What to Do After an Auto Accident in New Jersey

Paramus car crash lawyers offer practical guidance

We all wish we could go through the rest of our lives without an auto accident. But while we can hold up our end by exercising caution whenever we’re behind the wheel, we can’t account for the actions of negligent or reckless drivers that cross our path. For this reason, every driver must clearly understand their legal obligations after a crash, as well as the practical steps they must take to ensure their safety and the safety of others. At Razi & Giampa Law, LLC in Paramus, we provide determined advocacy for clients after they’ve been hurt in a crash. But we hope you have the following information ready in the immediate aftermath.

Legal obligations after a New Jersey car crash

New Jersey law imposes obligations on drivers involved in auto accidents, regardless of fault:

• Stop and exchange identifying information with other drivers — You must show your driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Offer reasonable first aid to injured parties — If an injured person needs immediate assistance, you are obligated to do what is reasonable under the circumstances.
• Report the accident — Drivers are obliged to report any crash that results in death, bodily injury, or apparent property damage of more than $500. You can fulfill this requirement by calling 911 or contacting the local police department or state police directly. If for some reason you cannot fulfill this requirement and the police do not create a report of the accident, you must file your own written report within 10 days, or as soon as you regain the capacity to do so. This report goes to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission on a form the Commission provides. In most cases, the police will respond and file a report, so you are not required.

Failing to stop at the scene puts you in legal jeopardy. For a property-damage-only crash, a driver who flees the scene faces fines ranging from $200 to $400 and possibly to three months’ jail time, as well as a license suspension for six months.

Penalties are higher for drivers who leave the scene where a person was injured or died. The driver can be fined $2,500 to $5,000 and face six months’ jail time, along with a year-long license suspension. Fleeing drivers are also subject to penalty points on their license.

Failing to report an accident can also lead to fines of $30 to $100, and license suspension.

If you feel the situation is unsafe and you cannot remain at the scene without unreasonable risk to your safety, you should proceed immediately to the closest police station to report the accident.

Practical, necessary steps to take in the wake of a NJ auto accident

Auto accidents require you to remain calm and take the steps necessary to ensure your safety. In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, you must:

• Move to a safe location — Secondary impacts can be deadly, so get the vehicle off the road. If you can’t move the car, place flares or fluorescent triangles to divert traffic. Do not lay flares if the vehicle is leaking fuel. Do not stay in an unsafe vehicle.
• Provide appropriate first aid — This is not just the right thing to do; it’s legally required.
• Call emergency services — Request police and an ambulance.
• Exchange information — If you feel unsafe, for example, if the at-fault driver is intoxicated or irrational, simply remain in your car (if safe) until police arrive.
• Document the scene — Take cellphone photos of the area, damage to vehicles, and injuries.
• Collect witness details — Get reliable contact information, such as business cards or phone numbers.
• Seek medical attention — For your safety and to document your injuries for your legal claim, you must receive immediate medical attention. If you don’t get checked out right away, an opposing party can allege that some intervening event caused your injuries.
• Report the accident to your insurance company — This is a contractual obligation under your policy. Even if you ultimately settle out of pocket, you should inform your insurance company.

Finally, you should call an auto accident attorney at R&G. The sooner you retain effective legal counsel, the stronger your case will be.

Contact Razi & Giampa Law, LLC in Paramus for a free consultation immediately after your accident

Razi & Giampa Law, LLC in Paramus provides highly professional and personalized legal services for victims of auto accidents in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey. To schedule a free consultation at our office, in your home, or at the hospital, call us today at 201-534-5011 or contact our firm online.