A car accident can happen in seconds, leaving you shocked, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. In New Jersey, the first thing you should do after a crash is pull over to a safe location and call 911. These two steps might seem obvious, but they are critical for your safety, your legal protection, and any future injury claim you may need to file.
Let’s explore why pulling over and calling 911 matters so much after a collision.
Why Pulling Over Is the First Step
New Jersey law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop immediately. Leaving the scene can result in hit-and-run charges, fines, and even jail time. More importantly, pulling over protects your safety and allows you to assess the situation.
Benefits of Pulling Over
- Prevents further accidents: Staying in the flow of traffic after a crash can cause secondary collisions.
- Allows safe assessment: Once pulled over, you can check yourself, passengers, and others for injuries.
- Preserves evidence: A proper stop keeps the scene intact for police and investigators.
- Protects your legal rights: Failing to stop can make you look responsible for the crash, even if you weren’t at fault.
Find a safe spot such as the shoulder of the road, a nearby parking lot, or a breakdown lane before exiting your vehicle. Always use your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic.
Why Calling 911 Is Essential
After pulling over, the next critical step is to call 911 immediately. Even if the crash seems minor, involving the police and emergency services is vital.
Legal Requirement
In New Jersey, accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported to the police. Calling 911 ensures you meet this obligation.
Medical Help
Some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not be obvious right away. Emergency responders can evaluate everyone at the scene and provide necessary treatment.
Official Police Report
A police report documents the accident, noting details such as:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Road and weather conditions
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Observed damage and injuries
This report can play a crucial role in insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Similar Post: How Do You Get a Copy of the Crash Report for a New Jersey Car Accident?
What Happens If You Don’t Call 911?
Failing to call 911 after an accident can have serious consequences:
- Legal penalties: You may face fines or charges for not reporting.
- Insurance complications: Without a police report, your insurer may deny your claim.
- Weakened legal case: If you later file a personal injury lawsuit, the absence of an official record can hurt your credibility.
Simply put, calling 911 protects you legally and medically.
Additional Steps After Pulling Over and Calling 911
While stopping and calling 911 are the first priorities, there are other important actions you should take after an accident in New Jersey.
1. Exchange Information
Gather the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license plate, driver’s license, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
2. Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. These images can serve as evidence later.
3. Avoid Admitting Fault
Be polite and cooperative, but never apologize or admit fault. Liability should be determined by the police, insurance companies, or your attorney.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor after the crash. Delayed symptoms are common with car accident injuries. Medical records also help link your injuries to the accident.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly, but avoid giving detailed statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
Why These Steps Protect Your Future Claim
If you’re injured in a crash, you may need to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies will scrutinize your actions after the accident. By pulling over, calling 911, and following the right steps, you:
- Strengthen your credibility
- Create a paper trail of evidence
- Ensure medical documentation backs up your claim
- Reduce the risk of disputes over what really happened
Skipping these steps can give insurers an excuse to undervalue or deny your claim.
Similar Post: Recovering from a Car Accident in New Jersey: Steps to Maximize Your Injury Claim
Common Mistakes Drivers Make After Accidents
Too often, drivers make errors that hurt their cases later. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Leaving the scene without stopping
- Failing to call 911 because the damage “looked minor”
- Forgetting to exchange information or take photos
- Admitting fault before knowing all the facts
- Delaying medical care and weakening the link between the crash and injuries
Being cautious and methodical after an accident helps you protect both your health and your legal rights.
The Role of an Attorney After a Crash
Even when you do everything right after a crash, dealing with insurance companies can be difficult. They may try to downplay your injuries, argue you were at fault, or offer far less than your case is worth.
An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Review the police report and investigate the crash
- Collect medical evidence and witness statements
- Handle negotiations with insurers
- Determine the full value of your claim
- Represent you in court if necessary
Having legal guidance ensures you don’t face the process alone.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call Camili & Capo For Help Today
If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey, the first thing you should do is pull over and call 911. After that, your next call should be to a trusted attorney. At Camili & Capo, we help crash victims protect their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.
With offices in Totowa, Newark, Hackensack, and New Brunswick, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side. We’ll investigate the accident, handle the insurance companies, and pursue the maximum recovery for your injuries.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation . Let Camili & Capo guide you through the process and help you move forward with confidence after a crash.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
