The days after a car accident can be stressful, but they can also offer you an opportunity. If someone else caused your accident and you want to hold them accountable for their negligent behavior, the days following the crash give you the chance to gather important evidence and prepare for a personal injury case. A Monmouth County car accident lawyer from our firm can help you with that.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
You can start building your case right after an accident in Oakhurst, Eatontown, Deal, or any other Monmouth County community. Though you may be overwhelmed, in pain, or in shock after an accident, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath can have a considerable impact on your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. As such, even if the accident appears minor, you should report the accident and document the scene.
Important Steps to Take At the Accident Scene
- Make sure that everyone is okay
- Call 911 to request police and medical assistance at the scene
- Get the cars moved to a safe area
- Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, your visible injuries, and anything else that could be relevant, like tire marks or road hazards
- Exchange insurance information with all drivers involved
- Gather the names and contact details of witnesses
- Do not discuss fault or apologize at the scene
- Request a copy of the police report before leaving the scene
Why Calling the Police Matters
Though it may not seem necessary, calling the police and obtaining an official report of the collision is critical. Not only can this serve as proof of the accident, but the officers may also gather and document the following information:
- Statements made by drivers involve
- The conditions of the road at the time of the collision
- Traffic violations
- Witness observations
- Preliminary fault determinations
Is It Important to Get Medical Care After a Car Accident?
You may not feel like your injuries are serious after a car accident, but you should get medical care right away anyway. The stress and adrenaline from the crash could be making it hard for you to adequately judge your pain levels. As such, some injuries, including whiplash and concussions, may not become apparent until days after the collision.
Common Injuries That May Appear Days Later’
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Herniated discs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
How Delaying Medical Care Can Hurt Your Claim
If you are injured and delay medical care, the defendant might use that against you if you sue for damages. They might argue that you delayed care because you are not that seriously injured. They can also say that you got the injuries elsewhere and that they are unrelated to the crash.
Medical Records That Can Strengthen Your Case
- Emergency room papers
- Imaging results
- Physical therapy records
- Prescription receipts
- Medical bills
- Mileage traveled to appointments
- Work restriction documentation
What Mistakes Should I Avoid After a Monmouth County Car Accident?
Because the aftermath of an accident in Monmouth County or other Central Jersey communities can be incredibly overwhelming, many victims often make mistakes and errors that ultimately negatively impact the outcome of their claims. Understanding and avoiding these errors is critical to protecting your right to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Injury Claim
- Failing to report the accident
- Delaying medical care
- Ignoring the recommendations of your doctor
- Getting rid of receipts and records
- Accepting the first settlement offer
- Discussing the matter on social media
- Waiting too long to contact an attorney
- Providing a recorded statement to an insurance company
- Admitting fault
Why You Should Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Companies
When you are contacted by an insurance adjuster after a Monmouth County car accident, it’s important to understand that their primary objective is to save their company as much money as possible. As such, they will look for any statements you provide that can be used as justification to reduce, if not outright deny, your claim. Even casual comments may be twisted and used as evidence of fault. As such, before speaking with an insurance adjuster:
- Do not speculate regarding fault
- Do not minimize the severity of your injures
- Do not provide recorded statements without first consulting an experienced attorney
- Do not sign any documents without having an attorney review them
Should I Sue For Compensation After a Car Accident?
You should sue for compensation if you have serious injuries and believe that someone else caused the crash. This gives you the chance to be reimbursed for expenses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, but it also gives you the chance to hold a negligent driver accountable.
In New Jersey, injured drivers are often entitled to compensation for damages following collisions caused by speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and other negligent actions. Regardless of where the collision occurs, including the Garden State Parkway, Route 31, Route 18, or local roads throughout Monmouth County, ensuring you properly document negligence and damages is critical to recovering the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available After a Car Accident
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Damage to property
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Talk to a Monmouth County Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in an accident and it was someone else’s fault, you shouldn’t be stuck with the medical bills and all of these other expenses. At Falcon Law Firm, we understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we are dedicated to helping you recover the justice you deserve. Contact us today and ask to schedule a free case consultation. We’ll tell you more about how our attorneys can help you fight for a fair compensation offer.
