Top 5 Things to Prioritize After a Car Accident
Car accidents are one of the most common personal injury crimes that occur in the US. However, even though they are a daily occurrence in cities like New Jersey, they leave the victim devastated and alter their entire life.
If you have recently been a victim of a car accident, you must be wondering how you can wisely deal with the situation. The first and foremost thing that you must do after the incident is contact a New Jersey car accident lawyer. These professionals will help you effectively navigate through this tough time and make the process of insurance claims smooth. However, there are numerous other things that you must consider after encountering a car accident. The five most important ones are mentioned below.
1. Shift to a Safe Place:
Unfortunately, some roads are more prone to accidents due to poor design, inadequate signage, and high traffic behavior. If you ever fall victim to an auto accident on such roads, the first thing that you must ensure is that you are calm and focused on what you should be doing for your safety and that of others.
So, after you have encountered an accident, try to shift yourself/ anyone involved and the vehicle to a safe place. This step will not only keep you safe but will also ensure the safety of other vehicles on the road. If the accident occurred at night, immediately turn on the hazard light so that other drivers on the road become aware.
2. Collect all the Information:
The accident's immediate aftermath can be stressful, but you must collect as much information as possible to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loss. One thing that can turn out to be very useful is clicking pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident from multiple angles. Doing this will ensure that you are not missing out on any blind spots during the time of the insurance claim.
Also, take pictures of the surrounding area, including traffic lights, skid marks, and any damage to public property. Another thing that is extremely important is to click pictures of the license plate of each car involved in the accident, which will act as an important tool if a witness chooses to run away from the accident scene.
3. Seek Medical Assistance:
As soon as you gain some sense, call 911 to ensure you are provided with medical assistance. If you are not in a position to contact 911, don’t shy away from seeking help from a passerby. Ask the person to provide the officials with the exact location of the accident so that they can provide help immediately.
Now you may be wondering, what about the police? Well, the first priority is you, and it is not essential to contact the police immediately. However, inform them as soon as you are able to, as it will ensure that there are no roadblocks on your way to claiming insurance.
4. Contact a Reliable Lawyer:
Contacting a reliable lawyer will help you understand the legal process that is followed in New Jersey to determine liability. Moreover, a lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loss.
Dealing with the insurance claiming process can be extremely exhausting since it involves navigating complex policies, lengthy claim processes, and frequent documentation. However, when you have legal support by your side, finding your way through these complexities becomes relatively easier.
5. Start the Claim Process:
You must start your claim process as soon as you feel better. But before you claim for insurance, you need to decide whether you want to file it with your insurer or the other driver’s insurer.
Remember that you can file an insurance claim without informing the police; all you need is some basic information and pictures of the accident and the damages caused. Once you have submitted this information, a claim representative will be assigned to help you understand the entire process. Here, you must know that the insurance company will always try to reduce the claim amount. Hence, it is best to get your lawyer involved because only they can help you receive fair compensation.
Conclusion:
The aftermath of a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming. In addition to the physical impact of the accident, you will have numerous doubts and questions about the insurance claim.
However, all your doubts will be answered as soon as you hire a car accident lawyer who has experience in personal injury claims. These professionals help you strategically move through the entire process, make you understand every step involved, and ensure you receive fair monetary and other compensations.
Image credit: Depositphotos