There are rules about when you have to call the police after a car accident in New Jersey, but we recommend contacting them even if you do not think that it’s necessary. This can end up being an important step if you decide to sue for compensation or make an insurance claim. Let’s take a look at how calling the cops to the scene of a crash can benefit you and why a Monmouth County car accident lawyer is likely to recommend it.
When Am I Required to Call the Police After an Accident in New Jersey?
Under NJ Rev Stat § 39:4-130, you are legally required to report an accident to the police when:
- There are injuries, OR
- Property damage appears to exceed $500.
Failure to report a crash may result in fines, having your driving privileges suspended, difficulty proving injuries at a later date, and insurance complications.
Why Calling for Minor Accidents Is Smart
Even if you don’t think that anyone is injured or that property damage is severe, it can be a good idea to call the cops anyway. You may find that:
- Injuries may not be immediately obvious
- Damage to vehicles can be hard to estimate
- Police can help gather accurate information
- Officers can secure the scene and direct traffic
- Having an official report can be beneficial for personal injury claims or lawsuits
What Information Does a Police Report Contain?
Obtaining a police report following an accident, even one that is seemingly minor, is critical. This report will contain a substantial amount of neutral, third-party information that can help in the event you wish to pursue compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Key Elements Included in a Police Report
- Driver contact information
- Insurance details of all involved parties
- Vehicle position and crash impact descriptions
- Road and weather conditions
- Citations issued, if any
- Observations of impairment
- Witness statements and contact information
- Any driver admissions from the scene
Will a Police Report Discuss Fault?
Police will rarely state who is legally responsible for an accident in a report. However, their documented observations can help support claims of negligence, like impairment or citations.
Ultimately, however, it is the responsibility of an insurance company or court to determine who is at fault for the accident, not a responding police officer.
What Should I Do At the Scene While Waiting for the Police?
Calling the police should be one of the first steps after a car accident, but there are also other things that you should do to protect yourself and stay safe.
Steps to Protect Yourself
We recommend that you:
- Move the vehicles to a safe location
- Call 911 if you have not done so already
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver
- Take pictures of any injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene itself
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information
- Avoid making any statements or saying anything that could be perceived as admitting fault
How Do I Obtain a Copy of the Police Report?
At the accident scene, an officer should inform you of how to access a copy of the report. This may be done through New Jersey’s crash reporting portal or through the local police department. Regardless, if you do not receive instructions at the scene, you should call your local police department’s non-emergency line to ask.
It’s important to understand, however, that you may have to wait several days before the report becomes available online.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Monmouth County?
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a car accident in Parlin, Aberdeen, or the surrounding area, you may wonder if you need an attorney to represent you. You are not required to hire a lawyer when pursuing compensation after a car accident, though working with an attorney has significant benefits.
How an Attorney Can Help
Working with an attorney can help you:
- Understand deadlines
- Negotiate with insurers
- Avoid accepting a low settlement offer
- Gather and preserve important evidence
- Avoid accusations of fault
When You Definitely Should Speak With a Lawyer
You should strongly consider consulting a lawyer if any of the following apply to you:
- You have suffered serious injuries
- There is a possibility of long-term disability
- There are disputes regarding fault
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- The accident involved a commercial or rideshare vehicle
Schedule a Case Consultation with Our Injury Attorneys
If you have been injured in a car accident, the team at Falcon Law Firm is ready to discuss your legal options. Our team understands how devastating a car accident can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered. If you’re ready to learn how our team can represent you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our competent firm.
