Car accidents can be traumatic and damaging to a person’s health and property. After being involved in a collision, no one wants to hang around on the side of the road all day, but securing the necessary information from the other driver is essential in protecting your rights and legal options. It is crucial that you understand the information you must exchange with the other driver after being involved in a car accident. Work with a skillful New Jersey auto accident lawyer for help pursuing compensation after your collision.
What Information Do I Have to Exchange After an Accident in NJ?
New Jersey state law 39:4-129 outlines the actions required of all drivers who are involved in an accident that caused property damage, injury, or death.
According to this statute, “The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person or damage to any vehicle or property shall give his name and address and exhibit his operator’s license and registration certificate of his vehicle to the person injured or whose vehicle or property was damaged and to any police officer or witness of the accident, and to the driver or occupants of the vehicle collided with…”
In simple terms, the required information that must be exchanged between drivers after an accident includes their names, home addresses, driver’s licenses, and vehicle registrations. If you were involved in a collision you are legally required to share this information with the other driver, passengers, witnesses, or police officers who request it.
You should also exchange insurance information including the name of your provider and your policy number and coverage. While you are sharing details, take some photos of the other driver’s license plate, driver’s license, vehicle, and more to ensure you have a copy of all relevant information.
Why is Exchanging Information Necessary?
Exchanging this information is important for both drivers and passengers to ensure that they are protected and have all the necessary information when filing an insurance claim. New Jersey is a no-fault accident state, meaning that all drivers must first file a claim through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is a required no-fault insurance coverage.
If the accident is particularly serious, your injuries are severe, or you are seeking compensation for property damage (which is not covered under PIP), you may also decide to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance. If that is the case, then having the other driver’s personal information is essential in properly and effectively filing a claim.
If your claim is denied or the proposed settlement is insufficient for your damages, you may also choose to file a lawsuit against the driver. Having details like their name, address, vehicle information, and insurance policy will bolster your case and make it easier to successfully file a lawsuit.
For more information contact a skilled attorney at Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC today.
