Whose Insurance Should I Call After an Accident in New Jersey?

Ever wondered what to do after a car crash in New Jersey? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

Car accidents can be overwhelming, and figuring out the right steps to take afterward is important.

If you’ve been in a collision in New Jersey, you might be wondering whose insurance to call and what the implications are. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the process, from collecting police reports to dealing with insurance companies and the legal aspects of accidents in the Garden State.

How Insurance Companies Collect Police Reports in New Jersey

In the after-effects of a car accident in New Jersey, insurance companies play a pivotal role in determining liability and processing claims.

Here’s how insurers typically collect this essential document:

Law Enforcement Involvement

When a traffic accident occurs in New Jersey, the first step is often involvement from law enforcement.

Whether on the bustling roads near Newark Liberty International Airport or the local workplaces in Trenton, local police officers are likely to respond to the scene. 

According to the latest data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 2023, law enforcement responded to over 150,000 traffic accidents, underscoring the frequency of their involvement. 

Access to the Report

Once the police have compiled a comprehensive report, insurance companies gain access to it.

This report acts as a valuable document, providing a factual account of the incident. 

In 2023, approximately 95% of police reports were made accessible to insurance companies within the first week of the accident, as per the latest statistics from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Information Verification

Upon receiving the police report, insurance companies diligently verify the information within.

This process is key for assessing the circumstances surrounding the accident. 

The verification process is stimulated, with 98% of insurance companies completing this crucial step within two weeks of receiving the police report, as indicated by recent data from the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Bureau.

See also: How Insurance Companies Investigate Car Accident Claims?

Someone Hit My Car – Whose Insurance Should I Call in New Jersey?

Determining which insurance company to contact can be confusing, especially if the accident was not your fault. Here’s a straightforward guide:

At-Fault Driver’s Insurance 

If the other driver is at fault, contact their insurance company. You’ll find this information in the police report.

Your Insurance 

Even if you weren’t at fault, you can still contact your insurance company to report the incident.

They can guide you through the claims process and handle communication with the other party’s insurer.

Statistical Insight

In New Jersey, where the traffic can be as dynamic as the cultural diversity in Jersey City, this process is streamlined.

According to the New Jersey State Police Annual Report, thousands of accident reports are generated each year, emphasizing the importance of this system in the insurance claim process.

What Happens If You Don’t Tell Your Insurance Company After an Accident

Failing to report an accident promptly can have serious consequences. Here’s what may happen if you neglect to inform your insurance company:

• Coverage Issues: Your insurer may deny coverage if they discover you failed to report the accident within the stipulated timeframe.
• Legal Consequences: Ignoring your responsibility to report an accident can lead to legal consequences, impacting your driving record and potentially resulting in fines.
• Delayed Claim Processing: Reporting the accident promptly ensures a smoother and faster claims process.

How Does No-Fault Law Affect My Claim in New Jersey

New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means each party’s insurance covers their medical expenses.

Understanding how this law affects your claim is important:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

One key aspect of the no-fault system is Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage is pivotal as it pays for medical expenses and lost wages, irrespective of fault. 

For instance, if you’re involved in an accident on the busy Route 22, your PIP coverage kicks in to cover your medical bills and any income lost due to the accident.

Threshold for Suing

While no-fault coverage handles medical costs, there’s a threshold for suing the at-fault party for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

To bring a lawsuit, the injuries sustained in the accident must meet certain criteria. 

For instance, if the accident occurred near a local workplace like Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, and you suffered severe injuries, you may surpass the threshold, allowing you to pursue additional compensation.

No-Fault Act Regulations

In New Jersey, these laws are outlined in the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act (IFPA) and the New Jersey No-Fault Act.

Familiarizing yourself with these regulations can help you navigate the complexities of the no-fault system and ensure you make the right choices for your claim.

Which Evidence Should I Provide My Insurer in NJ

When filing a claim, providing the right evidence is essential for a successful outcome. Here’s what your insurer may require:

1. Police Report: A copy of the police report containing important details about the accident.
2. Photographic Evidence: Pictures of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any relevant road signs or signals.
3. Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses can strengthen your claim by providing additional perspectives.

What Is the At-Fault State System in New Jersey

New Jersey operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation is determined by the percentage of fault assigned to each party. Here’s how it works:

Shared Fault 

If both parties share fault, compensation is adjusted accordingly. However, if you’ve found more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation.

Legal Representation 

Given the complexity of fault determination, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney in New Jersey is advisable to protect your rights.

See also: Jersey City Car Accident Lawyer

Consult with an Experienced Car accident attorney in New Jersey

Navigating the legal complexities of a car accident is daunting, but with car accident attorneys’ help, it becomes more manageable.

If you find yourself struggling with the complexities of a car accident, consider reaching out to the experienced team at Rosengard Law Group for personalized guidance and support.

With adept negotiation skills, they can effectively engage with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. 

FAQs

How Can I Prove Car Accidents Are Not My Fault in New Jersey?

Collect statements from witnesses who can attest to the events, and provide clear pictures of the accident scene, If the other driver violated traffic laws, this can serve as key evidence.

How Does the Insurance Company Cover Your Damages in NJ?

Property damage coverage covers repairs to your vehicle or its replacement. Also, it covers medical expenses if you or passengers are injured in the accident.

Conclusion

Going through the consequences of a car accident in New Jersey involves understanding the no-fault system, determining fault, and communicating effectively with insurance companies.

Remember to collect all necessary evidence, report the incident promptly, and consider consulting with a car accident attorney for legal guidance. 

By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother process and protect your rights after an unfortunate event on the road.