Car accidents can wreak havoc on one’s life, especially for innocent passengers who are not behind the wheel. If you were injured as a passenger in a car crash, you may be surprised to learn what your rights are under the law. Passengers may have the right to compensation from insurance companies and drivers alike, but action must be taken in a swift and timely fashion for personal injury cases to succeed. There are time limitations that could affect your right to compensation. That is why it is so important for you to learn your rights by getting in touch with an experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury lawyer.
The attorneys at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman have decades of experience fighting on behalf of the rights of car accident victims. Our New Jersey personal injury attorney stands with clients through their toughest times and is committed to ensuring they receive the most compensation possible under the law.
Obtain All Vehicle and Insurance Information
If you are a passenger in a vehicle that is involved in a pileup accident, be sure to note and obtain information for the vehicles and insurance for the vehicles that were in the pileup. Call the police and speak to the investigating officers. If you are unable to make contact with a vehicle’s operator, or unable to obtain more detailed information, be sure to at the very least write down each vehicle’s license plate number. Note the state that appears on their license plate, as different laws may apply for drivers from different states.
This is important not only for the most obvious reason – the ability to get in touch with each vehicle owner’s insurance carrier – but also because certain types of vehicles and drivers have special responsibilities and compensation processes when an accident occurs. For example, if you are in an accident with a government vehicle, there is a distinct set of steps to take. These steps include identifying and contacting certain government agencies in order to pursue compensation for damages.
Document All Accident-Related Expenses
Be sure to document all expenses that are caused during the accident, and expenses that occur after (and even long after) the accident. Keeping thorough records will be necessary when your claims are reviewed by insurance companies, and possibly even challenged in court.
Records should be kept for expenses including, but not limited to:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor and non-emergency medical care bills
- Mental health care bills
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Any services or purchases required due to injuries or disabilities resulting from the accident (for example, a home health care aid, or a wheelchair)
- Attorney’s fees
Cover Your Bases – Contact a Skilled New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney
The above actions are among the most important to take if you become injured as a passenger in a car crash, but they are absolutely not the only actions you can or should take. Actions and needs will vary depending on each accident's unique facts. To ensure that you are covering all bases and will have the possibility of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries, we suggest you call one of the New Jersey personal injury lawyers at our firm in order to evaluate and assess the unique factors at play in your situation. Contact us now – help and guidance is just a quick email or phone call away.
