What Should I Do Now?

No one ever expects that they will be involved in an accident and most do not know what to do when they are. If you or your loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligence it is very important that you act quickly. Most lawsuits and claims have a statute of limitations, which is a type of federal or state law that restricts the time within which legal proceedings may be brought. The statute of limitations in New Jersey is 2 years.

Right after an accident, contact a Northern New Jersey personal injury attorney. You need someone with the knowledge and expertise to help you gather all the necessary evidence, documents and records, and personal information necessary to file a claim. You should not give a recorded statement to anyone until you speak to your attorney lest your words be used against you. You also should not accept any offered settlement that an insurance company makes to you as attorney involvement will usually yield higher compensation. Our attorneys are available to meet with you in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex or Union County.

Below are some specific lists to of items to keep in mind if you have been involved in an accident and have a personal injury case in Northern New Jersey.

Auto Accidents

Remember that it is crucial that you have a New Jersey auto accident attorney representing your interests immediately after the auto accident and before you speak with an insurance company. Our attorneys will need as much evidence as possible following your auto accident and a large part of this evidence is photographs of all involved cars at the scene and photographs of all personal injuries sustained.

Here are some tips for what to do and what not to do if you or someone you know is involved in an automobile accident:

What Should You do?

1. Get the other driver’s license and insurance information. If you can, take a photo of the front and back of the driver’s license and insurance card with your camera phone.
2. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses and anyone that helped at the scene. Do not rely on the police report for this information.
3. Take photos of all cars involved in the accident.
4. Get medical care documenting your visits.
5. Track all of your injures and symptoms being as specific as possible. Log this information daily.
6. Keep all doctor and hospital bills and reports in one central location.
7. Get a free case evaluation from one of our attorneys – we will gather facts and information so that we may help you.

Medical Malpractice

It is important that an experienced and qualified New Jersey personal injury attorney represent you in your case of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice laws are complex and increasingly unfriendly to victims. Victims may have as few as two years from the date of injury or death to bring a claim.

What Should You do?

1. Remember, time is short, so contact us quickly for a free initial consultation
2. Begin tracking events and conversations recording the names of all care providers from doctors, to technicians, to hospital staff.
3. Ask questions from all parties, even people you may not immediately think to question such as hospital administrative staff, janitorial staff, etc.
4. Speak to your trusted family physician and get medical referrals from his or her office.
5. Get a second opinion if you feel one is needed.
6. If an autopsy is needed be sure to retain a private medical examiner and not one where the medical error happened.

Call 800-537-04154 today for experienced Northern New Jersey personal injury representation. We will help you take all the correct steps and maximize your personal injury compensation.

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