Getting into a car accident can be a frustrating and tiresome experience. Those involved usually have to deal with their insurance company afterward in order to move forward from the incident. This can provide more complications in the event that the other party involved in the accident does not have their own insurance. In these situations, it is important to know what to do in order to make the most of the problem at hand.
What Do I Do After the Accident?
After an accident occurs, it is important to always remain calm so that you can handle the situation with a clear mind. If the accident takes place with an uninsured driver, the following steps should be taken:
- Call the police. This allows a report to be made to document the accident. If the driver is uninsured, this report can help get your expenses covered and make the claims process easier.
- Do not accept money from the other driver. If the driver does not have insurance, they may try to offer money in an effort to avoid legal action. Even if it seems like a good deal, do not accept it.
- Exchange information with the driver so that you have their contact information and vehicle details.
- Write down all important details, including the make and model of the vehicle, time and location of the accident, and the name/badge number of the police officer.
- Take pictures of the scene, including all damages of both vehicles, license plates, traffic signs, and the direction the vehicles are facing.
Insurance Claims Against Uninsured Drivers
It can seem daunting to have to contact an insurance company after an accident. It is because of this that it can be helpful to have everything you need prepared ahead of time. This can include the following:
- Have your insurance card out for your policy number
- Provide the date, time, and location of the accident
- Give a detailed report of how the accident happened, which is where your notes on the accident come in handy.
- Usually, the claims representative asks for the other driver’s insurance information. At this time, you can provide them with the driver’s contact information.
- Provide the name of the police department along with the report number
Can I File a Lawsuit?
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that providers will either pay some or all of the costs that relate to any damages caused by the accident. It is important to know that this is done regardless of who caused the accident. However, no-fault states can make it hard to file a lawsuit against another driver, as there are often restrictions unless you suffered serious injuries or your medical bills are over a certain amount. That is why the best course of action is to report the accident with your insurance company and contact an experienced car accident attorney for guidance.
Contact our Firm
Retaining an attorney after an injury-causing accident is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or send us an email through our online contact form.
