What To Do Immediately Following An Accident | Car Accident Lawyers Morris County NJ
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Being in an auto accident of any kind can be a traumatic experience. Even a simple fender bender can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do. Unfortunately, this is exactly the time that you need to be sharp, and know the responsibilities you and the other driver have to each other and to the state.
The Smith & Gaynor, LLC, have conveniently made this page for you to print and keep in your glove box in the case of any kind of accident. We also recommend that you keep a disposable camera in your car if you are unable to take pictures with your cell phone.
What to Do After a Car Accident in New Jersey
Section 39:4-129 of the New Jersey Statutes spells out the actions you are legally required to take after a car accident:
- Call the police and report injuries. You must contact the police to report the accident. This is especially important when there are injuries. When you call 911, tell the dispatcher where you are and, at the same time, report any injuries. Be as specific as possible.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident. If possible, move your car to the side of the road and away from traffic, and wait for law enforcement to arrive. You must not leave the scene of an accident until instructed to do so by the police. When law enforcement arrives, the officer will make a report. It is important to get a copy of that report. So make sure you write down the officer’s name, badge number, and ask where you can obtain the report.
- Attend to the injured. Ambulances generally arrive on the scene quickly. You should not move an injury victim unless it is absolutely necessary, such as when the victim is lying in the road and is in danger of being struck by another vehicle. If you must move the victim, go slow and steady. Support the injured area as best you can and move only as far as you need to get the victim out of harm’s way.
Here’s a couple of other steps you should take that are required not by law but by prudence:
- Exchange information and talk to witnesses. Write down the name, address, phone number, drivers license number, and insurance information (including the agent’s name and phone number) of all other drivers involved in the accident. Write down the make, model and license plate numbers of their cars. If there were any passengers in the car, get their names and contact information as well. Were there any witnesses? If so, get their accounts, along with their names and phone numbers.
-
If you have been injured, protect your rights by calling the law offices of Smith & Gaynor, LLC at 973-292-0016 as soon as possible. While at the scene, do
not
admit fault and do
not
talk to anyone representing an insurance company. Our attorneys know how to deal with your car accident case in New Jersey and will help ensure that your claim is handled properly.
Contact a Morris County Personal Injury Lawyer
Robert A. Smith of Smith & Gaynor, LLC, is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney. This means that he specializes in civil court cases, including accident and injury cases of any kind. It is an accolade given by the New Jersey Supreme Court to only 2% of the active lawyers in the state. His fellow lawyers have also accorded him the highest possible Martindale Hubbel rating of AV® Preeminent in recognition of his excellent legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. Bob Smith prides himself on providing personal but professional legal counsel, and he believes open and honest communication with his clients is the key to building a long-lasting partnership based on trust.
At Smith & Gaynor, LLC, we have helped clients from Morris, Bergen, Essex and Somerset counties and from across the Garden State who have been injured in car accidents. Please
contact us online or call us at 973-292-0016 to set up a time to discuss your needs. The consultation is free, and all car accident injury cases are taken on contingency. If you are unable to come to our office, one of our lawyers will visit you at your home or hospital.
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Being in an auto accident of any kind can be a traumatic experience. Even a simple fender bender can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do. Unfortunately, this is exactly the time that you need to be sharp, and know the responsibilities you and the other driver have to each other and to the state.
The Smith & Gaynor, LLC, have conveniently made this page for you to print and keep in your glove box in the case of any kind of accident. We also recommend that you keep a disposable camera in your car if you are unable to take pictures with your cell phone.
What to Do After a Car Accident in New Jersey
Section 39:4-129 of the New Jersey Statutes spells out the actions you are legally required to take after a car accident:
- Call the police and report injuries. You must contact the police to report the accident. This is especially important when there are injuries. When you call 911, tell the dispatcher where you are and, at the same time, report any injuries. Be as specific as possible.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident. If possible, move your car to the side of the road and away from traffic, and wait for law enforcement to arrive. You must not leave the scene of an accident until instructed to do so by the police. When law enforcement arrives, the officer will make a report. It is important to get a copy of that report. So make sure you write down the officer’s name, badge number, and ask where you can obtain the report.
- Attend to the injured. Ambulances generally arrive on the scene quickly. You should not move an injury victim unless it is absolutely necessary, such as when the victim is lying in the road and is in danger of being struck by another vehicle. If you must move the victim, go slow and steady. Support the injured area as best you can and move only as far as you need to get the victim out of harm’s way.
Here’s a couple of other steps you should take that are required not by law but by prudence:
- Exchange information and talk to witnesses. Write down the name, address, phone number, drivers license number, and insurance information (including the agent’s name and phone number) of all other drivers involved in the accident. Write down the make, model and license plate numbers of their cars. If there were any passengers in the car, get their names and contact information as well. Were there any witnesses? If so, get their accounts, along with their names and phone numbers.
-
If you have been injured, protect your rights by calling the law offices of Smith & Gaynor, LLC at 973-292-0016 as soon as possible. While at the scene, do
not
admit fault and do
not
talk to anyone representing an insurance company. Our attorneys know how to deal with your car accident case in New Jersey and will help ensure that your claim is handled properly.
Contact a Morris County Personal Injury Lawyer
Robert A. Smith of Smith & Gaynor, LLC, is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney. This means that he specializes in civil court cases, including accident and injury cases of any kind. It is an accolade given by the New Jersey Supreme Court to only 2% of the active lawyers in the state. His fellow lawyers have also accorded him the highest possible Martindale Hubbel rating of AV® Preeminent in recognition of his excellent legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. Bob Smith prides himself on providing personal but professional legal counsel, and he believes open and honest communication with his clients is the key to building a long-lasting partnership based on trust.
At Smith & Gaynor, LLC, we have helped clients from Morris, Bergen, Essex and Somerset counties and from across the Garden State who have been injured in car accidents. Please
contact us online or call us at 973-292-0016 to set up a time to discuss your needs. The consultation is free, and all car accident injury cases are taken on contingency. If you are unable to come to our office, one of our lawyers will visit you at your home or hospital.
Se habla español.