A car accident can be a jarring and confusing experience, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. While it’s impossible to be fully prepared for the unexpected, knowing the right steps to take immediately after a crash can make a significant difference in protecting your safety, your legal rights, and your vehicle. As a trusted local car repair after accident NJ shop, Livingston Collision has helped countless drivers in the Livingston community navigate this difficult process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately following a car accident Livingston NJ.

1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety and Check for Injuries

Your first priority is always safety. Before doing anything else, take a moment to assess the situation.

• Move to Safety: If your vehicle is still operable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot to prevent further accidents. If your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights and, if you have them, set up flares or safety cones.
• Check on Passengers: Check on yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if someone says they are fine, some injuries (like whiplash) might not be immediately apparent.
• Call 911: If there are any injuries, no matter how minor they seem, call 911 immediately to report the accident and request an ambulance.

2. Contact the Police

New Jersey law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s always a good idea to call the police.

• File an Official Report: A police officer will file an official accident report, which is a crucial document for your car insurance NJ accident claim. This report will detail the time, location, conditions, and damages, and can be vital in establishing liability.
• If Police Don’t Come: In some cases, for minor accidents with no injuries, the police may not be able to respond. If this happens, you will need to file a self-report with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) within 10 days if the total damages exceed $500.

3. Exchange Information After Crash

This is a critical step, and one that should be handled with a clear head. Remain calm and professional, and exchange information after crash without admitting fault.

• What to Collect: Obtain the following information from all drivers involved:
  • Full name and contact information (phone number, address)
  • Driver’s license number
  • License plate number and state of registration
  • Vehicle make, model, and year
  • Name of their insurance company and policy number
• Do Not Admit Fault: Even a simple apology like “I’m so sorry, are you okay?” can be used by insurance companies as an admission of fault later on. Stick to the facts and avoid any statements that could suggest you are to blame. Remember, determining fault is the job of the insurance companies and the police, not yours.
• Gather Witness Information: If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable later on.

4. Document the Scene

If you are physically able to do so, use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene.

• Photographic Evidence: Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles. Also, photograph the surrounding area, including road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any relevant street signs.
• Record Details: Write down the time, date, location, and a brief description of what happened. Also, make a note of the weather conditions and road surface. The more details you have, the better prepared you will be when you file your insurance claim.

5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

In New Jersey’s “no-fault” system, your own insurance company (specifically, your Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) generally covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, the process for vehicle damage is different.

• Contact Your Provider: Report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require timely notification.
• Understand New Jersey Car Accident Laws: Your car insurance NJ accident policy and the specific choices you made when you purchased it will dictate how your claim proceeds. For property damage, you can file a “first-party” claim with your own insurance company (if you have collision coverage) or a “third-party” claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Our team at Livingston Collision can help you navigate this process and work directly with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claim.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms for hours or even days. A medical evaluation creates a record that links your injuries to the accident, which is vital for any potential future claims.

7. Choose a Reputable Repair Shop

After the immediate steps are taken care of, it’s time to think about getting your vehicle repaired. Your insurance company may try to steer you towards a specific shop from their network, but remember that New Jersey law gives you the right to choose where your car is repaired.

• Your Choice, Your Car: As a premier car accident Livingston NJ auto body shop, Livingston Collision works with all insurance companies. We are a local car repair after accident NJ center that prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction. We will provide a fair and accurate estimate and ensure your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards, restoring its safety and appearance.
• Affordable Car Repair Livingston NJ: We understand that cost is a concern. Our goal is to provide affordable car repair Livingston NJ without compromising on quality or safety. We will work with your insurance company to ensure the repair is covered and that you get the best value.

Being in a car accident is never easy, but by following these steps, you can take control of the situation and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. At Livingston Collision, we are here to support you through every step of the repair process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can typically file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is mandatory in New Jersey and is designed to protect you in this exact situation.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

That depends on the specifics of your policy and the circumstances of the accident. In New Jersey’s “no-fault” system, your personal injury protection (PIP) medical claim shouldn’t increase your rates. However, a property damage claim where you are deemed at-fault may lead to a rate increase.

Can I get my car repaired before the insurance company inspects it?

No, you should not get your car repaired before the insurance company has inspected it and provided you with an estimate. Doing so could result in them denying your claim or refusing to pay for the repairs. Always get their approval first, and let us help you with the inspection process.

Do I have to go to the repair shop my insurance company recommends?

Absolutely not. In New Jersey, you have the right to choose your own repair facility. Your insurance company cannot legally force you to use a specific shop. As a trusted local car repair after accident NJ shop, we will work with your insurance company to make sure the repair is done right, regardless of whether we are on their “preferred” list.

What is the difference between a first-party and third-party claim?

A first-party claim is one you file with your own insurance company, usually for things like medical expenses (PIP) or collision damage (if you have the coverage). A third-party claim is one you file against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover damages. The choice between the two for vehicle repair depends on your policy and the accident circumstances.