Should you hire a NJ car accident lawyer if you've been involved in an accident in the state of New Jersey? This is likely a very strong consideration if the accident was a hit and run.
Hit-and-run accidents are unexpected occurrences that happen more often than you think. As if getting in a car accident isn't already stressful enough, being hit and the driver fleeing can make a victim feel overwhelmed and confused.
A New Jersey hit and run lawyer can help you make sense of a confusing situation such as a hit and run accident. Below is further information about these types of accidents, what you should do and why calling a lawyer is important.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has an experienced team of accident lawyers. You can benefit from the experience they've had in resolving hit and run accident cases in New Jersey. Call our law firm today for more info.
New Jersey Hit And Run Accidents
New Jersey law mandates that drivers pull over and exchange insurance and personal information after a car accident. In addition, the driver at fault must try to help the victim if there were injuries sustained. If warranted, an ambulance should be contacted to help.
If there are damages of $500+, the accident must be reported to the police. In most cases, authorities should be called to file a police report of the accident.
Finally, if a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping, exchanging information, or offering assistance, they may be charged with both traffic infractions and criminal offenses. It is illegal to flee the scene and that driver will face consequences if caught.
Do I Need To Call A Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident?
After any car accident, most people think they should call their insurance provider. Before calling your insurer, it is advised that you discuss your case with a car accident lawyer following a collision, including hit and run accidents. It is in your best interest to speak with a lawyer first, even though you are legally obligated to tell your insurance company that you've been involved in an accident.
Insurance companies want to maximize profits, so the more they pay out in claims, the less money the company makes. Minimizing or denying insurance settlements is one of the ways the company does this. An insurance adjuster is not your friend. They may act as though they care about your health and well-being, but their primary goal is to get you to take the lowest possible settlement. They may attempt to pressure you to accept a settlement that is significantly less than what your policy covers. Careful what you say to your insurer, as they will use it against you.
If you are entitled to more, a lawyer can help you get this amount. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, will thoroughly review your case and determine the best steps to take to recover losses.
What Should I Do After A Hit and Run Accident?
Follow these steps.
Call The Police
Calling the police and reporting the accident is the first thing to do after becoming the victim of a hit and run. If you need medical care immediately, call an ambulance to check on you and any passengers so that any immediate injuries can be treated and recorded.
Getting officers to file a police report is important and you should request a copy to support your upcoming insurance claim. While you should give the officer as much information as you can recall about the other driver, you should not accept blame in any way for the accident. Focus on the accident's facts.
Document Injuries and Property Damage
Once everyone who needs medical attention has been taken care of, record video or snap photos of any injuries and damage, including your passengers. These will serve as evidence and help support your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You have the legal obligation to notify your insurance company of any accident, but we urge you to speak with a lawyer first. You usually must do so within 72 hours, but this deadline may vary depending on your policy.
Notifying them alerts them of an accident so that you can seek reimbursement for the losses. This isn't filing a claim. You need to notify them about the accident even if you aren't sure how you want to proceed moving forward in order to give yourself as many options as possible.
It should be noted that the insurance that was in effect previous to the car accident is the only one that will pay for your damages. It's wise to get in touch with your insurance provider ahead of time to find out which provisions will shield you from harm in the event of a hit-and-run.
Consult With Our NJ Hit and Run Lawyers
Handling a hit and run claim can be overwhelming, particularly if the other driver isn't identified. You need a law firm that is by your side and focused on resolving your claim successfully.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are committed to seeking justice for our clients and that entails getting them the compensation they are entitled to.
or more info about how we can help, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.