4 Mistakes to Avoid After Your NJ Car Accident
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You’ve gotten into an accident and you’ve followed New Jersey law, called the police, and have pulled over into a safe space.
What you do and say over the next several hours will make a huge impact on whether you’re able to hold a negligent driver accountable for your injuries.
#1) Failing to Watch Your Words
The words you say directly after your accident can be used against you. The two worst phrases you can use are “I’m sorry” and “I’m okay.”
These are very human words to use, but you want to do your best to avoid them.
“I’m sorry” makes it sound like you are admitting fault. Any amount on your fault can lower the value of your personal injury claim.
“I’m okay” downplays your injuries. If it turns out that you have deep or expensive injuries later the insurance company will use these words against you to try to sell the narrative that you are exaggerating your injuries after the fact to maximize the amount of money you can collect.
#2) Failing to Collect Evidence (if You Can)
The best time to collect evidence is in those few minutes after the accident. If you’re not unconscious or far too hurt to do so, taking pictures of the accident scene and each vehicle from every possible angle is going to make a huge difference when it’s time to reconstruct your case.
It’s also a great idea to gather the names and numbers of any witnesses.
By the way, it’s usually a better idea to take a photo of the other driver’s insurance card than it is to try to write it down. If you transpose a number you can create complications with your claim.
#3) Failing to Obtain Medical Care
Get seen. Some injuries aren’t going to be readily apparent when you’re riding an adrenaline high.
Once you’re seen, you need to follow every one of your doctor’s instructions so you don’t blur the line of causality between your injuries and the accident.
#4) Talking to Insurance Before Talking to a Lawyer
Did you know that if a personal injury attorney takes your case you can have them file the insurance claim for you? This means your attorney can deal both with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company.
This is a boon as neither company is really on your side. Both of them want to pay as little as possible. They both have a multitude of tricks to lead you into doing and saying things that you should not do and say in order to avoid paying your claim.
Yes, you do have to inform your insurance company of your accident…but you can do it through your lawyer.
Get Help from an NJ Personal Injury Attorney Today
While not all car accidents will require the help of a personal injury attorney, there’s never any risk when you contact our offices. We don’t charge you to evaluate your case, which means you can find out if you need our help before you wade in to start talking to the insurance company.
This information helps you protect yourself and your interests as your personal injury case unfolds.
Contact us today to get started. See also:
What is the Timeline for a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
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You’ve gotten into an accident and you’ve followed New Jersey law, called the police, and have pulled over into a safe space.
What you do and say over the next several hours will make a huge impact on whether you’re able to hold a negligent driver accountable for your injuries.
#1) Failing to Watch Your Words
The words you say directly after your accident can be used against you. The two worst phrases you can use are “I’m sorry” and “I’m okay.”
These are very human words to use, but you want to do your best to avoid them.
“I’m sorry” makes it sound like you are admitting fault. Any amount on your fault can lower the value of your personal injury claim.
“I’m okay” downplays your injuries. If it turns out that you have deep or expensive injuries later the insurance company will use these words against you to try to sell the narrative that you are exaggerating your injuries after the fact to maximize the amount of money you can collect.
#2) Failing to Collect Evidence (if You Can)
The best time to collect evidence is in those few minutes after the accident. If you’re not unconscious or far too hurt to do so, taking pictures of the accident scene and each vehicle from every possible angle is going to make a huge difference when it’s time to reconstruct your case.
It’s also a great idea to gather the names and numbers of any witnesses.
By the way, it’s usually a better idea to take a photo of the other driver’s insurance card than it is to try to write it down. If you transpose a number you can create complications with your claim.
#3) Failing to Obtain Medical Care
Get seen. Some injuries aren’t going to be readily apparent when you’re riding an adrenaline high.
Once you’re seen, you need to follow every one of your doctor’s instructions so you don’t blur the line of causality between your injuries and the accident.
#4) Talking to Insurance Before Talking to a Lawyer
Did you know that if a personal injury attorney takes your case you can have them file the insurance claim for you? This means your attorney can deal both with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company.
This is a boon as neither company is really on your side. Both of them want to pay as little as possible. They both have a multitude of tricks to lead you into doing and saying things that you should not do and say in order to avoid paying your claim.
Yes, you do have to inform your insurance company of your accident…but you can do it through your lawyer.
Get Help from an NJ Personal Injury Attorney Today
While not all car accidents will require the help of a personal injury attorney, there’s never any risk when you contact our offices. We don’t charge you to evaluate your case, which means you can find out if you need our help before you wade in to start talking to the insurance company.
This information helps you protect yourself and your interests as your personal injury case unfolds.
Contact us today to get started. See also:
What is the Timeline for a Personal Injury Lawsuit?