How to File a Car Accident Injury Claim in New Jersey?
Posted on: August 8, 2023
While car accidents are common in New Jersey, they happen when you least expect them. The moments following the accident may be far less stressful and overwhelming if you know what steps to take at the accident scene and how to file a personal injury claim.
It is essential that you remain calm and take the following steps after a car accident, particularly if you suffered an injury.
Call 911
While you may not need to call the police if the accident was a minor fender-bender, you should immediately report the accident if the accident is more serious. They will send a police officer to the scene and an ambulance if you notify dispatch where you were injured. Once the police officer arrives at the scene, they will fill out a police report, including important details about the accident. You can obtain a copy of this report.
Document the Scene and Exchange Information
Collect as much evidence as possible, including pictures of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, skid marks on the road, and other images that may help determine who was at fault. It is also important that you collect the following information:
- Name and contact information of the other people involved in the accident.
- The other motorist’s driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance policy number.
- Make and model of the other vehicle involved.
- Names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident happen.
- Other details about the accident scene, including road names, the date and time of the accident, and the weather conditions.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You must notify your insurance company and tell them you were injured in a car accident. You must also be prepared to answer questions about who was involved in the accident, how it happened, and where. An insurance adjuster will evaluate the case and notify you about the next steps. Remember that the insurance company will likely try to avoid paying a costly settlement, so you are urged to contact a car accident lawyer to assist you with your case and protect your legal rights.
File an Insurance Claim
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, meaning you will file a claim with your insurance provider even if the other motorist was at fault. It is unnecessary to prove fault or establish negligence to qualify for no-fault insurance benefits.
All licensed drivers in New Jersey are required to purchase the following types of no-fault insurance:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance pays for your medical expenses associated with a car accident.
- Liability insurance pays for up to $5,000 in property damage the other motorist suffered. You can also purchase bodily injury liability coverage for an additional cost.
- Uninsured motorist insurance protects you financially if the other driver involved is uninsured or underinsured.
Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Help Clients Navigate the Claims Process
If you were injured in a car accident and you have questions about the process of filing a personal injury claim, do not hesitate to contact our Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 732-308-0200 or contact us online. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
