Being involved in a car accident can leave anyone rattled, but going through the insurance claims process can be just as stressful – perhaps even more so. You may feel overwhelmed by all the bills coming in and the volume of paperwork you must file to seek compensation. Unfortunately, many people are so eager to put the car accident behind them that they walk away with far less money than they deserve.
If you or a family member were injured in a car accident, you may be out of work and facing expensive bills for medical care and damage to your vehicle. If another party caused your accident, you may be entitled to damages for these losses and more. You do not have to go through this process alone. A car accident lawyer in Mercer County can explain how to handle your accident claim.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Your first priority should always be your health and safety, so be sure to seek medical attention for yourself and any passengers right away after the accident. If you are able, you should then:
- Call the police: New Jersey law requires drivers to report any car accidents. You can call the police from the scene or file a self-report later. When the police come to the scene, they will make observations and file a report that you may need when filing an insurance claim.
- Exchange information with the other driver: Exchange names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. If they are at fault for the accident, their insurance provider should pay for your vehicle repair bills and/or compensate you for pain and suffering or other losses. Never trust another driver who says they will pay you out-of-pocket to avoid going through their insurer.
- Collect information from eyewitnesses: Eyewitness statements can be used as evidence, so be sure to get the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses. Once they leave the scene, you will probably not be able to track these witnesses down.
- Take photos: If you can, take photos of the scene on your cell phone. These photos may end up being valuable evidence for your case.
- Call your insurance company: Most insurance companies have a 24-hour hotline for reporting accidents. Call your insurance company to let them know you were involved in an accident, but be careful about what you say. As friendly and supportive as they may seem, insurance agents are not on your side. They represent the company, and their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Never apologize or admit fault, but simply alert them that an accident occurred.
- Call a Mercer County car accident lawyer: You are not required to call a lawyer, but you may want to have one on your side. A lawyer can come to the scene and collect valuable evidence before it is lost. They can also advocate for your best interests as you plan your next steps.
Damages Available After a Mercer County Car Accident
The value of your damages depends on the severity of the car accident and your resulting injuries. All New Jersey drivers must carry car insurance. Your own insurance company will cover some expenses, but the other driver’s insurance may cover others. Here’s a breakdown of which insurer should cover which expenses.
Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers the medical expenses for you and any passengers in your car, regardless of which driver caused the accident. You should file a claim with your own provider for your accident-related medical bills.
The Other Driver’s Car Insurance
If the other driver’s negligence caused your accident, their insurance should cover any losses that are not medical bills. These may include:
- Property damage: You may be able to recover the cost of your vehicle repair or replacement.
- Lost income: You can seek damages for lost wages if you must temporarily or permanently stop working because of your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek damages for physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident. According to the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance, the type of insurance coverage you carry may limit what sort of pain and suffering damages you can seek. A Mercer County injury lawyer can evaluate your case and coverage, then tell you which types of damages you can pursue.
Contact Cordisco & Saile LLC to Handle Your Car Accident Claim
The Mercer County injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC are ready to help with your car accident claim. We offer free case consultations to people just like you who were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Our team works on contingency, which means you owe us nothing unless we win your case. To get started, call Cordisco & Saile LLC today at (215) 642-2335.
