How to Document a Car Accident in New Jersey
If you’re in a car accident in New Jersey, it’s important to begin documenting things right away. Documentation of a car accident can help you remove liability and prove that the other driver was responsible.
Why Document a Car Accident?
If another driver was negligent and caused an accident, then they may also be liable for your damages. Documenting the accident can provide you with the proof you may need to recover compensation. Through a personal injury case, you may be able to recover damages like:
- Medical bills
- Property damages
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
A personal injury case requires that you provide evidence of why the other driver was negligent, and why they are responsible for your costs.
How to Document a Car Accident
Documenting a car accident includes collecting evidence of responsibility and any expenses that occur from the accident. A few types of documents that you may want to include are:
Police Report
Always notify the local police if you’re in a car accident. The police can call for an ambulance, which you and your passengers may or may not need. They’ll also create an official police report. New Jersey law requires that you file a police report for any car accident with damages over $500. It can be difficult to estimate the value of damages at first, so it’s best to just file a police report when the accident occurs.
Once the police create a police report, you’ll want to obtain your own copy. Your insurance company may ask for this, as well. If you decide to pursue legal action, you’ll also want a copy on hand to give your personal injury lawyer.
Witness Information
Witness reports can be helpful in deciding who’s at fault in an accident. If any witnesses stayed behind, write down their names and phone numbers.
Photographs
Photographs can also be helpful in recalling important details about an accident later on. Take a photograph of the exact location of the accident, as well as the damages. If there were any skid marks in the street, you might want to capture these too. You can also take photographs of nearby signs or street lights to help you recall information later.
Driver Information
This is also a good time to collect information from the other driver. This includes their name and insurance information. It can be easier to take a photograph of this information, so you won’t lose it.
Documentation After the Accident
Once you leave the scene of the accident, you’ll want to continue collecting documents. Keep track of any medical records or bills you collect that are related to the accident. Keep the receipts of any repairs you have done on your vehicle or other personal property. Keep track of any other costs that you may incur like towing expenses or childcare while you are dealing with the accident. Other costs to consider include lost wages or mental health counseling bills.
All of these costs may become relevant to your case. You may also decide to work with a personal injury lawyer to help you document your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Middlesex, Edison, Perth Amboy, Westfield, New Brunswick, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
