If you have been injured in a car accident because of another’s negligence, you have the right to pursue financial compensation. However, not all car accident cases are the same, and some are more complex than others, making it more difficult to cover your losses.
When filing a car accident claim, you want to have the strongest case possible. Here are a few tips for your case.
Gather Evidence
Evidence from the accident can help provide important information, such as who caused it and the severity of the damage and injuries. It is best to collect as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. However, if you are unable to do so yourself, an accident lawyer can help you gather evidence.
If possible, gather evidence such as:
- Photos and videos of injuries, vehicle damage, and the scene.
- Witness information, such as names and contact information.
- Copy of police report.
- Detail the time and conditions at the time of the accident.
- Contact and insurance information of other drivers.
Insurance Companies
Often, an insurance company’s first offer for compensation is low. Unfortunately, they will use different tactics and omit certain information that will keep your settlement on the low end. This is expected, as they are always attempting to make money off of you. You should not give them a recorded statement if asked, and you should not accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. If you do accept a settlement offer, you waive your ability to seek any further compensation from that accident.
Visit the Doctor
Getting medical attention following a car accident is one of the first things you should do, regardless of whether you feel injured or not. The adrenaline and shock you feel from an accident often masks any pain, so seeing a doctor immediately can help identify any injury, as well as get you on the road to recovery. Doctor visits and medical records will also help strengthen your accident claim, as well as show the severity of the injuries.
Stay Off Social Media
Insurance companies and lawyers are well aware that people like to post accident footage on their social media accounts. It is never a good idea to do this because these posts can be used against you in the future, jeopardizing your case for compensation. While your case is in progress, it is recommended to stay off social media entirely.
Legal Representation
Hiring an accident lawyer is the best way to maximize your claim for numerous reasons. Just a few things a lawyer can do to strengthen your case:
- Negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
- Gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
- Speak with experts, such as medical experts and accident recreation experts.
- Advocate for you and guide you through the legal process.
New Jersey Car Accident Laws
It is a good idea to know your state’s laws. Some important laws to be aware of in New Jersey include:
- Reporting requirements: If the car accident resulted in any injuries or property damage that exceeds $500 or more, you are required to file a written report within 10 days of the date of the accident with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
- No-fault insurance: New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that your accident damages are covered under your own insurance policy, regardless of whether the accident was your fault or not. In addition, you are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. However, if the damages from the accident are so severe that the costs exceed your policy amount, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver through a personal injury claim.
- Modified comparative negligence: New Jersey follows a “modified” comparative negligence rule, which is used when both the plaintiff and the defendant share responsibility for the same accident. The percentage of blame for the plaintiff is then subtracted from the final amount of compensation. If the plaintiff is found to share more than 50 percent of the blame, then they are likely ineligible to receive any compensation.
Mount Laurel Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman Help Injured Victims Build Strong Accident Cases
If you have been injured in an accident, you will need to strengthen your case if you are seeking compensation. Our Mount Laurel car accident lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman can help. Call us at 856-751-2345 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Burlington County and the surrounding areas.