Car accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence. As a result, it is important to know what to do in the event of an accident. Read on for more information regarding car accidents in New Jersey and what to do if you are involved in one.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can be caused by a number of things. Sometimes, accidents are caused by faulty car parts, poor weather conditions, and hazardous road conditions. But, for the most part, car accidents are caused by driver negligence. Some of the most common forms of negligence include:
- Texting While Driving (Distracted Driving)
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Driving While Fatigued
What to do After a Car Accident?
A car accident can be traumatic. You and/or your passengers may be seriously injured. Even if you are not injured, the anxiety surrounding a car accident can be extreme. Because of this, it can be difficult to remain calm and do everything you need to do in the event of an accident. But, there are a few important steps you will have to take.
- Call the police.
- Calmly ask the other driver for his or her insurance information. Be polite, but, keep conversation to a minimum, and never apologize for the accident, as this may be seen as an admission of fault.
- Ask anyone who witnessed your accident for their contact information, as they may corroborate your claim at a later date.
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your vehicle, the other motorist’s vehicle, and any property that was damaged in the accident.
- Once you are transported to a hospital and treated, ask your doctor for all medical bills/documentation associated with your injury. It is important to go to the hospital, even if you do not feel like you have been injured. It is possible to be injured without realizing it or sustain an injury that does not affect you until later on.
- Retain the services of an experienced Essex County car accident lawyer who can gather and present additional evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof on your behalf.
Statute of Limitations?
If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation. In order to recover compensation, you will need to make sure you file your personal injury claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. Generally, in the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. This means that if you do not file your claim within two years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your chance to recover compensation. To make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines, contact a skilled personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Currently, it is unclear whether employees will have the right to file COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims, however, if the time comes where this becomes legislation, our firm is here to help. As we learn more, we will bring this information to you. Contact Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod today to learn more.
