Taking the Right Steps after You Have Been in a Motor Vehicle Accident
In the immediate moments after a motor vehicle accident, the actions you take can make a huge difference in how you will fare in the long run. Here are specific steps to take to protect your interests:
- Check to see if everyone is okay and make certain you get the medical care you need—Your safety and well-being are the most important thing. If you are unable to move under your own power, or have head, neck or back injuries, you should not try to get up. This is not the time to be heroic; it’s the time to take great care to minimize your potential injuries. If you need immediate medical attention, have someone call an ambulance, and defer to the judgment of medical professionals.
If you are able to move under your own power, and you don’t have any serious injuries, get to a hospital emergency room, a medical clinic or to your personal physician as soon as possible. Make certain that all medical care is documented, and that you tell doctors or nurses about anything that seems out of the ordinary. Don’t ignore the slight pain in your neck and focus exclusively on your broken arm. The arm may heal quickly, but the neck pain may get progressively worse. - Call the police — Call the police as soon as possible. Don’t move vehicles until the police get there, unless it’s absolutely necessary. You want the police officer to be able to reconstruct the scene of the accident as much as possible.
- Get contact information from all parties involved — You want name, address, phone number, e-mail address and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. Don’t rely on police officers to gather this information. You may have a difficult time getting all of that information at a later date. If there are witnesses present, ask for their contact information as well. If possible, try to get the at-fault driver to admit liability in the presence of a witness.
- Take pictures — Take pictures of everything related to the accident—the vehicles, the road signs or signals, any skid marks, any injuries you have suffered. The camera on your phone is fine. If you are unable to take pictures, ask someone else to do so.
For a private meeting with a results-oriented New Jersey attorney, contact our office online or call us at 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have office locations in Morristown and Newton, but will visit you in your home or the hospital, if necessary. There is no charge for your first consultation.
We take all motor vehicle accident injury claims on a contingency basis. You will not incur legal fees unless attorney Popper recovers compensation for your losses.