What Happens if I’m Hit on the New Jersey Turnpike?
If you get hit on the New Jersey Turnpike, the police should be contacted so that a report can be filed. Always get immediate medical care to diagnose and treat potential injuries. Exchange information with the driver who hit you, and don’t admit fault. File a claim with your own no-fault insurance policy. Then, consult with a car accident attorney in New Jersey to discuss a potential lawsuit.
Check for Injuries
After any type of motor vehicle accident on the Turnpike, your safety and health are top priorities. Pull over in a safe location and check yourself for signs of injury. Request an ambulance or get medical care immediately.
Call 911
Call 911 to notify local police about the car accident. The New Jersey State police handle responses to all accidents that occur on the Turnpike. They will send an officer to secure the scene, gather information and complete a police report. The official crash report can contain important details and serve as evidence during your insurance claim.
Collect Information and Evidence
Before you leave the scene of your crash, exchange names, contact information and insurance information with the driver who hit you. Do your best to collect other types of evidence, as well, such as photos of the crash scene, video footage recorded from nearby cameras, and witness names and contact details.
New Jersey Turnpike accidents often involve large commercial trucks. If you get injured in a truck accident, write down the name of the trucking company and the truck number. Then, contact a local truck accident attorney in Union City for help gathering data from the truck’s black box that may provide evidence of fault.
Contact Your Own Insurer
New Jersey uses a no-fault law to assign insurance benefits during a car accident case. Under this rule, each driver’s individual personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will pay for his or her own losses, regardless of who is at fault for the crash. This is true even after an accident on the Turnpike.
Contact your own car insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim. You may qualify for PIP coverage for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. If you have Unlimited Right to Sue Insurance or suffered significant or permanent injuries in the Turnpike accident, you may also be able to pursue coverage from the at-fault driver.
File a Claim or Lawsuit
New Jersey Turnpike accidents are often traced back to driver negligence, meaning the failure to use proper care when operating a motor vehicle. A driver may have hit you due to negligence such as speeding, aggressive or reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or making an unsafe lane change. Poor road conditions and dangerous construction zones also contribute to Turnpike collisions.
If another driver is responsible for causing your Turnpike accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation from this person’s insurance provider. Discuss the possibility of bringing a third-party claim or lawsuit with an experienced personal injury lawyer in New Jersey before proceeding. An attorney will carefully investigate your motor vehicle accident to assess your rights and legal options.
Get Professional Help for a Complex Claim
Claims for car accidents on the New Jersey Turnpike can encounter challenges that require professional assistance. Common issues are multiple parties or vehicles involved, liability disputes, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and accidents involving businesses, such as truck or rideshare companies. Get help for your particular Turnpike accident case in New Jersey by contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible for a free consultation.