What You Need To Know To Protect Your Rights
In the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey, your first course of action, under the state’s no-fault auto insurance law, is to file a claim with your own insurer. When the at-fault driver was behind the wheel of a commercial truck, though, the process is different. What do you need to know to protect your rights when navigating an insurance claim after a New Jersey truck accident?
The New Jersey No-Fault Auto Insurance Law and Commercial Trucks
While New Jersey is one of a minority of states that apply no-fault principles to auto insurance, the state’s no-fault law does not apply in accidents involving commercial trucks. If a commercial truck driver or trucking company caused the accident, an injured party must file all claims, including insurance claims, directly with the at-fault party’s insurer.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in New Jersey?
Your first priority should always be your health and well-being. Assess your injuries and determine whether you need to go to the hospital by ambulance. Even if you can walk away, seek immediate medical treatment at a local emergency room, urgent care facility, or doctor’s office.
After a truck accident, it’s essential that you exchange information with the truck driver so you can file your claim directly with the driver’s insurance company. You should always call law enforcement officers and ask them to prepare and file an accident report. If possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident, any injuries you’ve suffered, and any damage to the vehicles. Identify any witnesses and get their contact information so your attorney can obtain statements.
Retain an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. Your lawyer can help you file a claim against the defendant’s insurance company.
Contact the Law Office of Howard D. Popper
At the Law Offices of Howard D. Popper, we can help protect your rights. For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after any type of personal injury, including losses suffered in a commercial truck accident, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingent fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover damages for your losses.