When you’ve been involved in an auto accident there are a few important steps you must take especially if you want to file an auto accident injury lawsuit in the tri state area.
- Make sure everyone is ok. The first thing to do is to make sure everyone is ok. If there are no immediate injuries pull to the side of the road. If the accident involves injuries call 911 immediately. Some states will not dispatch officers unless the damage to property is over a certain monetary amount or persons have been injured.
Exchange insurance. If possible exchange insurance information with the other parties involved.
- Gather evidence. A picture is worth a thousand words. Take pictures at the scene if possible. Take pictures of the damaged vehicle, the area where it occurred, street signs, the direction you were traveling, etc. If possible try to gather names, numbers, and witness accounts of the accident if anyone saw what occurred. Try to recall and write down any and all details of the accident.
- Alert your insurance. After the accident contact your insurance company to alert them the accident you’d been in.
- Keep records. Be sure to keep records of your injuries and your medical treatment.
Exchange insurance.Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey are considered ‘Choice No-Fault’ car insurance states, which makes it difficult to file suit against the other driver. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey if the other driver caused “serious injury” than you can file an auto accident injury lawsuit.
Both states have a way around the ‘no-fault’ laws. Drivers have a choice between ‘no-fault’ insurance or the more traditional coverage. If you choose traditional insurance coverage you are free to file an injury lawsuit against the other driver. However, the other driver is allowed to do the same to you.
For more information on filing an auto accident injury lawsuit in the tri state area, contact the Law Offices of Thomas More Holland today!