A car accident can turn your world upside down in seconds. One moment you’re driving to work or picking up the kids, and the next you’re dealing with damaged vehicles, potential injuries, and insurance companies. If you’re like most working families in Elizabeth, Newark, or anywhere in Union County, you probably feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next.
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can mean the difference between getting fair compensation and being taken advantage of by insurance companies. Don’t let them minimize your claim or deny you what you deserve.
Your Rights Matter – Here’s What You Need to Know
After a car accident, you should first ensure everyone’s safety and call for medical assistance if necessary. Then, document everything by taking pictures and gathering witness information. Most importantly, avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies without consulting a personal injury lawyer first, and seek legal representation to protect your family’s financial future.
Step 1: Secure the Scene and Stay Safe
Safety always comes first. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic – but only if it’s safe to do so and you’re not seriously injured. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If you can’t move your car, that’s okay – your safety is more important than traffic flow.
Stay calm and check if anyone needs medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, don’t take chances with your health or anyone else’s. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Remember, some injuries like whiplash or concussions don’t show symptoms right away.
Important: Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you might be responsible. Saying “I’m sorry” or “It’s my fault” could hurt your case later. Let the police and insurance investigators determine what happened.
Step 2: Gather Critical Information
While you’re waiting for police, start collecting important details. This information will be crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal case.
Essential information to collect:
- Names and contact information of all drivers and passengers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions (make, model, year, color)
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
Don’t rely on memory – write everything down or use your phone to record details. The more information you have, the stronger your position will be later.
Step 3: Document Everything
Take photos from multiple angles showing vehicle damage, the accident scene, street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions. If you’re too injured to take photos yourself, ask a witness or family member to help.
Capture the position of all vehicles before they’re moved, any skid marks, debris, or other evidence that shows how the accident happened. These photos can be worth thousands of dollars in your settlement.
Step 4: Deal with Other Drivers Respectfully
Emotions run high after an accident, but staying calm protects your interests. Exchange the necessary information politely, but don’t discuss fault or get into arguments. Stick to the facts: “The light was green when I entered the intersection” rather than “You ran the red light!”
Remember, anything you say could be used against you later. Be courteous but cautious.
Step 5: Contact Police and Your Insurance Company
In New Jersey, you’re required to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Even for minor accidents, having a police report provides an official record that can help your case.
Call your insurance company to report the accident, but be careful about giving detailed statements right away. Provide basic facts like when and where the accident occurred, but save the detailed discussion for after you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Warning: Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that could reduce your settlement. Don’t let them pressure you into accepting blame or giving recorded statements without legal advice.
Step 6: Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24-48 hours. Some injuries, especially soft tissue injuries like whiplash, don’t show symptoms immediately. Having medical documentation right after the accident strengthens your case and protects your health.
Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation of missed work. These will be essential for calculating your compensation.
Step 7: Protect Your Rights with Legal Help
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting for your family too?
Why you need a lawyer:
- People with legal representation typically receive 3.5 times more compensation than those who handle claims alone
- Lawyers know how to deal with insurance company tactics
- You can focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal complexities
- Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency – you don’t pay unless you win
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of Your Family
Insurance companies count on you not knowing your rights. They may offer a quick settlement that sounds good but doesn’t cover your long-term medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Once you accept their offer, you can’t go back for more money later.
Red flags to watch for:
- Pressure to settle quickly
- Requests for recorded statements without your lawyer present
- Offers that seem too low for your injuries and damages
- Claims that you don’t need a lawyer for a “simple” case
Take Action to Protect Your Family’s Future
Don’t face this alone. At Afonso & Afonso, LLC, we understand what working families in Union County go through after an accident. We speak Spanish and Portuguese, and we know the local courts and insurance companies.
Time limits apply to personal injury claims, so don’t wait. Call us today for your free consultation and let us protect your rights while you focus on getting better.
