Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in New Jersey

Maximizing Your Compensation with a Skilled Car Accident Attorney

Many car accidents result in severe injuries and navigating the financial challenges on your own can be difficult while also trying to recover. If you've been seriously injured as a result of a car accident, it is worth hiring an experienced attorney to represent your interests. 

Not only do our New Jersey car accident attorneys have experience and knowledge of local car accident laws and regulations, but we can also assess whether an insurance settlement is fair and if necessary provide representation during court proceedings. 

Having our skilled New Jersey car accident law firm on your side could make a huge difference in resolving the full scope of damages caused by the car accident quickly and efficiently.

Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in New Jersey

Car accidents are unexpected and it can be easy to panic when you have been involved in one. Although no one can ever really be ready for a car crash, you can familiarize yourself with some steps to take in the event of a collision. Knowing what to do after an auto accident can help you get through the first few minutes and days following an accident without compromising your legal rights.

At Rosner Law Offices, P.C., our New Jersey car accident lawyers have put together a helpful list of steps to take following a car wreck in New Jersey.

1. Stay at the Accident Scene

Under New Jersey law, motorists involved in an accident must immediately stop their vehicles and move to the side of the road to avoid disturbing the flow of traffic or causing another collision. If the damage caused by the crash makes it impossible for you to move your vehicle, you should call for a tow truck as soon as possible. 

You should also keep your vehicle as close to the crash site as you can. If you are too injured to move, you should stay put until emergency medical personnel arrive.

2. Prioritize Your Health and Safety

Your health is your first priority. If your injuries are serious, then you should call for an ambulance or request one, if you are unable to do so. Otherwise, you should arrange for transportation to the nearest emergency room. If your injuries are not serious enough to merit emergent care, then you should follow-up with your doctor as soon as possible after the accident. 

A delay in medical treatment can hurt any potential personal injury claim related to your accident, as the insurance company may try to show that your injuries weren’t really that serious, or that something else caused your injury between the time of the accident and when you eventually sought medical care.

3. Report the Accident to the Police

You must report the crash to the police, even if it seems minor, and even if the other driver asks you not to report it. Some drivers may even try to convince you to “settle” the case between yourselves—right there at the scene. Although you may sympathize with the other driver, it is important to protect your legal rights. 

You should not have to shoulder the burden of another person’s negligence or make a split-second decision when your injuries may worsen in the coming days. Let an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer assess your case.

4. Avoid Admitting Fault

After an accident, your mind may be going a mile a minute. When your adrenaline is pumping, it is easy to blurt out statements you would not ordinarily make. Avoid speculating about which driver caused the accident. Many factors can contribute to the cause of a motor vehicle collision. 

If you admit fault to the police, the other motorist, a witness, or an insurance company adjuster, your admission could come back later and hurt your chances of obtaining a full and fair recovery for your damages.

5. Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer Promptly

As soon as possible after your accident, you should consult with an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney about your case. Injury lawyers often offer free consultations, which can make it easier to find the right lawyer for your case.

When you hire Rosner Law Offices, P.C., we get involved right away. We handle talking to the insurance company representatives on your behalf, so you can focus on healing from your injuries and getting back on your feet. We will also help you explore your options and discuss the next steps in your case.

Ready to Discuss Your Case? Contact Rosner Law Offices Today Online or Call (856) 502-1655 for a Free Consultation with Our Expert Car Accident Lawyers. Se habla Español.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

After you’ve been injured in an accident and the medical bills are mounting, not to mention the loss of income from not being able to work, the last thing you want to think about is paying attorney fees. Thankfully in New Jersey, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee.

A contingency fee is an arrangement between you and your attorney that the payment for all legal fees will be deducted from the settlement or verdict awarded in your case. This allows anyone, regardless of income, to retain the services of a skilled attorney. A standard contingency fee for a car accident in New Jersey is usually around 33%, but it can change depending on the circumstances of your case and the particular arrangement between you and your lawyer.How to Get a Police Report After a New Jersey Car Accident

After a car accident, police will arrive at the scene and complete an accident report. This is true for both minor accidents and accidents that cause excessive damage or severe injury. A police report can include details about the incident, who it involved, the injuries and any citations issued by the police. Documenting this information in an official report can come in handy for many reasons. If you are pursuing a personal injury claim for damages, it is very important to get a police report for your auto accident. Below, our New Jersey auto accident attorneys explain why it is important to get this report, how to request it and how long it takes to obtain.

Why Do I Need a Police Report After an Accident?

A police report is an official document completed by the investigating officer(s) of an accident. The officer(s) will compile certain details in a standardized way to make this information more accessible. This information will include:

• Date/time/location of the crash,
• Description of weather, lighting and road conditions,
• Persons involved in the accident and their contact information,
• Eyewitnesses and their contact information,
• Vehicles involved, damage inflicted and license plate numbers,
• Statements from both parties and any eyewitnesses,
• A fault determination made by the investigating officer and
• Confirmation of/identify of auto insurance companies.

When pursuing a bodily injury claim, the above information is important. You can provide the official report as support for your insurance claim or legal claim. 

Further, your attorney can use this information to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. An official police report may also give you the leverage you need to settle satisfactorily out-of-court.

How Can I Get My Car Accident Police Report?

There are a few ways to get a police report after an accident. You can visit the police station in person and request a copy there. You can also order a copy of your report online. 

Third-party websites such as www.crashdocs.org provide yet another option for obtaining a copy of your police report. If you need help locating your report, you can also ask your New Jersey auto accident attorney for help. With a few pieces of information, they will be able to locate and order the police report on your behalf.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report?

The time it takes to get a police report will vary depending on a few factors. The most important thing to consider is processing time. For example, the investigating officer(s) will need time to complete a draft of their report. 

Then, they will submit it for approval to ensure that it meets the reporting agency’s standard guidelines. It is important to keep in mind that an agency’s workload may affect the time it takes to complete this part of the process. Holidays and weekends usually involve an influx of cases, which may cause a bit of a backlog.

At the same time, an initial draft may prompt further investigation. Typically, an investigation will take longer if the accident involved serious injury or criminal behavior. Since a police report is only made available upon completion of the initial investigation, a continued investigation will cause a delay. 

In this situation, consult with a New Jersey car accident lawyer. He or she may be able to obtain important accident information even before the investigation concludes.