What to Do After a Gloucester County, NJ Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Gloucester County, New Jersey, you’re not by yourself. Whether it’s a fender bender on Route 42 or a more severe crash on Delsea Drive, knowing what to do right after an accident can make all the difference in your recovery—physical and financial.

At Richard J. Hollawell & Associates, we’ve assisted numerous residents of Gloucester County following auto accidents. What follows is a step-by-step guide to safeguard your health, your rights, and your claim.

Step 1: Call 911 and Prioritize Safety

Most importantly, ensure that everyone is safe. If there are injuries, dial 911 right away. The New Jersey law mandates that you report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage. Even if the injuries appear minor, it’s always wise to seek medical help and have the police record the event.

In Gloucester County, New Jersey State Police or local police departments to the area will respond based on where the accident occurs. The responding officer will prepare an accident report that will be invaluable to any subsequent insurance claim or court case.

Step 2: Record the Scene and Share Information

While you are waiting for help to come, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Be sure to get:

• Full names and contact information
• License plate numbers
• Policy numbers and insurance company names
• Make, model, and color of vehicles involved

In addition, take photos or videos of the scene. Record damage to all vehicles, road condition, traffic signs near the scene, and any injuries that can be seen. The evidence can be extremely useful if fault is later disputed.

Step 3: Don’t Take Blame

Even if you think you might be at fault for the accident, don’t discuss fault. New Jersey liability is often more complicated than it appears. New Jersey has a “comparative negligence” rule, so your damages can be decreased—or even eliminated entirely—if you’re found to be mostly at fault.

Allow the police and insurance firms to carry out their investigations. A decent Gloucester County car accident lawyer can also make sure that your version of events is heard correctly.

Step 4: Get Medical Help Immediately

Even if you’re “okay” from the accident, whiplash, concussion, or internal bleeding might be lurking in your body without symptoms for hours or even days. Don’t delay—get an emergency room or urgent care visit in Gloucester County, like Inspira Medical Center in Mullica Hill or your own primary care doctor.

Seeking immediate treatment not only safeguards your health—it establishes a medical history linking your injuries to the accident, and that is crucial to your case.

Step 5: Inform Your Insurance Company

New Jersey is a no-fault state, so your own insurance company will typically cover your doctor bills up to your policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) limits. Notify your insurance company about the accident right away, but do so in a guarded fashion without providing a recorded statement without the advice of an attorney.

Insurance providers—your own included—will attempt to downplay settlements. Should you be uncertain about what to say, contact a Gloucester County car accident attorney for advice.

Step 6: Speak with a Local Car Accident Attorney Before You Settle

If you’ve been injured, missed work time, or experienced significant vehicle damage, do not accept a settlement without first consulting with an attorney. At Richard Hollawell & Associates, we understand how things work in Gloucester County and can assist you:

• Assign the actual value of your assertion
• Investigate the accident and collect evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a lawsuit if necessary

Keep in mind, time is of the essence. In New Jersey, you typically have two years from the time of the accident to bring a personal injury action.

Why Select a Gloucester County Car Accident Attorney? 

New Jersey car accident laws are complicated. An attorney familiar with the Gloucester County courts, police stations, and highways can give you a huge benefit in your case. Regardless of where your accident occurred, whether it was in Deptford, Washington Township, or West Deptford, we know the traffic patterns, frequent accident sites, and insurance company strategies employed here. Contact Richard J. Hollawell & Associates for a Free Consultation If you or someone you love sustained an injury from a car accident in Gloucester County, don’t hesitate.

Contact Richard J. Hollawell & Associates today for a free case review. We take cases on a contingency fee, so you don’t owe us a thing unless we win money for you. We’re honored to fight for South Jersey accident victims—because we believe you deserve justice, accountability, and peace of mind.