to become frazzled and anxious, however, remember to stay calm. Remember to take a deep breath and calm yourself down before speaking to the authorities or emergency responders.
Tip: Even if you believe that the other driver was at fault or that your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence; remain calm and do not get angry. Focus on the most important factors; getting to safety, documenting the accident, and getting checked out by a doctor or medical professional.
Call a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer for Legal Guidance
While it may be tempting to handle the situation on your own, it is best to consult a savvy NJ injury lawyer who can guide you on how to best handle the situation. Call Clark Law Firm P.C. today at 1-877-841-8855 to discuss your case or chat with us online if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in New Jersey.
