If you get hit by another vehicle, you need to tell your insurance company. You shouldn’t wait too long to report an accident later. Depending on the circumstances and whether or not you need to sue for damages, waiting too long to inform your insurer can cause some problems. Our Monmouth County auto accident attorneys can tell you more about what you want to avoid.
When Should NJ Drivers Report an Accident?
New Jersey drivers are encouraged to report an accident as soon as possible. You should be prepared to give as many details as possible to your insurer, but you should avoid admitting fault or saying anything else that could affect a claim later. Even being accused of being partly at fault can affect your compensation. Keep your answers to their questions simple and short, and let them know about:
- Where and when the accident occurred
- What other drivers were involved
- If there were witnesses
- Contact information for those witnesses
- A police report number if police were called to the scene
- If you or someone else was injured
Then see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis of any injuries.
What Can Happen if I Don’t Report an Accident?
If you don’t report an accident in a timely manner, that can complicate the claims process. You could get your claim outright denied. Even if your claim is approved, it could take longer to process if you dragged your feet before informing your insurance company about the crash.
Basically, there’s no good reason to delay when you need to report an accident to your insurer. There are only downsides to procrastinating. So even if you don’t think that you’ll end up making a claim or suing for damages, inform your insurance company about what happened.
When Do I Need a Lawyer?
You may want to talk to a lawyer if your claims are denied or if you are not receiving the kind of settlement offer you’re looking for. A lawyer can help you with claims filed with your insurance company or another driver’s insurer.
A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a stronger case. They can help you evaluate settlement offers and tell you whether it’s a good idea to accept. They can also negotiate with insurers on your behalf to secure better settlement terms. Remember, if you take a low offer and you end up with more expenses than expected, there’s nothing you can do. You cannot go back and ask for more money after settling.
Schedule a Free Case Consultation
So if you were hurt in a car accident and you want to claim the compensation that you deserve, contact the Wilton Law Firm. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about why you should value the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. We’re ready to get to work for you.
