New Jersey car, truck or bus accidents on the NJ Turnpike, the AC Expressway or Interstate 295 are often more serious than auto accidents on local NJ roadways. The reason is because cars, trucks or buses involved in accidents are traveling at high speeds. Therefore, the damage is more significant, and the injuries sustained by the victims are also more serious. In many highway accident car cases in New Jersey, the injuries are fatal.
Victims of serious car, truck or bus accidents may be in shock immediately after the accident and often do not know what to do. Below are some steps injured car or bus accident victims should take after the accident.
5 Steps to Take After a New Jersey Highway Car Accident
1. Call 911/Police
This may seem obvious, but with all the chaos immediately after a serious car accident, drivers and passengers may think that someone has already called the police. However, that may not be the case. Therefore, make sure that someone has called 911 in order to get emergency and medical personnel to the scene of the accident.
2. Get medical treatment
Victims of car accidents often experience shock immediately after the accident and may not seek prompt medical treatment. They may not want to be transported to a hospital/emergency room for treatment because they just want to go home. However, after the adrenaline subsides and the shock wears off, pain symptoms may increase. The pain may start setting in a few hours after the accident and get worse as more time passes, or the pain may set in a couple of days after the accident.
3. Get the police report
If there is a police report, injured car accident victims can obtain a copy through the police department of the township where the accident occurred. For accidents which occur on some New Jersey highways, the police report will be obtained from the New Jersey State Police. Some townships allow you to obtain the police report in person or through the mail. Some, like Union Township, allow you to obtain the report online. Therefore, check with the township to see how you can get the report.
4. Get car accident witness information
If there are witnesses at the accident scene, it may be a good idea to get their contact information before emergency personnel and police arrive. Sometimes, police officers may make mistakes when obtaining witness information; therefore, it can be difficult to locate witnesses later on during the litigation process. If the at fault driver denies causing the accident, witness testimony may be very helpful in proving negligence.
5. Consult a New Jersey car accident lawyer
New Jersey car accident law can be very confusing and overwhelming for those injured in car or truck accidents. Whether you were the driver or a passenger, it is a good idea to speak to a NJ car accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the litigation process.
Related NJ Car and Truck Accident and Injury Legal Articles
- Injured in a NJ Car Accident? – The Basics of Medical Benefit (PIP) Claims
- New Jersey Car Truck Accidents – What Can You Recover?
- Know Your Legal Rights After Being Injured in a NJ Car Accident
New Jersey Car and Truck Accident Lawyer with Over 35 Years of Experience. Free Consultations
If you were injured in a car, truck or bus accident on the NJ Turnpike, AC Expressway or other New Jersey highways, feel free to contact Phil T. Ciprietti for a free initial consultation. 800.281.8695
Here’s what former clients have to say about working with Phil Ciprietti:
“Phil is professional in his dealings and a great communicator. He never comes off as pompous or talks down to us. He asks for our opinions, and applies any information to help our case.” -William J. Bell, Sr. and Noni Bookbinder Bell
*Disclaimer: Every case is unique and you should not take any action or make decisions in your case without speaking to a qualified car and truck accident lawyer in New Jersey. This website page does not provide legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Use of the contact form on this website or emailing Mr. Ciprietti does not create any attorney-client relationship. In addition, confidential information should not be sent through the contact form.