When you are involved in an accident in New Jersey, the other driver may ask you to refrain from contacting the police, instead handling this matter amongst yourself. However, obtaining a police report following any collision is critical. While the use of police reports in courts is limited because they are often considered hearsay, they can still significantly impact the outcome of your case. Keep reading to learn more about this matter, as New Jersey law requires you to submit a police report if there were grave injuries or substantial property damage. To better understand how a police report can affect your circumstances, keep reading this blog post and contact our New Jersey car accident lawyers.
Why Are Police Reports Considered Hearsay in New Jersey?
While the majority of the information included in a police report is deemed inadmissible in a trial, it’s important to understand that there are certain pieces of information that may be used. As such, understanding how hearsay works and what parts of the report may be used in court is critical to preparing for your case.
What Does Hearsay Mean in Legal Terms
In the legal world, hearsay refers to a statement spoken out of court that would be offered in court to prove or assert the truth of the topic at hand. In most situations, hearsay is inadmissible in court for this reason, though there are exceptions.
Parts of a Police Report That May Be Admissible
New Jersey courts, however, consider police reports as only admissible in part. Police reports will be used for their factual observations of the accident, while any opinion the police officer may have offered in the report is not admissible. In some cases, you may need to get the officer who came to the scene of the accident to testify in court.
When Am I Required to File a Police Report After an Accident in NJ?
It’s important that deciding when to file a report isn’t subjective; under New Jersey law, there are specific instances in which you must report the accident to the police. As such, if you are involved in an accident, you should call 911 to request police and medical to the scene.
New Jersey’s Reporting Requirements
Under NJ Rev Stat § 39:4-130, New Jersey drivers have to report a car crash if anyone was hurt or if the crash caused more than $500 in damages.
In most instances, obtaining a police report after a collision of any kind is critical, as valuing damage at the scene can be difficult. Additionally, some injuries may not immediately appear, so reporting the crash is generally in your best interest.
How Can the Police Help After an Accident in Essex County?
It’s important to understand that calling the police isn’t just beneficial for obtaining a report; the police can also assist in ensuring the accident scene is safe:
- Blocking and directing traffic when necessary
- Documenting sustained injuries
- Collecting insurance information
- Obtaining witness information
What Information Does a Police Report Include?
When filing a police report in New Jersey, it’s important to understand what information will be included. This report will contain information that can be incredibly beneficial to refreshing your memory of the accident before providing statements to the insurance or court, which should only be done under the guidance of an experienced attorney.
As such, some of the most common information that a police report will contain includes:
- Fault indicators
- Information regarding injuries
- The names of the parties involved
- The phone numbers and addresses of those involved
- The insurance information of those involved
- The driver’s license of both parties
- Witness contact information
What Else Should I Do After Calling the Police?
It’s important to understand that, while waiting for the police to arrive, there are steps you can take at the scene of the accident to help protect your rights.
Checklist for Protecting Your Rights
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your visible injuries
- Gather the contact information of any witnesses
- Ask local homeowners or businesses about surveillance footage
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Notify your insurance company
It’s critical to understand that, until you have consulted an attorney, you should only provide the basic, factual information of the accident, such as where and when it occurred, and who was involved. Do not speculate about fault or discuss your injuries.
Can I Recover Compensation After a Crash in New Jersey?
When you are injured in an accident caused by the negligent actions of another party in Essex County, it’s important to understand the compensation you may be entitled to. This can help you ensure you gather the correct documents and preserve evidence for your claim. Generally, you are eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a New Jersey car accident claim.
Types of Recoverable Damages
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Our Personal Injury Firm Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, navigating the legal complexities of filing a claim can be overwhelming. As such, after calling the police, you should call Berliner, Cohen, Accardi & Grossman, LLC. Our team understands how devastating a car accident can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Connect with us today to learn how we can represent you during these complex times.
