New Jersey laws stipulate that you have two years to file a car accident personal injury claim after the date it occurred, but this does not mean you should wait to call an attorney. A lawyer can be the best resource for helping with an insurance claim issue, settlement, or other matters, and the sooner the initial contact is made, the better. The first conversation could lay the groundwork for a successful case, and the call is usually free.
What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?
People who survive car accidents feel various emotions, like fear, anger, and sadness. On top of that, they are often confused and shocked, making it difficult to know the proper steps to take. Call 911 immediately to report what happened, even for minor crashes. With more serious ones, drivers and passengers may need to be transported to a hospital immediately, but in any case, it is essential to get checked out.
Responding police officers will file a report, so request a copy. Take photos of the other person’s driver’s license and insurance information, and snap pictures of the vehicle damage, the weather conditions, downed stop signs, and anything else that shows what happened. This should be done immediately before making phone calls because evidence can disappear soon after the accident.
Should I Call an Attorney Before Calling My Insurance Company?
You can contact an attorney before or after reaching out to your insurer. The accident can be reported to the insurance provider first, but that should be a short conversation to let them know what happened – they can be given the details later. Do not elaborate because those words could be used against you in a claim or lawsuit.
An experienced car accident lawyer can advise you about what to say to the insurance company before the first call. Later, they can be your liaison, and you can focus on recovering from your injuries. If the insurance provider questions the claim’s legitimacy or offers a low settlement, your attorney can also handle that. Should the insurance company refuse to settle, you may wish to file a lawsuit.
How Else Can a Car Accident Attorney Help My Case?
A car accident attorney can also help when an allegedly at-fault driver is underinsured or without insurance. Furthermore, you can benefit from working with an attorney to help gather evidence and prove liability. Their help is also vital in cases that involve multiple defendants.
Attorneys have other ways of gathering evidence as well. They can contact medical experts to prove how injuries were caused. Often, they vet potential eyewitnesses about what they saw or heard.
A Tinton Falls Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Is Ready to Provide You With Trusted Legal Guidance
Building a strong claim against a defendant in a car accident case is an involved process, and contacting a lawyer quickly can improve your chances of success. If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with our experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams. Call us today at 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey we serve clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County and throughout the state.
