Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Car Accident Claim

The other driver made a mistake when they were negligent and hit you. And they deserve to pay for that mistake.

But if you make mistakes in the aftermath of your car accident, you could miss out on compensation you deserve.

Fortunately, the team of car accident attorneys at Rosengard Law Group has put together this list of seven mistakes to avoid when filing a car accident claim in New Jersey. Read on to learn more, or reach out to our team by calling 856-284-6446 or contacting us online.

1. Delaying the Claim Process

The clock starts ticking after you have a car accident. What clock? A clock called the statute of limitations.

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a car accident injury claim is almost always two years. In other words, you have two years from the date of your crash to file your claim.

Why does this matter? Because if you miss the deadline set by the personal injury statute of limitations, you could lose your ability to recover compensation for your car accident.

And any delay in starting the claim process can make you much more likely to miss the deadline. That’s because these claims can take time — lots of it. And the more time you have to gather evidence and otherwise build your case, the stronger your claim is likely to be.

2. Not Calling the Police

We get it — some people don’t want to get the police involved when the accident seems relatively minor or the road is cleared. But not calling the police after an injury car accident is a big mistake.

That’s because the police report from your car accident can become a key piece of evidence if you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries through a car accident claim.

Even if it doesn’t seem necessary, call the police to the scene of your accident. They’ll document the scene and obtain witness statements, and you can use that to your advantage later on.

3. Not Collecting Enough Evidence

Snapping a picture of your wrecked car or broken leg after a car accident is a good idea. But is it enough to win you full compensation for your accident?

In some cases, maybe not. 

As a rule of thumb, the more evidence you have to support your car accident claim, the better. But many New Jersey car accident victims make the mistake of thinking that a single photo or witness statement is enough.

The other side will try to challenge your evidence. And if they get your sole piece of evidence thrown out or thrown into question, you may be out of luck. So talk to your lawyer about how to obtain more evidence.

4. Admitting Fault

In New Jersey, if you admit fault for your car accident, that can be used against you if your claim goes outside of the no-fault system.

Any percentage of fault you hold can detract that percentage from the compensation you’re eligible to receive. And you definitely don’t want that to happen.

So, if the insurance company or other driver reaches out, be careful of your words. They may try to trick you into admitting fault. And remember that it’s always OK to direct them to contact your car accident attorney instead of you.

5. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

You may feel fine after your car accident, but you need to see a doctor anyway. There are two key reasons for that:

1. You may have hidden injuries. These can put your health and safety at risk, but medical intervention can stop them from becoming more serious.
2. You need medical records. These records officially document your car accident injuries and can become key pieces of evidence in your New Jersey car accident claim.

6. Not Keeping Records

After a car accident, keeping records becomes more important than ever. These records can become important as you determine how much compensation to request in your auto accident claim.

For example, imagine that you were injured and needed surgery soon after your car accident. But then, you threw out the bills after you’d paid them. Now, you can’t remember what you paid, but you need that number as you build your car accident claim.

Similarly, you may need to document how you’re feeling or your lost wages at work. If you’re suffering on a daily basis, make a record of it. Write it down in a journal, for example.

7. Failing to Consult with an Attorney

It’s normal to think you can handle anything — you’ve always done it, after all. But a car accident is different. Now, you’re in the legal world, and that’s when an attorney can be a huge asset.

Yes, you can represent yourself. But you are much more likely to fall victim to the tactics of the other side without a legal ally in your corner. 

There’s no harm in consulting with an attorney. We’ll walk you through your options and outlook, and if you feel we’re a good fit, you can retain us to represent you throughout your car accident case.

Make No Mistake: An Attorney Can Help

It’s easy to make a mistake when filing a car accident claim, but it’s hard to go wrong by contacting a trusted and experienced car accident attorney.

At Rosengard Law Group, we work hard to make sure our clients don’t fall into the common traps that pop up after a car accident. It’s all part of our mission to maximize compensation for our injured clients.Ready to get us in your corner? We’re ready to talk. Schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorneys by contacting us online or calling us at 856-284-6446.