Rear-end collisions in new jersey: key steps to take after an accident and how to pursue compensation

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, but that doesn’t make them any less devastating for those involved. If you’ve been in a rear-end crash in New Jersey, knowing the right steps to take can protect your rights and improve your chances of obtaining compensation through a rear-end car accident claim.

This blog will explain what to do immediately following the accident, how to file a car accident claim, and how a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process.

What to Do Immediately After a Rear-End Collision

The moments after a car accident can be chaotic, but taking the right steps is essential to building a strong car accident claim. Here’s what you should do:

Check for injuries: Prioritize your safety and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to seek medical help. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get medical attention right away.

Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe spot to avoid further accidents. Use hazard lights to signal to other drivers and keep the scene secure.

Document the accident: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation will serve as valuable evidence in your car accident claim.

Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance details from the other driver involved in the rear-end collision. Be sure to obtain names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle registration information.

Get witness information: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact details. Witness statements can provide crucial support for your claim if there is any dispute about what happened.

File a police report: Contact the police and file a report, even if the accident seems minor. The police report will be an official record of the incident and may be used in your claim.

Seek medical attention: Get checked by a doctor, even if you don’t feel injured at first. Conditions like sprains or concussions may not show symptoms immediately. Seeking prompt medical care helps ensure your well-being and provides vital records of your injuries, which can be critical for supporting your claim later on.

Understanding Liability in a Rear-End Car Accident Claim

In many rear-end accidents, the driver who strikes the vehicle from behind is typically found at fault. This is because all drivers have a duty to maintain a safe following distance to avoid a collision. However, there can be exceptions where the driver in front may share some responsibility, such as in cases where they suddenly stopped or reversed without warning.

To succeed in a rear-end car accident claim, you must establish that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. A car accident lawyer can help you prove this by collecting evidence such as:

Photos of the accident scene
Testimony from witnesses
The official police report
Traffic camera footage, if available

Your lawyer will work to build a strong case demonstrating the other driver’s liability, ensuring that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions

Even at low speeds, rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries resulting from these types of accidents include:

Whiplash: A sudden jerking motion of the neck and head during the impact can lead to soft tissue injuries, causing pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Spinal injuries: Rear-end accidents can result in spinal injuries, including herniated discs or fractures, which may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Head injuries: Passengers may hit their heads on the steering wheel or dashboard, leading to concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Broken bones: The force of the collision can lead to fractures, particularly in the arms, wrists, or ribs.

These injuries may not only result in immediate medical expenses but could also lead to long-term complications. A car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for all medical costs, both current and future, as part of your personal injury claim.

Types of Compensation Available in a Rear-End Car Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you may be eligible to recover various types of compensation, including:

Medical expenses: Medical costs can include doctor appointments, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any future treatments that may be necessary for your recovery.

Lost wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you may be eligible to recover the wages lost during your recovery. For permanent or long-term disabilities, you could also seek compensation for any future income that you’ll be unable to earn due to your injury.

Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.

Property damage: You may also be entitled to recover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

Your car accident lawyer will calculate the full extent of your damages, ensuring that all economic and non-economic losses are accounted for in your claim.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Filing a rear-end car accident claim can be a complex process, especially when dealing with insurance companies that are often more interested in minimizing payouts than fairly compensating victims. A car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:

Handling negotiations with insurance companies: Your lawyer will communicate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement offer.

Investigating the accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence to prove liability, including photos, witness statements, and expert testimony if necessary.

Filing legal documents: A lawyer will ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, avoiding unnecessary delays in your case.

Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your best interests.

Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side significantly increases your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the car crash. This means you have a limited time to file your claim, and missing this deadline could result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

It’s essential to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed on time.

Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Team Law for Help with Your Rear-End Car Accident Claim in New Jersey

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, the experienced car accident lawyers at Team Law can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on your recovery.

For a free consultation, call us at 732-896-2560 or fill out our online contact form. Let Team Law help you secure the compensation you need to move forward after your rear-end car accident.