Bergen County Automobile Accident Lawyer
Steps to Take After an Automobile Accident
Auto accidents can happen to anyone. Every year millions of people are injured in motor vehicle accidents—many very seriously. You can protect your legal rights by doing the right thing after an accident occurs.
The first thing you should do after your car has been involved in a collision is stop the car as close as possible to the point of impact without obstructing traffic. Leaving the scene of an accident is subject to criminal prosecution. After stopping, remain at the scene of the accident to aid the injured, protect the scene, report to the police, and gather information.
Protecting the Rights of the Injured
Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Hasson
Call (201) 530-6272
Toll Free (866) 699-6487
If someone is injured call an ambulance immediately. Tell the ambulance dispatcher the location of the accident and the number of people injured.
Call the police. A police report of the accident will help your insurance claim and any liability claims. When the police arrive, note the name and badge number of each officer. Be sure to give the officer a complete and accurate description of how the accident occurred.
Exchange information with the driver of the other car(s). You should get the following information:
- Other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, name of insurance company and policy number.
- Name, address, and telephone number of any passengers.
- Witnesses' names, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the other vehicle.
If you hit a parked car and can’t find the owner, leave a note with your name, address and a summary of the accident.
Do not admit responsibility for the accident. Things that you say can be used against you if there is litigation. You may think that you were responsible for the accident and later learn that the other driver caused it or that the other driver was also at fault.
Before you allow a tow truck driver to pick up your car, be sure to ask the driver how much it will cost to take the car to where you want it delivered. Get the name, address, and telephone number of the driver and the towing company.
Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after the accident. Follow up the phone call with a written note and save a copy for your files. The notice should include the time, date, and location of the accident. It should also include the name of the other driver and the names of passengers in your car.
Protect the scene of the accident to avoid additional collisions. Do not allow your car to obstruct the road if it can be moved. Warn approaching cars by raising the hood of your car and using your car’s hazard lights. Place flares or reflectors on the road.
In all automobile accidents it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians and other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Don't delay. Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey Hasson, now. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
Law Office of Jeffrey
S. Hasson, P.C.
