The aftermath of an auto accident can be chaotic. In addition to the damage to your vehicle, you could also have sustained serious injuries that need medical attention. While you may not experience symptoms right away, concussions, whiplash, and other injuries can take time to manifest symptoms. If you are involved in an auto accident, the personal injury lawyers at Deutchman & Drews recommend speaking to an attorney as soon as possible. Here are a few reasons you should contact an attorney any time you have an auto accident:
What to do Immediately after an Auto Accident
When you have an auto accident, it is crucial that you start collecting evidence right away. Whatever you do, don’t discuss fault and don’t let the other driver leave the scene. Call the police as soon as possible from the accident scene and file a report when they arrive. Take some pictures of the scene and property damage to all involved vehicles. Take a moment to speak with any eyewitnesses; they may even be willing to wait for the police to arrive and give a statement. Obtaining and preserving this type of evidence will give you a much better chance of getting a successful settlement or winning your case if you go to court. While you wait for the police you should also get the other driver’s information and contact your insurance company to report the accident. Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company, give any statements or sign any documents before speaking to an attorney.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the extent of your injuries. Retain any receipts or other documentation so you have proof of your medical expenses and treatment. Be sure to follow all doctor’s orders, including going to follow-up appointments and completing physical therapy. If you fail to do so, the other driver’s insurance company may try to claim you weren’t really injured.
While you’re seeking medical attention, you should also contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can give you advice on how to process your claim and get your medical bills paid in a timely fashion. Your attorney will also discuss all the steps you will need to take in order to have the best chance of being compensated fairly for your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents
In an auto accident, you may have a case against the other driver, but you have a limited time to file. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations is two years for personal injury cases. If a lawsuit is not filed on your behalf within two years of the date of your accident, you will not be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost time at work, and the pain and suffering you have endured. It may also take some time for insurance companies to process your claims and get your medical bills paid. If you’re out of work because of injuries sustained in an accident, getting those claims processed and paid as quickly as possible can be your lifeline.
The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Deutchman & Drews can represent you in your auto accident case. Once again, we urge you not to wait to file your personal injury case; call us today at (732) 828-1300 or fill out the online form on our contact page to speak to the New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Deutchman & Drews.
