New Jersey is classified as a no-fault insurance state, which means compensating victims for injuries suffered during an accident falls upon their respective insurance providers under their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. While your own insurance is utilized regardless of who is at fault, there are instances where your coverage may be insufficient, hence necessitating a third-party claim or personal injury lawsuit. This is where evidence comes into play.
While contemplating a personal injury claim following a car accident, it is important to gather sufficient evidence to substantiate your claim and allow for a successful legal action.
To ensure the success of your claim and to recover compensation for your losses, a victim must present compelling evidence that establishes the liability of the opposing party's negligence that led to the accident and your injuries. Without evidence, the insurer of the other party will attempt to flat out deny your claim or pay you substantially less.
In the state of New Jersey, comparative negligence is used, whereby the extent to which you are at fault will impact the amount of damages you can recover from another party.
We will give you an overview of the most important evidence needed in a New Jersey car accident. But, if you've been involved in an accident and need legal assistance, reach out to the NJ car accident lawyers of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Our dedicated staff can help you make sense of the accident you were involved in and what legal options you may have.
Important Evidence To Collect After A NJ Car Accident
A car accident in New Jersey can be a traumatic experience, but it can be worse if it's not properly reported, especially if you attempt to bring through a personal injury or third party claim. This includes obtaining evidence of the accident's occurrence, its cause, and what parties were involved. The insurance company requires this information in order to evaluate a claim.
Request a Police Report
If it is a serious accident, call the police first. You want a report containing an official account of the auto accident, including specific details. Additionally, an officer takes witness statements that are helpful for claims. Frequently, a police report is required when submitting an insurance claim.
Exchange Insurance Details and Contact Information
If not already done so, exchange information with the other driver, including their auto insurance, as well as the driver's license information and all contact details. If the accident was not your fault, you must contact either your own insurance company or the driver's insurance company.
Take Photos
Use your smartphone to take as many photos as possible. Snap photos of the damages from all angles, as well as the license plates of all involved vehicles. You may want to capture images of the scene of the accident, road hazards, or any other photos relevant to the accident.
Document Minor Accidents
In the event of minor accidents, documenting any damage is important. Any form of damage, regardless of how minor, can result in thousands of dollars in damages. You are not required to call the police, but you should take photographs and exchange information. You'll need to have this for your claim, especially if the mechanic discovers additional damage.
Consult With The Car Accident Attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law
In a car accident, witnesses, police reports, photos and video, and medical records are all highly important forms of evidence for establishing fault and liability on the other driver. If you call us, our car accident attorneys will examine the available evidence and assist in collecting additional evidence to strengthen the case. We have decades of experience successfully advocating on behalf of our clients, even when insurance adjusters deny or undervalue the claim.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we show compassion, but also show results. Contact us now for a free consultation.