December 12, 2012 (Press-News.org) Essential steps to take after a car accident in New Jersey
New Jersey residents know how traumatic a car accident can be. The scene of an accident is often emotional with worry about potential serious injuries. There are several necessary steps a car accident victim should take after a car accident occurs.
Steps to take at the accident scene
The most important thing to remember is to stay at the scene. If panic sets in there may be a temptation to flee. However, if you are involved in the accident and leave the scene, you run the risk of being labeled a "hit-and-run" driver, which comes with serious consequences.
Always notify the police immediately after the accident. This ensures the accident scene will be documented. When reporting the accident, provide a detailed account of all known injuries and any vehicle damage. For your own purposes, record the names and badge numbers of all police officers who report to the scene.
Those involved in the accident should also take photographs of any injuries and vehicle damage. Also, record the time of the accident as well as current weather and traffic conditions. This helps protects your rights and also helps preserve your story.
Additionally, learn the names of any witnesses to the accident. Gather information from the other driver, including:
-Driver's license number
-Plate number
-Insurance information
-Vehicle model
When exchanging information, do not apologize to the other driver. This may be perceived as accepting blame for the accident.
Steps to take soon afterword
Once a police report is filed and appropriate information is gathered, notify an insurance company as soon as possible. Be truthful when giving information to the insurance company. Giving false information increases the risk of claim denial.
Obtain an estimate of vehicle damages from the insurance company. However, do not rely only on their estimate. Get at least two independent estimates. If an amount is not agreed upon, consult an attorney.
Visit a trusted family physician for a thorough physical examination. The physician may discover symptoms or injuries previously unnoticed. The physician can help develop an appropriate medical treatment plan if necessary.
Keep detailed records of all medical treatment received due to the accident. This facilitates itemization of expenses for the insurance company and any legal action.
Additional tips
Although a car accident is often traumatizing, do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police, insurance company, and a trusted attorney. Do not discuss the accident with any outside insurance companies under any circumstances.
Finally, be wary if a settlement is offered from the insurance company. Although initial injuries may be treated, remember that injuries can result in long term complications. Do not accept a settlement until compensation for all injuries is guaranteed and do not sign any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first.
An individual injured in a car accident can benefit from an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorney can provide needed guidance in the protection of a car accident victim's legal rights.
Article provided by Smith, Goldstein, Magram, Berenato & Michaud, A Professional Corporation
Visit us at http://www.injurylawyernj.com/
Essential Steps To Take After A Car Accident In New Jersey
The scene of an accident is often emotional with worry about potential serious injuries. There are several necessary steps a car accident victim should take after a car accident occurs.
2012-12-12
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Red Decals Successful At Reducing Teen Car Accidents
2012-12-12
Red decals successful at reducing teen car accidents
New Jersey parents likely worry about their teenagers driving safely. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the leading cause of death among American teenagers.
Fortunately, a recent study by researchers from Temple University in Philadelphia reveals that the red decals that identify teen drivers in New Jersey make a positive impact on reducing car accidents involving young people. This means the program has helped make New Jersey's roads safer for young people as well ...
GPS Devices Contributing To Truck Accidents
2012-12-12
GPS devices contributing to truck accidents
GPS devices are not helping commercial truck drivers avoid accidents. In New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, many roads are designed to accommodate only passenger vehicles and prohibit large trucks and other over-sized commercial vehicles. The overpasses in these areas have clearances of 10 feet or less. Consumer GPS systems, however, are directing truck drivers to take routes with these bridges that they cannot clear. Since 2010, GPS-reliant truck drivers have hit bridges in New York more than 200 times. San ...
New Law In Indiana Dictates Severe Penalties For Selling Synthetic Drugs
2012-12-12
New law in Indiana dictates severe penalties for selling synthetic drugs
Recently, Indiana legislators passed a law focused on preventing the sale of synthetic drugs. The law imposed strict penalties on store owners found to be in violation. If a store is found to be selling a synthetic drug -- or, in certain cases, substances similar to the drug -- it could lose its retail certificate for one year. In addition, the store is responsible for paying for expenses associated with subsequent court proceedings, such as lab testing and court fees.
Store owners were given ...
Teen Drivers Responsible for 10 Percent of Fatal Ohio Crashes
2012-12-12
Teen Drivers Responsible for 10 Percent of Fatal Ohio Crashes
Ohio drivers have something to fear: teens on the road. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that teen drivers were at fault for 114,737 crashes between 2009 and 2011 and were responsible for 10 percent of fatal crashes in Ohio. These crashes killed 329 people and injured 50,492 others.
Graduated Driver Licensing
Ohio has graduated driver licensing laws that should help teach teen drivers to drive well. Graduated driver licensing laws require teens to gradually learn to drive by requiring supervision ...
Federal Study: Most Teens Admit to Texting While Driving
2012-12-12
Federal Study: Most Teens Admit to Texting While Driving
In a recent federal agency study, over half of the surveyed teens admitted to texting while driving. The findings are disturbing given the well-known dangers and the wave of media coverage and government action to curb the practice of distracted driving.
The average American teen processes over 100 text message each day. Many, it seems, send and receive messages while behind the wheel. By removing an individual's focus from the road, cell phones pose a serious safety risk when used while driving. Texting while ...
Divorce for Older Pennsylvania Couples Carries Special Concerns
2012-12-12
Divorce for Older Pennsylvania Couples Carries Special Concerns
So-called "gray" divorces are on the rise in Pennsylvania and across the country. Couples over 50 now divorce at twice the rate they did a few decades ago, and divorces in this age group now constitute a quarter of all divorces.
Divorce always comes with some disruption, but people nearing or past retirement age may need to address added concerns, especially financial issues. Older couples have far less time to recover financially after divorce, for one thing, and careful planning is essential.
Financial ...
Number Of Domestic Abuse Victims Remains Steady In Tennessee
2012-12-12
Number of domestic abuse victims remains steady in Tennessee
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation recently released the Tennessee Domestic Violence Report, which contains data on the number of cases of domestic violence in the state from 2009 through 2011. It found that the number of incidents had decreased, but by only 1.1 percent. This number includes any offenses a law enforcement agency reported as being domestically related. The TBI tracked domestic violence offenses through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System.
A total of 254,903 such incidences were ...
Study Shows New Jersey Teen Drivers Safer With Red Decal License Plate
2012-12-12
Study shows New Jersey teen drivers safer with red decal license plate
Whether you have a teenager or not, if you live in New Jersey, you are likely aware of the law requiring teen drivers to affix a red decal to their license plate. According to a new study, the law has served its purpose, preventing accidents and fatalities on the road.
The law has been in place since May 2010 and requires all drivers under the age of 21 to have a red decal on their license plate. The decal is meant to make it easier for law enforcement officers to identify teens who are violating ...
Athletics and Brain Injuries
2012-12-12
Athletics and Brain Injuries
Recent scientific research, rule changes and a growing consciousness of the risk of high-impact sports are bringing attention to the concern of brain injuries that result from participation in athletics. Brain injuries are particularly common in football and affect all age brackets that play the sport. The recent changes regarding helmet-to-helmet contact in football reflect the severity of these injuries and the need to create a safer playing environment for all.
Inter-Collegiate Study
The Big Ten Conference and the Ivy League recently ...
Review Nursing Home Ratings Before Admitting A Loved One
2012-12-12
Review nursing home ratings before admitting a loved one
As the number of aging Americans increases, the need for high quality long-term care facilities is also rising. Deciding which home will provide the best quality of care can be challenging, but is a common concern when faced with such a task. In order to elucidate the varying standards across facilities, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created a five-star rating system.
CMS nursing home rating system
Three primary factors are evaluated in determining the star rating for each home: health ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Advancing regenerative agriculture: TUdi unveils new digital tools for soil health monitoring
More staff addressing mental health in schools buffers toll of growing up in disadvantaged communities
Still top cause of death, the types of heart disease people are dying from is changing
Scientists detect deep Earth pulses beneath Africa
As fewer Americans die from heart attacks, more succumb to chronic heart disease
Guidance issued for GPs managing weight-loss injection patients
Low-cost carbon capture? Bury wood debris in managed forests
Scientists unravel mystery of Mycetoma grain formation
Exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity
How a propolis compound with health benefits interacts with cell membranes: Study reveals nymphaeol a in action
Flawed impact metrics jeopardize EU deregulation plans, study finds
New study calls for rethink on alcohol policy
New Danish research centre to make designed proteins with vast potential
Thin-film research enters new era with innovative AI approach
Smart amplifier enabler for more qubits in future quantum computers
Following the tracks of an extremely adaptive bacterium
New ‘designer drugs’ pose growing threat to road safety in the US
Tackling depressive symptoms in high school students by honing emotional and social skills
One in five US foods and drinks contain synthetic dyes, study shows
One in five packaged foods and drinks sold in the United States contains synthetic dyes, study shows
Large global study links severe bleeding after childbirth to increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Breaking the silence about men breaking bones
More sex, less pain and irritation for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
New review highlights histone and non-histone lysine lactylation: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic frontiers
Boson sampling finds first practical applications in quantum AI
Add a twist to π-molecules! A new design strategy for organic semiconductor materials
Bushfire evacuation simulator wins prestigious US prize
Desert lichen offers new evidence for the possibility of life on other planets
Researchers reveal how brain amplifies perception of pain from multiple sources
The first “SpongeBooster of the Year” award celebrates efforts in wetland restoration
[Press-News.org] Essential Steps To Take After A Car Accident In New JerseyThe scene of an accident is often emotional with worry about potential serious injuries. There are several necessary steps a car accident victim should take after a car accident occurs.