Car accidents happen in an instant, but the decisions you make in the moments and hours afterward can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Whether you’ve been in a fender bender on a local street in Elizabeth or a serious collision on the Garden State Parkway, knowing the right steps to take can protect both your health and your legal rights.
At Galarza & Etwaroo, we’ve guided countless accident victims through the aftermath of crashes across the state, including but not limited to, Union, Essex, Hudson, and Bergen counties. Here’s exactly what you need to do after a car accident in New Jersey.
1. Prioritize Safety and Health First
Your immediate priority is safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent additional accidents, but make sure you take pictures of the positions of the vehicles after the crash before you move. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares if you have them.
Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt, experiencing pain, or showing signs of distress. Some serious injuries—like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage—may not be immediately apparent.
Always seek medical attention within 24 hours, even if you think you’re uninjured. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which is crucial for any future claim.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
New Jersey law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Call the police to the scene, even for seemingly minor accidents.
The police report documents critical details: who was involved, witness statements, road conditions, and the officer’s assessment of fault. This report becomes vital evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Get the report number from the responding officer and ask how to obtain a copy of the full report later.
3. Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re physically able, gather as much information as possible:
- Exchange information with other drivers: names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries
- Identify witnesses and get their contact information
- Note details like weather conditions, time of day, and traffic patterns
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.
4. Be Careful What You Say
In the stressful moments after an accident, it’s natural to want to apologize or discuss what happened. Don’t admit fault or apologize, even if you think you may have contributed to the accident. Fault determination is complex and involves many factors you may not be aware of in the moment.
Stick to the facts when speaking with police and other drivers. Save detailed discussions for your attorney.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies—even your own—are focused on minimizing payouts.
Provide basic facts about the accident, but avoid speculating about injuries or fault. You’re required to report the accident, but you’re not required to accept an inadequate settlement.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Many accident victims make the mistake of trying to handle claims on their own, only to discover they’ve accepted far less compensation than they deserved or missed critical deadlines.
Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney early protects your rights. At Galarza & Etwaroo, we offer free consultations and work on a no-fee-unless-we-recover basis, so there’s no financial risk in getting professional legal guidance.
We’ll handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, calculate the full value of your claim (including future medical expenses and lost wages), and fight aggressively for maximum compensation.
7. Keep Detailed Records
As you recover, maintain organized records of:
- All medical treatments, bills, and prescriptions
- Time missed from work and lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
- How your injuries affect your daily life
- All correspondence with insurance companies
These records support your claim and help ensure you’re fully compensated for all accident-related losses.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
The aftermath of a car accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance companies pushing for quick settlements. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
At Galarza & Etwaroo, we combine fierce courtroom advocacy with genuine compassion for our clients. As Super Lawyers Rising Stars and recognized leaders in personal injury law, we have the experience and dedication to transform your setback into a meaningful victory.
We offer bilingual services in Spanish and are available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Don’t wait. New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives you only two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case.
Contact Galarza & Etwaroo today for your free consultation. Visit us at galarzaetwaroo.com or call our Elizabeth or New York offices. Remember: we don’t get paid unless you do.
Your recovery is our priority. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.
