After sustaining an injury in a car accident, it can be difficult to think about pursuing legal action. With the many physical, emotional, and financial concerns victims and their loved ones face, it can be downright daunting. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our personal injury and car accident attorneys understand what victims are going through, which is why we make it a priority to alleviate all their concerns. Here are some tips on what to do after a car accident.
Seek Medical Treatment and File a Police Report Immediately Right After An Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you or someone else involved or witness to the accident should call 911 and report the accident as well as any injuries. The police will record the accident scene, take statements from you and any other victims or witnesses, and anyone needing medical attention will be treated or taken to a hospital. When speaking to the police officer, try to relate as many details of the accident and vehicle as you can. Consider getting an extra copy of the police report for yourself and records. Reporting an accident is not an optional task in most states, including New Jersey.
Gather All Relevant Evidence
This part can get tricky! Evidence gathering starts immediately on the scene of the accident and can continue for months in advance with medical bills and conversations. We can’t stress enough how important it is NOT to admit fault, regardless of how clear it may be that you are the reason for the accident. If possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident. If any witnesses are present, ask for their name and phone number in case you are in need of a statement down the line. Make sure to also record your own thoughts and account of the accident. These types of details can get blurry later on, and something that you might not think twice about could be the key to a case. Lastly, work with law enforcement professionals to the best of your ability.
Call a Car Accident Attorney
An experienced car accident attorney is essential to maximize your compensation from damages. He or she can provide you with invaluable advice and will normally handle a case on a contingency basis, meaning that they will not charge you out-of-pocket, but will take a percentage of any recovery they obtain for you. And, a car accident attorney has a lot of experience dealing with insurance companies, law enforcement, doctors, and others, which means they can significantly streamline the post-accident investigation and recovery process for you. A car accident attorney will also be able to coach you on how best to report the accident to your insurance provider.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law Is Here for You
While you do have a legal responsibility to inform your insurance company any time you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, we strongly advise you to contact our firm and speak with an experienced car accident attorney at once. We can make the call to the insurance company for you or with you to help you through the process. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can get you the justice you deserve.